Well, anyhow, Tobias and Cap'n Jonadab never did hitch.

When they was boys together at school they was always rowin' and fightin', and when they grew up to be thirty and courted the same girl--ten years younger than either of 'em, she was--twa'n't much better.

Neither of 'em got her, as a matter of fact; she married a tin peddler named Bassett over to Hyannis.

But both cal'lated they would have won if t'other hadn't been in the race, and consequently they loved each other with a love that passed understandin'.

Tobias had got well to do in the cranberry-raisin' line and drove a fast horse.