CHAPTER V
THE TINTACKER MINE
It was too late to more than see the outlines of the mill and connecting buildings as the car rushed down the hill toward the river road, between which and the river itself, and standing on a knoll, the Red Mill was. Ruth could imagine just how it looked—all in dull red paint and clean white trimmings. Miserly as Jabez Potter was about many things, he always kept his property in excellent shape, and the mill and farmhouse, with the adjoining outbuildings, were painted every Spring.
A lamp burned in the kitchen; but all else was dark about the place.
"Don't look very lively, Ruth," said Tom. "I don't believe they expect you."
But even as he spoke the door opened, and a broad beam of yellow lamplight shot out across the porch and down the path. A little, bent figure was silhouetted in the glow.
"There's Aunt Alviry!" cried Ruth, in delight. "I know she's all right."
"All excepting her back and her bones," whis-
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