80 ThWASTS OF AN OLD FARK 



"Dan never said InuT words, though lie isn't over- 

 stocked with sense, for that matter. There's bad luck 

 in them moths any way you take "em. I never 'low a 

 caterpillar to git into the house, and I wouldn't for the 

 world. I tell you, I run for tlie broom quicker when I 

 see one a-coming. Why, if it spins its nast}' cocoon in 

 the house it's a sure sign that death'll come, and no 

 tellin' who'll be taken. If it gils in your clothes- 

 press, or anjAvhere, and spins on your dress, it's a 

 certain warnin' that you'll wear a shroud before the 

 year's out. I've heerd that often, and jest know it's 

 true. I don't like all them things that Mr. Mayfield 

 has brought into the house, an' 1 told 'im so, too ! 

 There, I've said my say !" 



Whereupon the good woman again retired to the 

 shade of the kitchen-stove. 



I glanced around the circle, and observed that the 

 countenances of my little audience showed varied emo- 

 tions. A mingled expression of amusement and disap- 

 probation sat upon the face of the Jtlistress ; cvidentlj' 

 her ideas of domestic discipline had received somewhat 

 of a shock. Abby could scarcely suppress the laughter 

 that pla3'ed around her lips. As for the rest, they 

 looked perplexed and sober, and it was easily seen that 

 the superstitions of Dan and Sarah had disturbed them. 

 Of course, I could not let the matter pass without some 

 explanation, and, as though divining my purpose, the 

 mistress disposed of Sarah by sending her into the cel- 

 lar for cider and apples. 



" AVe have l)een very Ibrtunate this evening," I 



