And as Captain Zeb Mayo said: "When Didama and Laviny stops fault-findin', the millennium's so nigh port a feller ought to be overhaulin' his saint uniform." But what worried Mrs.Coffin was John Ellery's personal appearance and behavior.

He had grown perceptibly thinner during the past month, his manner was distrait, and, worst of all in the housekeeper's eyes, his appetite had fallen off.

She tried all sorts of tempting dishes, but the result was discouraging.
"What!" she exclaimed.

"Don't want but one piece of huckleberry pie?
Why, a week ago you ate three and looked kind of disappointed 'cause the dish was empty.

What is the matter?
Are you sick ?" "No, Mrs.Coffin," replied the Reverend John.