“Yes.”

“I was brought up to sail a boat,” said the doctor, “and I go fishing in summer—when I get a chance. I shall try your boat, some time.”

No reply.

“The timbers aren't seasoned, are they? They look like pitch-pine, just out of the woods. Won't they warp?”

“No. Pitch-pine goes right in, green. I s'pose the pitch keeps it, if it's out of the sun.”

“Where did you cut it?”

Eph colored a little.

“In my back lot.”

The doctor smoked on calmly, and studied the boat.

“I don't know as I know you,” said Eph, relaxing a little.