Abner slipped out of the house before his wife could recover from her astonishment to question him further.
"I've given Tildy a jolt," he chuckled, as he moved across the field toward Zeb's house. "I wonder what she'd think of the Dimocks livin' here? Mebbe it'll make her consider the old place is of some value after all."
Abner soon returned, harnessed Jerry and drove into town. He was hitching his horse to the post near the station-house when the agent appeared around the corner of the building.
"Mornin', Sam," he accosted. "How's the train?"
"On time," was the reply. "Expecting anyone?"
Abner gave the rope a final yank, and then turned toward the agent.
"Say, Sam," he began, "will ye do me a favor?"
"What is it?"
"Well, ye see, I'm expectin' company on the train this mornin', an' as you're mighty slick with women folks I thought mebbe ye'd meet her, in case I don't git back in time."
"Meet who?" Sam demanded in surprise.