der as he delivered the huge apron into her hand.

"I dunno," he said, smiling upon her quizzically, "as I shall really
want to cast off if Cap'n Am'zon _does_ come. Seems to me 'twould be
hi-mighty nice to have a girl like you around the place, Louise."

"Then don't go," she said, briskly beginning to clear off. "_I_
sha'n't mind having two of you for me to boss. Two captains! Think of
it."

"Yes. I know. But I got all my plans laid," he murmured, and then
went slowly into the store.

There seemed to be some briskness in the after-supper trade, and Louise
suspected that it was founded upon the news of her arrival at Cap'n
Abe's store. Several of his rather tart rejoinders reached her ears as
she went from kitchen to livingroom and back again. Finally removing
the apron, her task done, she seated herself with Diddimus in her lap
within the radiance of the lamp and within hearing of all that was said
in the store.

"No. I dunno's I ever did tell ye quite all my business, Joab. Some
things I missed, includin' the list of my relations."

"Yes, I hear tell most of these movin' picture actresses are pretty,
Miz' Peckham. They pick 'em for that puppose, I shouldn't wonder. I
didn't ask her what part she was goin' to play--_if_ any."

"Land sakes, Mandy, she's just got here! I ain't no idee how long
she'll stay. If you think there's any danger of Milt not tendin' to
his clammin' proper whilst she's here you'd better send him on a cruise
with Cap'n Durgin. The _Tryout_ sails for the Banks to-morrow, I
understand."

"No, Washy. That was my A'nt Matildy I went away to help bury ten
years ago. She's still dead--an' this ain't her daughter. This is my
ha'f sister's child, she that was Miriam Card. She got married to a
scientific chap that works for the government, I guess when you write
to Washington for your garden seeds next spring, you better ask about
him, if ye want to know more'n _I_ can tell ye."

"You got it right for once't, Joab. I do expect Cap'n Am'zon. Mebbe
to-night. He may come over from the depot with Perry Baker--I can't
tell. What'll I do with the girl? Land sakes! ain't Cap'n Am'zon just
as much her uncle as _I_ be? Some o' you fellers better stow your
jaw-tackle if Cap'n Am'zon does heave to here. For he ain't no tame
cat, like I told you."

"You back again, Lawford Tapp? Hi-mighty! what you forgot this time?
Fishhooks? Goin' fishin', be you? Wal, in my 'pinion you're thr