In a few moments violent rappings
were heard from all parts of the cabin; large stones (adroitly
thrown up the chimney) fell with a heavy thud on the roof. Strange
groans and ominous yells seemed to come from the outside (where the
interstices between the logs were wide enough). Yet, through all
this uproar, our host sat still and patient, with no sign of
indignation or reproach upon his good-humored but haggard features.
Before long it became evident that this exhibition was exclusively
for HIS benefit. Under the thin disguise of asking him to assist
them in discovering the disturbers OUTSIDE the cabin, those inside
took advantage of his absence to turn the cabin topsy-turvy.
"'You see what the spirits have done, old man,' said the arch
leader of this mischief. 'They've upset that there flour barrel
while we wasn't looking, and then kicked over the water jug and
spilled all the water!'
"The patient man lifted his head and looked at the flour-strewn
walls. Then he glanced down at the floor, but drew back with a
slight tremor.
Pages:
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167