"I don't know's there's anything there, Sam," he answered, "but--
but I shouldn't be much surprised if that telegram was from
Leander."

"Leander? Leander Babbitt? What . . . Eh? What in thunder do
YOU want?"

The last question was directed toward the window on the street side
of the shop. Mr. Gabriel Bearse was standing on the outside of
that window, energetically thumping on the glass.

"Open her up! Open her up!" commanded Gabe. "I've got somethin'
to tell you."

Captain Sam opened the window. Gabriel's face was aglow with
excitement. "Say! Say!" he cried. "Did he tell you? Did he tell
you?"

"Did who tell what?" demanded the captain.

"Did Phin Babbitt tell you what was in that telegram he just got?
What did he say when he read it? Did he swear? I bet he did! If
that telegram wan't some surprise to old Babbitt, then--"

"Do you know what 'twas--what the telegram was?"

"Do I? You bet you I do! And I'm the only one in this town except
Phin and Jim Bailey that does know. I was in the telegraph office
when Jim took it over the wire. I see Jim was pretty excited.
'Well,' says he, 'if this won't be some jolt to old Phin!' he says.