"Cherries!" said that pleasant old lady. "It is not time yet for cherries. You want to pay for cherries?" Mom Fackenthal was slightly deaf. "You don't owe me anything for cherries. Cherries that you _stole_? When did you steal cherries? When you were little! Humbug! Not a cent, Alvin. Keep your money. Why, all boys take cherries, that is why there are so many. Are you _crazy_, Alvin?" With Sarah Ann the result of his interview was the same. "You took my raspberries, you say? Why, I planted those raspberries near the fence for the children. You were welcome to them, Alvin." But the way of peace was not always so easy. "What!" roared Bevy, furious because he dared to approach her. "You stole cakes off of me! I bet you did, Alvin. You want to pay me? Nothing of the kind. You pay Katy what you owe her. Get out of here!" Threatened with the broom, Alvin stood his ground bravely. As a matter of fact, Bevy had been strictly charged by the squire to let no word of what had happened escape her. But there was no reason why she should not give Alvin a piece of her mind. "You are good-for-nothing, Alvin. I should think you would be ashamed of yourself. I should think you would go and hide!" Then upon the angry fire of Bevy's rage, Alvin undertook to pour the water of a pleasant announcement. "I am going to join your church, Bevy." "Nonsense!" shrieked Bevy. "Humbug! They wouldn't have you!" Alvin grew maudlin in his humility. "I wish you would like me a little, Bevy." "The farther away you are the better I like you," shrieked Bevy like a fury. The news of Alvin's strange seeking for forgiveness followed close upon the rumor that the lady of his choice had rejected him. Millerstown looked at him with interest and pity. Even the landlord and the coal dealer felt a slight softening of the heart. The children in school were obedient for the first time in months. But there still remained several persons for Alvin to see. He had as yet not approached the coal dealer and the landlord. Nor had he yet interviewed his chief debtor. Her Alvin did not dare to visit. Nor did he wish to approach the landlord and the coal dealer until he had a little money. But until things were made right, Essie would have none of him. Monday evening Alvin devoted to thought. On Tuesday evening he paid a mysterious visit to the editor of the Millerstown "Star." On Wednesday evening he attended the prayer-meeting of the Improved New Mennonites. He was a little late because he had stopped at the post-office. From his pocket protruded a newspaper. Without asking permission, he joined Essie on the homeward way; without invitation he followed her into the house. He drew the paper from his pocket and offered it to Essie. No one but an Improved New Mennonite or an acolyte of the Improved New Mennonites could have manufactured so remarkable a document. "What is it?" said Essie as she took the paper. "There," answered Alvin, pointing.