r 'phoned, asking Captain Elisha to come to his office
on a matter of business. When, having done so, the captain, returning,
alighted at his home station, he was surprised to see Pearson standing
on the platform.

"Why, hello, Jim!" he exclaimed. "What are you doing here? Just come,
have you?"

His friend shook his head. "No, Captain Warren," he said; "I'm just
going."

"Goin'? What for? Been up to the house, of course? Caroline told you
where I'd gone and that I was cal'latin' to hurry back, didn't she?"

"Yes."

"Well, then, course you ain't goin'! You're goin' to stay to dinner.
I've got some things to tell you about that life-savin' station cruise.
I've been thinkin' that I know the cap'n and most of the crew on the
lightship off back of the Point. How'd you like to go aboard of her? You
could get some yarns from those fellers that might be wuth hearin'."

"I have no doubt I should. But I'm afraid I can't go. The fact is,
Captain, I've decided not to spend Thanksgiving with you, after all."

"Hey?" Captain Elisha could scarcely believe he had heard correctly.
"You can't go--to South Denboro?"

"No."

"Why not, for the land sakes?"

"Well, I've decided--I've decided not to."

"But, Jim! Why, I can't have it so! I'm dreadful disappointed. I've
counted on your goin'. So has Abbie. She's read your book, and she says
she's crazy to see the feller that wrote it. She's told the minister
and a whole lot more, and they're all comin' in to look at you. 'Tain't
often we have a celebrated character in our town. You've _got_ to go."

"Thank you, Captain. I appreciate the invitation and your kindness,
but," with decision, "I can't accept."

"Can't you come later? Say Thanksgivin' mornin'? Or even the day after?"

"No."

"But why not? What's the matter with you all of a sudden? Come here! let
me look at you."

He took the young man by the arm and led him, almost by main strength,
close to the lighted window of the station. It was late, and the
afternoon was gloomy. Here, by the lamplight streaming through the
window, he could see his face more clearly. He looked at it.

"Humph!" he grunted, after a moment's scrutiny. "You've made up your
mind; I can see that. Have you told Caroline? Does she know?"

"Yes. You'll have to excuse me, Captain Warren; my train is coming."

"What did she say?"

Pearson smiled, but there was little mirth in the smile. "I think she
agrees with me that it is best," he observed.