Turning in the doorway, he saw to his astonishment a great store, with high ceilings supported by columns. The door was stacked high with bales of dry goods. Beside him was a sign in gold lettering, “Carvel and Company, Wholesale Dry Goods.” And lastly, looking down upon him with a quizzical expression, was a gentleman. There was no mistaking the gentleman. He was cool, which Eliphalet was not. And the fact is the more remarkable because the gentleman was attired according to the fashion of the day for men of his age, in a black coat with a teal of ruffled shirt showing, and a heavy black stock around his collar. He had a white mustache, and a goatee, and white hair under his black felt hat. His face was long, his nose straight, and the sweetness of its smile had a strange effect upon Eliphalet, who stood on one foot. “Well, sonny, scared of mules, are you?” The speech is a stately drawl very different from the nasal twang of Eliphalet's bringing up. “Reckon you don't come from anywhere round here?” “No, sir,” said Eliphalet. “From Willesden, Massachusetts.” “Come in on the 'Louisiana'?” “Yes, sir.” But why this politeness? The elderly gentleman lighted a cigar. The noise of the rushing mules had now become a distant roar, like a whirlwind which has swept by. But Eliphalet did not stir. “Friends in town?” inquired the gentleman at length. “No, sir,” sighed Mr. Hopper. At this point of the conversation a crisp step sounded from behind and wonderful smile came again on the surface. “Mornin', Colonel,” said a voice which made Eliphalet jump. And he swung around to perceive the young captain of the Louisiana. “Why, Captain Lige,” cried the Colonel, without ceremony, “and how do you find yourself to-day, suh? A good trip from Orleans? We did not look for you so soon.” “Tolluble, Colonel, tolluble,” said the young man, grasping the Colonel's hand. “Well, Colonel, I just called to say that I got the seventy bales of goods you wanted.” “Ephum” cried the Colonel, diving toward a counter where glasses were set out,--a custom new to Eliphalet,--“Ephum, some of that very particular Colonel Crittenden sent me over from Kentucky last week.” An old darkey, with hair as white as the Colonel's, appeared from behind the partition. “I 'lowed you'd want it, Marse Comyn, when I seed de Cap'n comin',” said he, with the privilege of an old servant. Indeed, the bottle was beneath his arm. The Colonel smiled. “Hope you'se well, Cap'n,” said Ephum, as he drew the cork. “Tolluble, Ephum,” replied the Captain. “But, Ephum--say, Ephum!” “Yes, sah.” “How's my little sweetheart, Ephum?” “Bress your soul, sah,” said Ephum, his face falling perceptibly, “bress your soul, sah, Miss Jinny's done gone to Halcyondale, in Kaintuck, to see her grandma. Ole Ephum ain't de same nigger when she's away.” The young Captain's face showed as much disappointment as the darkey's.