"It's down Miss Arabella's neck."

"Down Miss Arabella's neck!" the clergyman repeated in profound
astonishment. "What do you mean?"

"She got hurt, grandad, and her nose was bleeding, so I dropped the key
down her neck. Captain Josh said that was the best thing to stop a
bleeding nose."

For an instant Parson Dan glared at the little lad before him. Then
his face softened, and as amused light shone in his eyes as the
humorous side of the situation dawned upon him. He longed to laugh
outright, and give the culprit before him a big hug. But he had to
control his feelings in the presence of all the people, who saw nothing
funny about the matter.

"Look here, Rodney," he said, "you go after that key as fast as your
legs will carry you."

"Yes, grandad, I will," and Rod was off like a shot, glad to be free
from the staring crowd.

So once more the wedding was delayed, and the murmurs of the waiting
people increased.




CHAPTER XI