“I hope I wasn't too short and brisk at the beginnin'. You see, I'd just read your wife's letter, and--er--well, of course, I didn't know--just--you see, you and I had never met, and so--” “Certainly, certainly. I quite understand. And, fool's errand or not, I'm very glad I came here. If you'll pardon my saying so, it was worth the trip to get acquainted with you. I hope, whatever comes of the other thing, that our acquaintanceship will continue.” “Same here, same here. Go right out the side door, Mr. Fosdick, saves goin' through the office. Good day, sir.” He watched the bulky figure of the New York banker tramping across the yard between the piles of lumber. A moment later he entered the outer office. Albert and Keeler were at their desks. Captain Zelotes approached the little bookkeeper. “Labe,” he queried, “there isn't anything particular you want me to talk about just now, is there?” Lahan looked up in surprise from his figuring. “Why--why, no, Cap'n Lote, don't know's there is,” he said. “Don't know's there is, not now, no, no, no.” His employer nodded. “Good!” he exclaimed. “Then I'm goin' back inside there and sit down and rest my chin for an hour, anyhow. I've talked so much to-day that my jaws squeak. Don't disturb me for anything short of a fire or a mutiny.” CHAPTER XII He was not disturbed and that evening, after supper was over, he was ready to talk again. He and Albert sat together in the sitting room--Mrs. Snow and Rachel were in the kitchen washing dishes--and Captain Zelotes told his grandson as much as he thought advisable to tell of his conversation with the Honorable Fletcher Fosdick. At first Albert was inclined to rebel at the idea of permitting his letters to Madeline to be read by the latter's parents, but at length he agreed. “I'll do it because it may make it easier for her,” he said. “She'll have a dreadful time, I suppose, with that unreasonable mother of hers. But, by George, Grandfather,” he exclaimed, “isn't she splendid, though!” “Who? Mrs. Fosdick?” “No, of course not,” indignantly. “Madeline. Isn't she splendid and fine and loyal! I want you to know her, Grandfather, you and Grandmother.” “Um-hm. Well, we'll hope to, some day. Now, son, I'm goin' to ask for another promise. It may seem a hard one to make, but I'm askin' you to make it. I want you to give me your word that, no matter what happens or how long you have to wait, you and Madeline won't get married without tellin' her folks and yours beforehand. You won't run away and marry. Will you promise me that?”