"Land sakes, Mandy, she's just got here! I ain't no idee how long
she'll stay. If you think there's any danger of Milt not tendin' to
his clammin' proper whilst she's here you'd better send him on a cruise
with Cap'n Durgin. The _Tryout_ sails for the Banks to-morrow, I
understand."

"No, Washy. That was my A'nt Matildy I went away to help bury ten
years ago. She's still dead--an' this ain't her daughter. This is my
ha'f sister's child, she that was Miriam Card. She got married to a
scientific chap that works for the government, I guess when you write
to Washington for your garden seeds next spring, you better ask about
him, if ye want to know more'n _I_ can tell ye."

"You got it right for once't, Joab. I do expect Cap'n Am'zon. Mebbe
to-night. He may come over from the depot with Perry Baker--I can't
tell. What'll I do with the girl? Land sakes! ain't Cap'n Am'zon just
as much her uncle as _I_ be? Some o' you fellers better stow your
jaw-tackle if Cap'n Am'zon does heave to here. For he ain't no tame
cat, like I told you."

"You back again, Lawford Tapp? Hi-mighty! what you forgot this time?
Fishhooks? Goin' fishin', be you? Wal, in my 'pinion you're throwin'
your hook into unproductive waters around here, as ye might say. Even
chummin' won't sarve ye. _Good_-night!"

After getting rid of this importunate customer, Cap'n Abe closed his
door and put out his store lights--an hour earlier than usual--and came
back to sit down with Louise. His visage was red and determination sat
on his brow.