Phinney glanced at him. It was the first time in twenty years that he had heard Solomon Berry mention the name of his former sweetheart. And even now he did not call her by her married name, the name of her late husband. “No,” replied Simeon. “No, Sol, I ain't got the least idea. Poor thing!” Another interval. Then: “Well, Sim, find out if you can, and let me know. And,” turning his head and speaking quietly but firmly, “don't let anybody ELSE know I asked.” “Course I won't, Sol, you know that. But don't it seem awful mean turnin' her out so? I wouldn't think Mr. Williams would do such a thing.” His companion smiled grimly; “I would,” he said. “'Business is business,' that's his motto. That and 'Look out for number one.'” “Yes, he said somethin' to me about lookin' out for number one.” “Did he? Humph!” The Captain's smile lost a little of its bitterness and broadened. He seemed to be thinking and to find amusement in the process. “What you grinnin' at?” demanded Phinney. “Oh, I was just rememberin' how he looked out for number one the first--no, the second time I met him. I don't believe he's forgot it. Maybe that's why he ain't quite so high and mighty to me as he is to the rest of you fellers. Ha! ha! He tried to patronize me when I first came back here and took this depot and I just smiled and asked him what the market price of johnny-cake was these days. He got red clear up to the brim of his tall hat. Humph! 'TWAS funny.” “The market price of JOHNNY-CAKE! He must have thought you was loony.” “No. I'm the last man he'd think was loony. You see I met him a fore he came here to live at all.” “You did? Where?” “Oh, over to Wellmouth. 'Twas the year afore I come back to East Harniss, myself, after my long stretch away from it. I never intended to see the Cape again, but I couldn't stay away somehow. I've told you that much--how I went over to Wellmouth and boarded a spell, got sick of that, and, just to be doin' somethin' and not for the money, bought a catboat and took out sailin' parties from Wixon and Wingate's summer hotel.” “And you met Mr. Williams? Well, I snum! Was he at the hotel?” “No, not exactly. I met him sort of casual this second time.” “SECOND time? Had you met him afore that?” “Don't get ahead of the yarn, Sim. It happened this way: You see, I was comin' along the road between East Wellmouth and the Center when I run afoul of him. He was fat and shiny, and drivin' a skittish horse hitched to a fancy buggy. When he sighted me he hove to and hailed. “'Here you!' says he, in a voice as fat as the rest of him. 'Your name's Berry, ain't it.' “'Yup,' says I. “'Methusalum Berry or Jehoshaphat Berry or Sheba Berry, or somethin' like that? Hey?' he says. “'Well,' says I, 'the last shot you fired comes nighest the bull's eye. They christened me Solomon, but 'twa'n't my fault; I was young at the time and they took advantage.'