ncle Cyrus will get home?" she asked of the
housekeeper. She had asked the same thing at least three times a
day during the fortnight, and Georgianna's answer was always just as
unsatisfactory:

"I don't know, dearie, I'm sure. He'll be here pretty soon, though,
don't you fret."

"Oh, I ain't going to fret. I know he'll come. He said he would, and
Uncle Cy always does what he says he will."

About twelve Asaph made his appearance, a white statue.

"Godfrey scissors!" he panted, shaking his snow-plastered cap over the
coal hod. "Say, this is one of 'em, ain't it? Don't know's I ever see
more of a one. Drift out by the front fence pretty nigh up to my waist.
This 'll be a nasty night along the Orham beach. The lifesavers 'll have
their hands full. Whew! I'm about tuckered out."

"Been to the post office?" asked Georgianna in a low tone.

"Yup. I been there. Mornin' mail just this minute sorted. Train's two
hours late. Gabe says more'n likely the evenin' train won't be able to
get through at all, if this keeps up."

"Was there anything from--"

Mr. Tidditt glanced at Bos'n and shook his head.

"Not a word," he said. "Funny, ain't it? It don't seem a bit like him.
And he can't be to Washin'ton, because all them letters came back. I--I
swan to man, I'm beginnin' to get worried."

"Worried? I'm pretty nigh crazy! What does Phoebe Dawes say?"

"She don't say much. It's pretty tough, when everything else is workin'
out so fine, thanks to her, to have this happen. No, she don't say much,
but she acts pretty solemn."

"Say, Mr. Tidditt?"

"Yes, what is it?"

"You don't s'pose anything that happened betwixt her and Cap'n Whittaker
that afternoon is responsible for--for his stayin' away so, do you? You
know what he told me to tell her--about her not comin' here?"

Asaph fidgeted with the wet cap.

"Aw, that ain't nothin'," he stammered. "That is, I hope it ain't. I did
say somethin' to him that--but Phoebe understands. She's a smart woman."

"You haven't told them boardin' house tattletales about the--Emmie, you
go fetch me a card of matches from the kitchen, won't you--of what's
been found out about that Thomas thing?"

"Course I ain't. Didn't Peabody say not to tell a soul till we was sure?
S'pose I'd tell Keturah and Angie? Might's well paint it on a sign and
be done with it. No, no! I've kept mum and you do the same. Well, I
must be goin'. Hope to goodness we hear some good news from Whit by
to-morrer."