Recovery, however, was by no means rapid or complete.
They had gone, but they were coming back again; and what should he say to them then?
Very likely Captain Sam, who had sent them in the first place, would return with them.

And Captain Sam knew that the key was not really lost.

Jed's satisfaction in the fact that he had escaped tenantless so far was nullified by the fear that his freedom was but temporary.
He cooked his dinner, but ate little.

After washing the dishes he crossed the road to the telephone and telegraph office and called up the Orham Bank.

He meant to get Captain Hunniwell on the wire, tell him that the house hunters had paid him a visit, that he did not like them, and beg the captain to call them off the scent.