The City of Fire - Page 36/221

But he came to his feet on the instant with the knock, and was ready to

go out on any errand of mercy that was needing him. It was not an

unusual thing for a knock to come interrupting his midnight devotions.

Sometimes the call would be to go far out on the mountain to some one

who was in distress, or dying.

The minister swung the door wide and peered into the night pleasantly

almost as if to welcome an unexpected guest. In the sudden flood of the

porch light his face was illumined, and behind him the pretty living

room gave a sweet homely setting. The stranger stood for an instant

blinking, half astonished; then the memory of his rendezvous at break

of day brought back his irritation at the delay.

"Are you Parsons?" he demanded, just as if "Parsons" were at fault that

he had not been on hand before.

"Parsons?" said Mr. Severn reflectively. "I don't recall anyone of that

name hereabouts. Perhaps you are on the wrong road. There is a Parsons

at Monopoly."

"Parsons is the name. Aren't you Parsons? A couple of men down the road

said you were, and that you could fix me up. They said right next the

church and that your light was still burning." The visitor's tone was

belligerent.

Severn's face cleared with a smile.

"Oh, they must have said 'Parson,' they often call me that. Come in.

What can I do for you?"

The young man eyed him coldly and made no move to enter.

"Parson or Parsons, it makes no difference does it? Mr. Parson, if

you're so particular then, come out and look at my car. It seems to be

in bad shape, and be quick about it. I've got over two hundred miles to

make before daybreak, so get a hustle on. I'll pay you well if you

don't waste any time."

A queer look descended upon the minister in twinkles of amusement

around his eyes and lips much like the smile that Tom MacMertrie had

worn, only there was not a rag of hurt pride about it. With entire

pleasantness he said: "Just wait a moment till I get a light."

As he turned to go Shafton called after him: "Oh, by the way, got anything to drink? I'm thirsty as the devil."

Severn turned, instant hospitality in his face.

"What will you have? Water or milk? Plenty of both."

He smiled and Shafton looked at him in haughty amazement.

"Man! I said I wanted something to drink!" he thundered, "but

don't stand there all night doddering. I've got to get started!"