His father left it to him.

He sold it a long while ago, afore my Uncle Abner bought, I guess.

Now he's sorry he sold." "That was queer, what else did he say ?" "Oh, he said a whole lot about his desire to make East Wellmouth his permanent residence, about the taxes he paid, and what he meant to do for the town.

I told him that was all right and fine and the town appreciated it, but that I'd got to think of myself; this boardin'-house idea was a life-long ambition of mine and I couldn't give it up." "And how did it end ?" "Just where it begun.

His last words to me was that if I wouldn't listen to reason then he'd have to try other ways.