The minister's face was blazing with glory, and old Duncannon patted
Billy on the shoulder, and beamed, but Harricutt arose with menace in
his eye and advanced on the young intruder. However, before anyone could
do anything about it a strong firm hand reached out from the doorway
and plucked Billy by the collar: "That'll do, Kid, Keep your mouth shut and don't say another word!" It
was Mark and he promptly removed Billy from the picture.
"I move we adjourn," said Elder Duncannon, but the minister did not
even wait for the motion to be seconded. He followed Mark out into the
moonlight, and drew him, Billy and all, across the lawn toward the
parsonage, one arm thrown lovingly across Mark's shoulder. He had
forgotten entirely the two guests parked on the piazza smoking
cigarettes!