CHAPTER IX
MRS. CROMPTON tiptoed down the hall to the top of the stairs, and there she met The Parson, also tiptoeing, She laughed, nodded, and offered him her hand, which he promptly kissed. Together they slipped down the stairs silently.
"Mercy!" said Mrs. Crompton. "Isn't it creepy at this hour? I never was up so early in my life."
"It's fine," he answered; "you have room to breathe. Now, here's the fishing-tackle, the poles, and the bait, and I've got a few sandwiches, in case we're late in getting in. You might take the poles."
"Yes, I suppose it would be civil, but I must say I do hate to carry things, and I. feel sort of sickly within. I think I'm going to regret this."
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