The deacon did present a singular appearance, but he was unmindful of this, as he drove his team alongside the station platform, calling out, in his cheery voice: “I hope you ain’t got tired o’ waiting, but I went as spry as I could. Here, boys, help throw the things in, and then we’ll give the sick ones a boost. Jim, jess hold my hosses.” “Don’t know as I care about mixing up in sich an affair,” muttered the man addressed, quickly retreating to the rear of the crowd to escape a second invitation of the kind. “I should like to know what you are up to?” demanded ’Squire Hardy, advancing, while he flourished the document in his hand so the other might see it. “I have sent for Mr. Stanyan to attend to these folks. I reckon he’ll be in time to look after them,” pulling out his watch and consulting it. “We won’t bother Mr. Stanyan, and there was no need for you to send for him, ’Squire Hardy.” “I ain’t so sure about that, deacon. At any rate I have sent for him, and before I shall let these critters go, I want to know what you are going to do with them.” “So long as they are peaceful you have no business to meddle. Won’t some of you lend a hand here to get this poor cripple into the wagon?” appealing to the bystanders. “I asked you a civil question and you haven’t answered it, deacon,” said ’Squire Hardy, stepping in front of the other. No one had volunteered to lend their assistance in reply to his request to help him and Rob lift Mr. Little into the wagon, while the horses were becoming restive each moment, and there was no one at the bit. The rain was beginning to fall in big drops, and altogether it was no wonder Deacon Cornhill began to grow nervous and discouraged. “Why not let them go, ’squire?” asked Mr. Johnson, who seemed to be an honest man. “It’s going to rain hard in a few minutes, and the deacon needs every moment if he would get under cover before it strikes.” With these words the speaker took hold to help, and in a few minutes the entire party were seated in the wagon, though by that time the rain was falling fast. Deacon Cornhill climbed up to the driver’s seat, taking the reins stoutly in his hands. It needed no urging on his part to start the animals, and with a series of yells and gibes ringing in his ears, the good man drove smartly away, glad to escape so easily. ’Squire Hardy stood silent, but his face was livid with rage as he saw the strange party leave the station. The crowd of spectators had now sought the cover of the building, and were exchanging comments with one another upon the singular conduct of the deacon.