Phineas, I judge the only reason you have for objectin' to the captain's bein' on the Exemption Board is on account of your son, ain't it?
It's just on Leander's account ?" But before the furious Mr.Babbitt could answer there came another interruption.

The bell attached to the door of the outer shop rang once more.

Jed, who had accepted his own invitation to sit, rose again with a groan.
"Now I wonder who THAT is ?" he drawled, in mild surprise.
Captain Hunniwell's frayed patience, never noted for long endurance, snapped again.

"Gracious king! go and find out," he roared.

"Whoever 'tis 'll die of old age before you get there." The slow smile drifted over Mr.Winslow's face.