m. Mr. Bangs was already selecting his summer
stock; and his plans for the disposal of that stock were definite and
business-like.

"If you don't say no, Cap'n Dott," he had explained, "I'm going to
try putting on a horse and wagon this summer. There's no reason why we
shouldn't get the cottage trade down at the Neck, and all along shore.
Jim Bartlett, Sam's older brother, would like the job driving that
wagon. He's smart as a whip, Jim is, and he's willing to work on
commission. Let him start out twice a week with a load of hats and
oilskins and belts and children's shovels and pails--all the sort of
stuff the boarders and cottage folks buy and that they'd buy more of
if it was brought right to their doors--and he'll catch a heap of trade
that goes to Bayport or Wellmouth or The Emporium now. What he don't
carry he can take orders for and deliver next trip. If you don't say
no, Cap'n Dott, I'm going to try it. And I'll bet a month's wages it's a
go."

Captain Dan had not said no. On the contrary he expressed enthusiastic
approval of his manager's plans and enterprise. Also, he had been
thinking of some adequate reward, some means of proving his gratitude
real.

"You're a wonder, Nate," repeated Daniel. "I don't know how to get even
with you, but I've got an idea. I've talked it over with Serena already
and she's for it. I want to ask Gertie's opinion and if she says yes,
and she will, I'm almost sartin, I'll tell you what it is."

"All right, Cap'n. Don't you worry yourself trying to 'get even,' as you
call it, with me. I've enjoyed being in charge here. I always said there
was money in a store in Trumet, if it was run as it should be. One year
more and I can show you a few things, I'll bet."

"You've shown 'em already. Land of love! I should say you had."

"Give me time and I'll show you more. We have only begun.... Why, what's
the matter? What made you look that way?"

"Oh, nothin', nothin'. Only your sayin' we'd only begun reminded me
of--of other things. I don't suppose I'll ever hear 'only begun' without
shiverin'. Humph! there's some kind of beginnin's I hope I'll never hear
of again. Gertie been in this mornin', has she? She isn't in the house."

"No, I saw her go down street a little while ago. Gone for her morning
walk, perhaps. How is Mrs. Dott to-day?"

"Fine. Tip top. I ain't seen her so satisfied with life for two months
or more. She's gettin' better every minute."

"That's good. Contented to b