After some further conversation Mr. Barker decided to accept the old Squire's invitation. While grandmother and Ellen got supper for our guest, the old Squire escorted him to the hand bowl that he had put in at the end of the bathroom hall. I imagine that the old Squire was just a little proud of our recent accommodations. "And, David, if you would like a bath before retiring to-night, just step in here and make yourself at home," he said and opened several of the doors to the little cubicles. David looked the tubs over, first one and then another. "Wal, Squire," he said at last, in that peculiar voice of his, "I've sometimes wondered why our Maine folks had so few bathtubs, and sometimes been a little ashamed on't. But now I see how 'tis. You've got all the bathtubs there are cornered up here at your place!" He continued joking about our bathrooms while he was eating supper; and later, before retiring, he said, "I know you are a neat woman, Aunt Ruth, and I guess before I go to bed I'll take a turn in your bathroom." Ellen gave him a lamp; and he went in and shut the door. Fifteen minutes--half an hour--nearly an hour--passed, and still he was in there; and we heard him turning on and letting off water, apparently barrels of it! Occasionally, too, we heard a door open and shut. At last, when nearly an hour and a half had elapsed, the old Squire, wondering whether anything were wrong, went to the bathroom door. He knocked, and on getting a response inquired whether there was any trouble. "Doesn't the water run, David?" he asked. "Is it too cold for you? How are you getting on in there?" "Getting on beautifully," came the muffled voice of the humorist above the splashing within. "Doing a great job. Only one tub more! Four off and one to come." "But, David!" the old Squire began in considerable astonishment. "Yes. Sure. It takes time. But I know Aunt Ruth is an awful neat woman, and I determined to do a full job!" He had been taking a bath in each of the five tubs in succession. That was Barker humor. CHAPTER XI WHEN WE WALKED THE TOWN LINES It was some time the following week, I think, that the old Squire looked across to us at the breakfast table and said, "Boys, don't you want to walk the town lines for me? I think I shall let you do it this time--and have the fee," he added, smiling.