door, and Mandy's voice was heard saying, "The things will get cold if
you don't come down right away."

As Quincy entered the large room which was used for a dining-room, he
was met by Uncle Ike. Ezekiel was standing a short distance from his
uncle. Uncle Ike said, "'Zekiel, this is my friend, Mr. Sawyer. Mr.
Sawyer, this is my nephew, 'Zekiel Pettengill. I am good friends with
both of you, and I hope you will be good friends to each other."

The two men shook hands. If each had any idea of what the other was
thinking about he did not betray it by look or act.

Uncle Ike continued, "Mr. Sawyer, this is Jim Cobb and this is Bill
Cobb, and this," as Mandy entered bearing something for the table, "is
Miss Mandy Skinner. Now that we are all acquainted, I think we had all
better introduce ourselves at once to the supper. I haven't done such a
hard day's work for sixteen years."

Ezekiel insisted upon Uncle Ike taking the head of the table. He
motioned Mr. Sawyer to take the second seat from his uncle on the right,
while he took the first seat on the left, with Cobb's twins next to him.

Quincy immediately surmised that when the sister appeared at the table
she would probably sit between him and Uncle Ike.

The meal was not a very lively one as far as conversation went. Quincy
inquired politely concerning Miss Pettengill's health, and Uncle Ike
said she was tired after her trip, and Mandy was going to take her
supper up to her.

The meal was plentiful and well cooked. Quincy thought to himself, how
much brighter it would have looked, and how much better the food would
have tasted if Miss Huldy Mason had been present with her pretty face,
joyous laugh, and occasional bright sayings.

After supper the things were quickly taken out by Mandy. The white
tablecloth was removed, and one in which the prevailing color was bright
red took its place.

The three men drew up to the open fireplace. Uncle Ike pulled out his
pipe and said, "Do you allow smoking here, 'Zeke?"

'Zekiel replied, "I wish you and Mr. Sawyer to make yourselves perfectly
at home and do just as you would if you were in your own house."

"Well, if I did that," said Uncle Ike, "you wouldn't need Mandy, for I
should be chief cook and bottle washer myself."

Uncle Ike lighted his pipe, and Ezekiel took a cigar from his pocket,
saying, "I guess I'll smoke, too." Then his face reddened. He said, "Beg
pardon, Mr. Sawyer, I have only this one."

"That's all