"I'd be safe in wagering a thousand dollars, if I had it, that Agatha or the children told, at Hiram's or to Mother's girl, that we were coming.

They knew we would pass about this time.

Mother was at the side door watching, and Father was in his Sunday best, waiting to show us what would happen if we stopped, and that he never changes his mind.

It didn't happen by accident that he was standing there dressed that way.

What do you think, Nancy Ellen ?" "That he was watching for us!" said Nancy Ellen.
"But why do you suppose that he did it ?" asked Kate.
"He thought that if he were NOT standing guard there, we might stop in the road and at least call Mother out.