Short of boiling point--mind that!" With this hint, the wise New Englander permitted Amelius to take possession of the printed slip.
Mr.Hethcote, finding an opportunity of saying a word at last, asserted himself a little haughtily.

"I beg you will both of you understand that I decline to read anything which relates to another person's private affairs." Neither the one nor the other of his companions paid the slightest heed to this announcement.

Amelius was reading the newspaper extract, and placid Rufus was watching him.

In another moment, he crumpled up the slip, and threw it indignantly on the deck.

"It's as full of lies as it can hold!" he burst out.
"It's all over the United States, by this time," Rufus remarked.