If her companion was going
to explore so was she. So Mr. Hammond assisted her to alight, and after
he had taken down the bars, the pair went on through a grove to where a
large building loomed against the sky.
"A church," said Caleb. "One of the Bayport churches, I cal'late. Wonder
which 'tis?"
"There's always a sign on the front of a church," said Hannah. "Let's go
around front and see."
There were no trees in front of the church, and when they came out by
the front platform, Miss Parker exclaimed, "Well, I never! I wouldn't
believe I'd remember so clear. This church seems just as familiar as if
I was here yesterday. Why, what's the matter?"
Mr. Hammond was standing on the platform, holding his lantern up before
a gilt-lettered placard by the church door.
"Hannah," he gurgled, "this night's been too much for me. My foolishness
has struck out of my brains into my eyes. I can't read straight. Look
here."
Hannah clambered up beside her agitated companion, and read from the
placard these words:
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
REV. JONATHAN LANGWORTHY, PASTOR
"Good land!" she exclaimed. "Mr. Langworthy! Why, Mr. Langworthy is the
minister at Wellmouth Centre, ain't he? I thought he was."
"He is, but perhaps there's another one."
"No, there ain't--not another Baptist. And--and this church, what little
I can see of it, LOOKS like the Wellmouth Centre Baptist Church, too; I
declare it does! . . . Where are you goin'?"
Caleb did not reply, neither did he turn back.
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