Tessibel took the outstretched hand awkwardly enough and as quickly dropped it and began to fumble with her own fingers. She looked down at the floor while she traced a line on it with her toe. "Mebbe," she replied in a very subdued voice. She stood in the door and watched them walk slowly up the hill. Then she turned back into the kitchen. "My God, brat!" sobbed a voice through the hole in the ceiling. "Wasn't that a nice list of beautiful things ye was goin' to buy? Oh, kid, I air bettin' Waldstricker gits me." Tess chuckled low, as she turned her face upward. "Andy," she said, "ye needn't be worryin' 'bout me an' Jesus handin' ye over to that old elder. Why, Him an' me air goin' to stick to you like pitch to a nigger." She turned to go, but hearing a sigh, took four steps up the ladder and finished, "Why, honey, Waldstricker air got as much chance a ketchin' you as a tallow dog has chasin' an asbestos cat through hell." CHAPTER VII WALDSTRICKER AND MOTHER MOLL "Deforrest is so interested in the little Skinner girl," Helen Young explained to Ebenezer Waldstricker when they were alone after supper. "Ever since he helped to get her father out of Auburn, he's done all he could for her." "He's a philanthropist at heart, I imagine," remarked Ebenezer, agreeably. "Yes, and so good to everybody. Dear Forrie! I wish he'd meet the right woman and marry her. He'd be so happy in a home of his own. When I think of leaving him alone--" The tender face flushed crimson, and happy eyes dropped under the man's bright gaze. He reached over and took a slender hand in his. "But you're not sorry you're coming with me, are you, dear?" he chided gently, and Helen lifted her head with a glad cry. "Oh, no, no, darling!... I'm the happiest woman in the world!" "And I'll keep you so," replied Ebenezer, in earnest. "I was thinking, though," observed Helen, after a moment, "that Deforrest might come with us if he hasn't made other arrangements." Waldstricker contemplatively kissed each pink finger of the small hand he held, then pressed his lips to the soft palm. "I should like very much to have him, Helen," said he. "I'm very proud of your brother, you know." "You can't make me happier than to praise him," she smiled. For several minutes no more was said. Then Waldstricker spoke as though thinking aloud, "I wonder if that little Skinner girl will be of any assistance in the matter of locating Bishop?" "Perhaps," replied Helen. "She seemed very eager to get the money! Don't you think so?" "Yes, I think she did, but I've been wondering if she's trustworthy. Is she, Helen?" Miss Young made a hasty affirmation. "Yes, indeed, she's more than that!" she exclaimed. "She wouldn't deceive any one she loves for anything in the world, so Deforrest tells me." "I sincerely hope so," sighed Ebenezer. "I've quite set my heart on her helping me. Money is no object in a matter like this." "Of course not," murmured Helen, sympathetically.