The Cap'n did not look up until he had finished his work on the notice. He handed the paper to Nute with orders to post it after the signatures of the two associate selectmen had been secured.
Then to his surprise Hiram Look received an extremely benignant smile from the Cap'n.
"You ain't objectin' any to the special town-meetin', then?" inquired Hiram, losing some of his apprehensiveness.
"I'm callin' it as quick as the law will let me—and happy to do so," graciously returned the first selectman.
Hiram took off his tall hat with the air of one who has been invited to remain, after anticipating violent rebuff.
"You know, don't you, what the voters want this special meetin' for?"
"Sartin sure," cried the Cap'n. "Got to have money to square up bills and take the cuss off'm this town of welchin' on a straight proposition to outsiders who came down here all in good faith after prizes."
"Exactly," cried Hiram, glowing. "Didn't I always tell you, boys, that though Cap'n Aaron Sproul might be a little gruff and a bit short, sea-capt'in fashion, he was all right underneath?"
There was a mumble of assent.
"There ain't a first selectman in this State that has shown any more science in handlin' his job than Cap'n Aaron Sproul of this town."