Once let the news get out 'twill grow to a hundred thousand afore night.
There'll be a run on us if Gab Bearse or Melissa Busteed get goin' with their throttles open.

So don't you whisper a word to anybody, Jed.

We'll find it pretty soon." And Jed did not whisper a word.

But he anxiously watched the inmates of the little house, watched Charles' face when he came home after working hours, watched the face of his sister as she went forth on a marketing expedition, even scrutinized Babbie's laughing countenance as she came dancing into the shop, swinging Petunia by one arm.

And it was from Babbie he first learned that, in spite of all Captain Hunniwell's precautions, some one had dropped a hint.