"
"And old Jerry?"
Farwell leaned forward to poke the fire.
"Old Jerry," said he, "has gone mildly--mad. All day he sits dressed in
his best, ready to start for Jerry-Jo's. He fancies that scapegoat of his
has a mansion and fortune, and is expecting his arrival. He amuses
himself by packing and unpacking a mangy old carpet-bag. Mary McAdam
looks after him and the village youngsters play with him. It's rather
a happy ending, after all."
Many a time after that Priscilla packed and unpacked the old carpet-bag,
while Jerry rambled on of his great and splendid lad to the "Miss from
the States."
"It's weak I am to-day, ma'am," he would say, "but to-morrow, to-morrow!
'Tis the Secret Portage I'll make for; the Fox is a bit too tricky for my
boat--a fine boat, ma'am. I'm thinking the Big Bay may be a trifle rough,
but the boat's a staunch one. Jerry-Jo's expecting me; but he'll
understand."
"I am sure he will be glad to see you, sir." Priscilla learned to play
the sad game. The children taught her and loved her, and all the quiet
village kept her secret. Mary McAdam claimed her, but Priscilla clung
to the two men who meant the only comfort she could know.
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