Later on he heard another step, and, again glancing through the
window, saw Seth Wingate, the vegetable and fruit peddler, walking
from the door to the gate, just as Mr. Bearse had done. Apparently
Seth had changed his mind also. Jed thought this rather odd, but
again he was grateful. He was thinking hard and was quite willing
not to be disturbed.
But the disturbing came ten minutes after Mr. Wingate's departure
and came in the nature of a very distinct disturbance. There was a
series of thunderous knocks on the front door, that door was thrown
violently open, and, before the startled maker of mills could do
much more than rise to his feet, the door to the workroom was
pulled open also. Captain Hunniwell's bulk filled the opening.
Captain Sam was red-faced and seemed excited.
"Well, by the gracious king," he roared, "you're here, anyhow!
What else is the matter with you?"
Jed, who, after recognizing his visitor, had seated himself once
more, looked up and nodded.
"Hello, Sam," he observed. "Say, I was just thinkin' about you.
That's kind of funny, ain't it?"
"Funny! Just thinkin' about me! Well, I've been thinkin' about
you, I tell you that: Have you been in this shop all the forenoon?"
"Eh? . . . Why, yes. . . . Sartin. . . . I've been right here."
"You HAVE? Gracious king! Then why in the Old Harry have you got
that sign nailed on your front door out here tellin' all hands
you're out for the day and for 'em to ask for you up at Abijah
Thompson's?"
Jed looked much surprised.
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