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“‘By the general cut of his clothes,’ said Sam, ‘I’d say he is a minister.’

“‘I expect you’re right,’ said Abner. ‘Most likely fillin’ some fishin’ minister’s pulpit Sunday, and walkin’ home Monday.’

“The pedestrian clergyman walked more slowly as he neared the top of the hill, and the gray horse gradually overhauled him.

“‘Look a’ here,’ said Sam, nudging his companion, ‘let’s give him a lift. He must be dreadfully hot. And then, by George, Cap’n Abner, jes think what a jolly thing it’ll be–goin’ after her, and takin’ a minister along, sittin’ comfortable on the back seat! That’s like holdin’ a landin’-net ready to scoop her up the minute you get her to the top of the water.’

“They stopped and asked the clergyman if he were going to Thompsontown, and when he said he was, they invited him to get in and take the unoccupied seat. He proved to be an agreeable companion; he was young and very grateful. Sam soon fell into a very friendly conversation with him, and two or three times, when Abner thought that his friend was on the point of saying something that bore too directly on the object of their journey, he pressed his port boot gently upon Sam’s starboard slipper.

“Toward the middle of the afternoon they reached Thompsontown, where the young clergyman said he was going to stop for the night, and go on by train the next day. Sam Twitty was glad to hear this, and advised him to stop at the Spinnaker Boom, where he and Captain Abner intended to stay until they finished the business which brought them to Thompsontown.

“Thompsontown was a seaside resort, and rather a lively place in the season. There was a large hotel for summer visitors who could afford to pay good prices, and several smaller houses of entertainment, such as the Spinnaker Boom, where people of moderate means were made very comfortable.

“It was much too early for supper, and Captain Abner and Sam took a long walk on the beach, and at their invitation the young clergyman joined them. This gentleman, who did not seem to know any one in Thompsontown, proved to be a thorough landsman; but as he was chatty and glad to acquire knowledge, it gave Captain Abner and Sam a great deal of pleasure to talk to him on nautical points and thereby improve his mind. On their return, Sam stopped with a start, and almost dropped his pipe.

“‘What’s the matter?’ cried Captain Abner. ‘Did you see her spout?’

“Sam made no answer, but stood with his mouth open. He had remarkably good vision. The clergyman stopped and looked at him inquiringly.

“‘They are coming, both of them!’ said Sam.

“‘Both of who?’ asked Abner.

“‘The gal in the buggy, and the toll-gate woman.'”

“If I were telling this story,” here interrupted the Daughter of the House, excitedly, “I really do not know which one I would marry to Captain Abner!”

“Thank you for the compliment, my dear,” said her father.

“Well, there they both were: side by side they were walking along the smooth beach and approaching our three men. Sam’s eyes sparkled. The toll-gate woman appeared much more comely and attractive than when engaged in her professional duties earlier in the day. She was now attired in fresh-looking summer clothes, and wore a pretty straw hat. As for the girl of the buggy, she was quite another person. It would have been impossible for any one who had merely seen her within the limited confines of a small vehicle to form any idea of the buoyant air and the lively step of this handsome young woman.

“‘Upon my word!’ exclaimed Sam Twitty, advancing toward them. ‘Who would have expected to meet you two here!’

“At this meeting all our characters were variously affected. The toll-gate woman beamed with pleasure; the young woman of the buggy looked as if she were about to laugh; the young minister looked very much interested, although he could have given no good reason why he should be; the countenance of Captain Abner Budlong betrayed no interest whatever; and Sam Twitty was in a glow of delight.