"I'm afraid I made a mistake, changin' that sign," he said,
musingly. "I cal'late I'll make another: 'Prayer meetin's must be
held outside.'"
"By--," began Mr. Babbitt again, but this time it was Captain Sam
who interrupted. The captain occasionally swore at other people,
but he was not accustomed to be sworn at. He, too, began to "heat
up." He rose to his feet.
"That'll do, Babbitt," he commanded. "What's the matter with you?
Is it me you're cussin'? Because if it is--"
The little Babbitt eyes snapped defiance.
"If it is, what?" he demanded. But before the captain could reply
Winslow, turning away from the window, did so for him.
"If it is, I should say 'twas a pretty complete job," he drawled.
"I don't know when I've heard fewer things left out. You have
reason to be proud, both of you. And now, Phineas," he went on,
"what's it all about? What's the matter?"
Mr. Babbitt waved his fists again, preparatory to another outburst.
Jed laid a big hand on his shoulder.
"Don't seem to me time for the benediction yet, Phineas," he said.
"Ought to preach your sermon or sing a hymn first, seems so. What
did you come here for?"
Phineas Babbitt's hard gray eyes looked up into the big brown ones
gazing mildly down upon him. His gaze shifted and his tone when he
next spoke was a trifle less savage.
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