Jed thought this rather odd, but again he was grateful.

He was thinking hard and was quite willing not to be disturbed.
But the disturbing came ten minutes after Mr.Wingate's departure and came in the nature of a very distinct disturbance.

There was a series of thunderous knocks on the front door, that door was thrown violently open, and, before the startled maker of mills could do much more than rise to his feet, the door to the workroom was pulled open also.

Captain Hunniwell's bulk filled the opening.
Captain Sam was red-faced and seemed excited.
"Well, by the gracious king," he roared, "you're here, anyhow! What else is the matter with you ?" Jed, who, after recognizing his visitor, had seated himself once more, looked up and nodded.
"Hello, Sam," he observed.

"Say, I was just thinkin' about you.
That's kind of funny, ain't it ?" "Funny! Just thinkin' about me! Well, I've been thinkin' about you, I tell you that: Have you been in this shop all the forenoon ?" "Eh?
.