This infuriated John. "Jude, you clear out! Scott, you blank-blank—"
Douglas flung up a protesting hand. "O, cut that, Dad! Judith, you stay right where you are. You're at the bottom of this whole trouble and I want you to see and hear it."
"Draw it mild, Douglas!" protested the postmaster.
"Don't bother about me," said Jude. "I sure-gawd can take care of myself."
"What happens next?" inquired Jimmy Day.
Nobody spoke for a moment; then very deliberately, Peter turned to the sheriff.
"You remember Doug's mother, don't you, Frank? I can't help thinking how much he looks like her, to-day, although he's the image of John."
"Remember her! I tried for five years to get her to marry me. But her old dad wouldn't stand for it."
"You mean she couldn't see you because of me, Frank!" exclaimed John, a sudden light in his handsome eyes.
Douglas again favored the postmaster with a contemplative stare.