'bout this whole bus'ness, I'll know
it's time to start in. Now, you can keep still or fight, jest as you
please. I tell you honest, I 'most wish you'd fight."

The door slammed. Mr. Saunders opened it again and gazed vindictively
after the bulky figure splashing through the slush. The dog came
sneaking up and rubbed his nose against his master's hand; it was an
impolitic move on his part.

"Git out!" roared Web, delighted at the opportunity. "You
good-for-nothin' pup! How's that set?"

"That" was a kick that doubled the cur up against the settee. As it
scrambled to its feet, Mr. Saunders kicked it again. And then the
"watchdog" exhibited the first evidence of spirit that it had ever been
known to show. With a snarl, as the man turned away, it settled its
teeth into the calf of his leg, and then shot out of the door and, with
its tail between its legs, went down the road like a yellow cannon ball.

CHAPTER XVII

THROUGH FIRE AND WATER

It was true--John Baxter was dead. His violent outbreak of the previous
afternoon had hastened the end that the doctor had prophesied. There was
no harrowing death scene. The weather-beaten old face grew calmer, and,
the sleep sounder, until the tide went out--that was all. It was like a
peaceful coming into port after a rough voyage. No one of the watchers
about the bed could wish him back, not even Elsie, who was calm and
brave through it all. When it was over, she went to her room and Mrs.
Snow went with her. Captain Eri went out to make his call upon Mr.
Saunders.

The funeral was one of the largest ever held in Orham. The little house
was crowded. Old friends, who had drifted away from the fanatic in his
latter days, came back to pay tribute to the strong man whom they had
known and loved. There was some discussion among the captains as to
who should preach the funeral sermon. Elsie had left this question
to Captain Eri for settlement, and the trio and Mrs. Snow went into
executive session immediately.

"If John had had the settlin' of it himself," observed Eri, "he'd have
picked Perley, there ain't no doubt 'bout that."

"I know it," said Captain Perez, "but you must remember that John wa'n't
himself for years, and what he'd have done now ain't what he'd have done
'fore he broke down. I hate to think of Perley's doin' it, somehow."

"Isn't Mr. Perley a good man?" asked the housekeeper.

"He's good enough, fur's I know," replied Captain Jerry, "but I know
what Per