have taken a decided fancy to his prospective neighbor and her young
relative, had come with them to the station. Thankful had hired a horse
and "open wagon" at the livery stable in East Wellmouth and had intended
engaging a driver as well, but Captain Bangs had volunteered to act in
that capacity.

"I haven't got much to do this mornin'," he said. "Fact is, I generally
do have more time on my hands than anything else this season of the
year. Later on, when I put out my fish weirs, I'm pretty busy, but now
I'm a sort of 'longshore loafer. You're figurin' to go to Trumet after
you've seen Miss Emily leave the dock, you said, didn't you? Well, I've
got an errand of my own in Trumet that might as well be done now as any
time. I'll drive you over and back if you're willin' to trust the vessel
in my hands. I don't set up to be head of the Pilots' Association
when it comes to steerin' a horse, but I cal'late I can handle any
four-legged craft you're liable to charter in East Wellmouth."

His offer was accepted and so far he had proved a competent and able
helmsman. Now, Miss Howes having been started on her homeward way, the
next port of call was to be the office of Mr. Solomon Cobb at Trumet.

During the first part of the drive Thankful was silent and answered
only when spoken to. The parting with Emily and the sense of heavy
responsibility entailed by the project she had in mind made her rather
solemn and downcast. Captain Obed, noticing this, and suspecting the
cause, chatted and laughed, and after a time his passenger seemed to
forget her troubles and to enjoy the trip.

They jogged up the main street of Trumet until they reached the little
three-cornered "square" which is the business center of the village.