CHAPTER XVI.
A MATTER OF SPECULATION.
Old Hucks, still smiling, but dreadfully nervous over the discovery of Joe, and Mr.Merrick's sudden activity in the boy's behalf, speedily harnessed Daniel and induced the reluctant steed to amble down the path to the cabin.

Leaning on Uncle John's arm, the invalid walked to the buggy and was assisted to mount to the seat beside Thomas.

Then away they started, and, although Dan obeyed Hucks more willingly than any other driver, the Major and Uncle John walked 'cross-lots and reached the hotel a good fifteen minutes in advance of the equipage.
The Millville Hotel depended almost entirely for patronage upon the commercial travelers who visited the place periodically to sell goods to the merchants, and these did not come too often, because trade was never very energetic and orders never very large.

Bob West boarded at the hotel, and so did Ned Long, a "farm hand," who did sundry odd jobs for anyone who needed him, and helped pay his "keep" by working for Mrs.
Kebble when not otherwise engaged.
Mrs.Kebble was the landlady, and a famous cook.

Kate Kebble, a slatternly girl of sixteen, helped her mother do the work and waited on the table.