So, when Mr. Hazeltine called to spend the evening, Captain Jerry
would rise from his chair and, with an elaborate cough and several
surreptitious winks to his messmates, would announce that he guessed
he would "take a little walk," or "go out to the barn," or something
similar. Captain Perez would, more than likely, go also. As for Captain
Eri, he usually "cal'lated" he would step upstairs, and see how John was
getting along.

But in spite of this loyal support, the results obtained from Captain
Jerry's wonderful plan had not been so startlingly successful as to
warrant his feeling much elated. Ralph and Elsie were good friends and
seemed to enjoy each other's society, but that was all that might be
truthfully said, so far.

Captain Jerry, therefore, was a little discouraged as he sat in the
sunshine and smoked and pondered. He hid his discouragement, however,
and in response to Captain Eri's question concerning the progress of the
matchmaking, said cheerfully:

"Oh, it's comin' along, comin' along. Kind of slow, of course, but you
can't expect nothin' diff'rent. I s'pose you noticed he was here four
times last week?"

"Why, no," said Captain Eri, "I don't know's I did."

"Well, he was, and week a fore that 'twas only three. So that's a gain,
ain't it?"

"Sartin."