In this circumstance, it is true, there was nothing strange, and
the interest of the people sprang from some other particulars which
had transpired. The new-comer, Henry Donnelly by name, had
offered, in place of the usual security, to pay the rent annually
in advance; his speech and manner were not, in all respects, those
of Friends, and he acknowledged that he was of Irish birth; and
moreover, some who had passed the wagons bearing his household
goods had been struck by the peculiar patterns of the furniture
piled upon them. Abraham Bradbury had of course been present at
the arrival, and the Friends upon the adjoining farms had kindly
given their assistance, although it was a busy time of the year.
While, therefore, no one suspected that the farmer could possibly
accept a tenant of doubtful character, a general sentiment of
curious expectancy went forth to meet the Donnelly family.
Even the venerable Simon Pennock, who lived in the opposite part of
the township, was not wholly free from the prevalent feeling.
"Abraham," he said, approaching his colleague, "I suppose thee has
satisfied thyself that the strange Friend is of good repute.
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