the abandoned salt works, the crumbling ruins of a dead
industry, and the boundary stone, now half hidden in a drift, marking
the beginning of Bayport township. Then, from the pine grove at the
curve farther on, appeared two capped and coated figures, performing a
crazy fandango.

"Who's them two lunatics," inquired Captain Cy, "whoopin' and carryin'
on in the middle of the road? Has anybody up this way had a jug come by
express or--Hey! WHAT? Why, you old idiots you! COME here and let me get
a hold of you!"

The Board of Strategy swooped down upon the carriage like Trumet
mosquitoes on a summer boarder. They swarmed into the vehicle, Bailey on
the front seat and Asaph in the rear, where, somehow or other, they made
room for him. There were handshakings and thumps on the back.

"What you doin' 'way up here in the west end of nowhere?" demanded
Captain Cy. "By the big dipper, I'm glad to see you! How'd you get
here?"

"Walked," cackled Bailey. "Frogged it all the way. Soon's Mrs. Peabody
wired you was goin' to ride, me and Ase started to meet you. Wan't you
surprised?"

"We wanted to be the fust to say howdy, old man," explained Asaph.
"Wanted to welcome you back, you know."

The captain was immensely pleased.

"Well, I'm glad I've got so much popularity, anyhow," he said. "Guess
'twill be different when I get down street, hey? Don't cal'late Tad and
Angie 'll shed the joyous tear over me. Never mind; long's my friends
are glad I don't care about the rest."

The Board looked at each other.

"Tad?" repeated Bailey. "And Angie? What you talkin' about? Why,
they--Ugh!"

The last exclamation was the result of a tremendous dig in the ribs from
the Tidditt fist. Asaph, who had leaned forward to administer it,
was frowning and shaking his head. Mr. Bangs relapsed into a grinning
silence.

West Bayport seemed to be deserted. At one or two houses, however,
feminine heads appeared at the windows. One old lady shook a calico
apron at the carriage. A child beside her cried: "Hurrah!"

"Aunt Hepsy h'istin' colors by mistake," laughed the captain. "She
ain't got her specs, I guess, and thinks I'm Heman. That comes of ridin'
astern of a span, Peabody."

But as they drew near the Center flags were flying from front-yard
poles. Some of the houses were decorated.

"What in the world--" began Captain Cy. "Land sakes! look at the
schoolhouse. And Simmons's! And--and Simpson's!"

The schoolhouse flag was flapping in the