"The helmsman put her about, and she come round with a dip and a sweep like a dancin' lady, and went curtseyin' off over the waves--you never see a sight like that, little gal, nor never will see. "'Let us give thanks to Almighty God!' says Cap'n Tree; and we give 'em, kneelin' on the deck." Salem Rock drew a long breath, and took up his brush again. "There!" he said. "You've had your story, Annie Lizzie. I dono as it's a very pooty one, but truth ain't allers pooty, I've noticed." "Oh, it's a wonderful story, Mr. Rock!" cried little Annie Lizzie. "I thank you a thousand times for tellin' me. But ain't you goin' to tell the other one, too, about the lady? Please, Mr. Rock!" "I guess not!" said Salem. "I guess I'm jaw-weary for this time." "No, you ain't," said Seth Weaver. "Take more'n that to jaw-weary you, Sale, with the practice you have," and he cast a cautious glance at the house. "Let the little gal hev the other story if she wants it. Fust thing we know you and me'll be to Kingdom Come, and who's to tell the stories then? The young folks ought to know 'em, too; this one special. Bile in, old hoss!" Salem Rock drew another long breath. "You tell her about the spar yonder," he said, "while I third-co't these buttons; I've got to give my mind to 'em. I ain't the only man ever was to sea, Annie Lizzie: you sick him on to spin you that yarn, and then we'll see." "Sho!" said Seth. "Ain't no story _to_ that. All about it, Sale and me was both shipwrecked one time,--'twas after Cap'n Tree was dead,--and us two and that spar was all that come ashore. Now go 'long, and let her hear about the _White Lady_, and let the buttons go to Tinkham and see the sights." Salem Rock cast a glance of affectionate comprehension at his companion. It was little less than heroic for Seth Weaver, the best story-teller in Quahaug, thus to break and knot up his favorite yarn, the proper spinning of which took a good half-hour; but it was very rarely that Salem Rock could be brought to tell these two sea tales, and Seth was a good friend and a good listener. So, when he repeated "Go 'long!" Salem nodded, and laid down his brush again.