The next morning Major Joe was surprised by a visit from all three of his young friends, and none the less delighted to see them, however, because they came unexpectedly, and he gave them a hearty welcome. It was understood beforehand that Flora was to be the one to open the subject, and explain matters. She did not tell everything at once, as Alec thought she ought to do, but approached the object of their visit in a delicate way.
"Major Joe; guess what brought us here to-day."
"I'm sure I can't say," answered the old man, rubbing his rough hands together, with a beaming smile. "Maybe to see your old friend?"
"To be sure; we're always glad to do that," replied Flora, as she placed the little bunches of parsley and thyme in more perfect order. "We have come for something else. Something very important," she added, seeing that Major Joe had no curiosity as to the nature of their errand with him.
"What would you say if I told you we had found somebody who belongs to you?"
"To me?" queried the puzzled man. "I don't see how you could do that."
"Yes, but I have," said Flora. "I am sure of it."
The old major shook his head doubtingly.
"And I want you to come with me and see if what I said is not true," persisted Flora, coaxingly.
"But how can I?" questioned Major Joe in reply. "I cannot leave my stall—who would wait on my customers?"