“Here’s a paper for you, Josiah. A girl come into my place about noon yesterday and made me sign it.”
Captain Pott was too surprised to even reach out for the piece of paper offered him.
Miss Pipkin took it, and unfolded it carefully.
“Read it for me, Clemmie.”
“It only says that the Jennie P. was bought back by Josiah Pott.”
“But I never–––”
“That girl said she’d come to represent you, and paid cash.”
Without a word the three went down to the wharf, and John Peters rowed the dory, with two passengers aboard, out to the Jennie P.
It was late in the afternoon when Mr. McGowan left the house. Fall permeated the air with an invigorating twang. Here and there the landscape showed the touch of frost. The marsh grass was turning brown. Among the trees and shrubbery color ran riot. The Fox knoll was a blend of beauty. As the minister passed the estate he sought for a 388 glimpse of the Elder’s daughter among the trees, or in the garden. But she was not to be seen.