license must be arrested? I've a notion to clap every one of you
in jail!"

As might have been expected, Stella began to cry, while Midge and
Molly gazed at the red-faced old man as if fascinated. They wanted
to run away, but something in his look held them there; and,
anyway, they couldn't go and leave Stella, who had dropped in a
little heap on the floor of the piazza and hidden her face in her
arms, while convulsive sobs shook her slender little frame.

At sight of Stella's tears, a sudden and wonderful change seemed
to come over the old gentleman. His ferocious expression gave way
to an anxious smile, and, stooping, he picked Stella up in his
arms, saying: "There, there, baby! don't be frightened; that was
only my joking. Why, bless your heart, I wasn't a mite in earnest.
There, there, now, don't cry; I'll buy all your extract,--every
single drop,--and pay any price you want; and I'll give you back
all the bottles, and all the baskets, and all the extract, too, if
you want it, and some lovely peaches into the bargain! There,
brace up now, and forgive your old Uncle Bill for teasing you so!
Jail, indeed! I'll take you into the house instead, and find some
plum-cake for you!"

Carrying Stella in his big, strong arms, the strange old gentleman
ushered Midge and Molly into the house and made straight for the
dining-room.

"Folks all gone away," he went on, still in his gruff, deep tones,
but somehow they now sounded very kind; "gone away for an all-day
picnic, and left me alone to shift for myself. Jolly glad to have