Mr.Calligan was reputed to be one hundred and three years of age; and he wanted the twenty-year endowment plan.

Gregory popularised himself at the Crow home by paying for his room in advance.

Moreover, he was an affable chap with a fund of good stories straight from Broadway.

At the post-office and in Lamson's store he was soon established as a mighty favourite.

Even the women who came to make purchases in the evening,--a hitherto unknown custom,--lingered outside the circle on the porch, revelling in the second edition of the "Arabian Nights." "Our friend, the detective here," he said, one night at the close of the first week, "tells me that we are to have a show in town next week.