Page:Mistress Madcap Surrenders (1926).pdf/236



For a moment there was silence in the big kitchen then the old couple spoke together.

"Why, hoo did the mon know oor name?" That was Master Wright.

"Where be the change he did write aboot?" That was Mistress Wright.

Together they scurried out the door, the girls following. Master Wright forgot his sorrow over his missing sign as he ducked and ran after the elusive gander, who, becoming wise from experience, exhibited surprising powers of evasion. But Master Wright grew wise from experience, too, and at last the gander was flapping wildly beneath his arm. Feeling over the plump, feathered body, the old gentleman drew out a piece of cloth tied beneath the wing and this, when opened, displayed some jingling coins.

"Seventeen!" said Master Wright triumphantly. "Weel, Mither!"

Mistress Wright picked the coins up and carried them into the house. When the others had followed, she looked around at them innocently from her armchair.

"I ha' put it awa'—the money!" she said.