"But why in the world do you go to such an outlandish place as that
three times?"

"Oh, on research work, connected with my--ah--profession. There are some
very interesting remains in that section."

"What did you say your business--your profession was, Mr. Bangs?"

"I am an archaeologist, Miss Phipps."

"Oh!"

He went to his room soon afterwards. Martha went into the dining room.
A suspicious rustle as she turned the door knob caused her to frown.
Primmie was seated close to the wall on the opposite side of the room
industriously peeling apples. Her mistress regarded her intently, a
regard which caused its object to squirm in her chair.

"It's--it's a kind of nice night, ain't it, Miss Martha?" she observed.

Miss Martha did not answer. "Primmie Cash," she said, severely, "you've
been listen in' again. Don't deny it."

"Now--now Miss Martha, I didn't mean to, really, but--"

"Do you want to go back to the Mashpaug poorhouse again?"

"No'm. You know I don't, Miss Martha. I didn't mean to do it, but
I heard him talkin' and it was SO interestin'. That about the camel
stealin' his shirt--my soul! And--"