After, that the people seemed to come from every direction; then presently some one started to ring the town bell and that fetched more people, until the Square in front of the store was packed and jammed with 'em.

Everybody' wanted to hear about it first-hand from me; they wanted the _full particulars_ from the only one who knowed 'em." Mr.Shrimplin paused for breath.

The recollection of his splendid publicity was dazzling.

He imagined the morrow with its possibility of social triumph; he went as far as to feel that Mrs.Shrimplin now had a certain sneaking respect for him.
"Did you see tracks in the snow ?" demanded Custer.
"No, I didn't see nothing," declared Mr.Shrimplin.
"You seen young John North." It was Mrs.Shrimplin who spoke.
"Well, yes, I seen young John North--I said I seen him!".