'Twas the year afore I come back to East Harniss, myself, after my long stretch away from it.

I never intended to see the Cape again, but I couldn't stay away somehow.

I've told you that much--how I went over to Wellmouth and boarded a spell, got sick of that, and, just to be doin' somethin' and not for the money, bought a catboat and took out sailin' parties from Wixon and Wingate's summer hotel." "And you met Mr.Williams?
Well, I snum! Was he at the hotel ?" "No, not exactly.

I met him sort of casual this second time." "SECOND time?
Had you met him afore that ?" "Don't get ahead of the yarn, Sim.

It happened this way: You see, I was comin' along the road between East Wellmouth and the Center when I run afoul of him.