Nelly Trott Receives Visitors
Some time before, that same afternoon, the Stickles and Bates paid Nelly Trott a visit; a very unfriendly visit. They rode into the little enclosure around her cottage noisily, sending chickens flying in all directions. They brought their mounts to a stop outside her door and called her to come out. “Come on out old woman and receive your guests”, shouted Ben. Finally, the rickety door opened and Nelly stood there, broom in hand, demanding to know what the fuss was about. The look on her face turned to hate and malice when she saw who stood before her. She screamed and cursed at them, waving her broom violently as though it were some evil wand. Dismounting, he pushed her aside, “Shut up old woman”, he said as he passed her by and went into the cottage.
A fir
