imed Captain Eri, "that's so. We'll write the letter, and
I'll ask Mary Emma for the address when I go up to mail it."

So Captain Perez went upstairs to take Mrs Snow's place as nurse, while
that lady "turned in." Captain Jerry went into the kitchen to wash the
dishes, and Captain Eri sat down to write the note that should inform
Elizabeth Preston of her grandfather's illness. It was a very short
note, and merely stated the fact without further information. Having had
some experience in that line, the Captain placed very little reliance
upon the help to be expected from relatives.

Dr. Palmer had spread the news as he went upon his round of visits that
morning, and callers began to drop in to inquire after the sick man.
Miss Busteed was one of the first arrivals, and, as Captain Eri had
seen her through the window, he went upstairs and took Perez' place
as temporary nurse. To Perez, therefore, fell the delightful task of
entertaining the voluble female for something like an hour, while she
talked fire, paralysis, and general gossip at express speed.

Ralph Hazeltine came in a little later, and was introduced to Mrs.
Snow, that lady's nap having been but a short one. Ralph was favorably
impressed with the capable appearance of the new nurse, and so expressed
himself to Captain Eri as they walked together toward the post-office.

"I like her," he said emphatically. "She's quiet and sensible and
cheerful besides. She looks as if trouble didn't trouble her very much."

"I jedge she's seen enough of it in her time, too," observed the Captain
reflectively. "Queer thing how trouble acts different on folks. Kind
of like hot weather, sours milk, but sweetens apples. She's one of the
sweetened kind. And yet, I cal'late she can be pretty sharp, too, if you
try to tread on her toes. Sort of a sweet pickle, hey?" and he laughed.

Miss Cahoon remembered the Preston girl's address. It was Cambridge,
Kirkland Street, but the number, she did declare, had skipped her mind.
The Captain said he would chance it without the number, so the letter
was posted. Then, with the electrician, he strolled over to inspect the
remains of the billiard saloon.

There was a small crowd gathered about the building, prominent among
its members being the "train committee," who were evidently holding
a special session on this momentous occasion. The busy "Squealer," a
trifle enlivened by some of Mr. Saunders' wet goods that had escaped
the efforts of t