"Mornin', Mattie," he said. "What kin I help ye to this time?"
"I—I need a tack hammer, Mr. Baines."
"Got three kinds: plain, with claws, and them patent ones that picks up tacks by electricity. I hold by them and kin recommend 'em high."
"I'll take one, then," said Mattie; but after Scattergood wrapped it up and gave her change for her dollar bill, she remained, hesitating, uncertain, embarrassed.
"Was they suthin' besides a tack hammer you wanted, Mattie." Scattergood asked, gently.
"I—No, nothing." Her courage had failed her, and she moved toward the door.
"Mattie!"
She stopped.
"Jest a minute," said Scattergood. "Never walk off with suthin' on your mind. Apt to give ye mental cramps. What was that there tack hammer an excuse for comin' here fer?"
"Is it true that he's coming back, like the talk's goin' around?"