She knew how outspoken he was and how unsparing of those who differed from him and she laid part of his denunciation to this cause.
Some weeks after this conversation the captain started for Yardley to see Jane on a matter of business, and incidentally to have a romp with the Pond Lily.

It was astonishing how devoted the old sea-dog was to the child, and how she loved him in return.

"My big bear," she used to call him, tugging away at his gray whiskers.

On his way he stopped at the post-office for his mail.

It was mid-winter and the roads were partly blocked with snow, making walking difficult except for sturdy souls like Captain Nat.
"Here, Cap'n Holt, yer jest the man I been a-waitin' for," cried Miss Tucher, the postmistress, from behind the sliding window.