CHAPTER VIII.
THE LITTLE SCHOOL-MA'AM.
Dan balked only twice on the journey, but even this moderate rebellion so annoyed Uncle John that he declared he would walk back rather than ride behind this "mulish antiquity" again.
When they came to the Thompson dwelling it at first sight seemed deserted.

A knock on the front door failed to produce any response.
"Perhaps they're away from home," suggested Louise.
"There's a path around to the back," said Uncle John.

"Let's explore in that direction." They made their way leisurely toward the rear and had almost passed the house, when a deep roar broke the stillness.

It was succeeded by another, and another, like the bellowing of a mad bull, and the intruders stopped short and Louise clung to her uncle in sudden panic.
"Be still, Will! Stop, I say--stop!" A sharp crack, as of a lash, accompanied the words, and a moan or two was followed by absolute silence.
Uncle John and Louise looked at one another with startled eyes.
"He must be worse," said the old gentleman, mopping his forehead with a handkerchief.
With one accord they started softly to retrace their steps when a new sound halted them again.

It was a clear, fresh young voice singing a plaintive ditty in a nonchalant, careless tone.
"That's Ethel, I'm sure," exclaimed Louise, grasping her uncle's arm.
"Well, what shall we do ?" he demanded.
"Mr .-- the crazy man seems quiet now," she whispered.