Captain Corbet said no more, but hurried on in the direction indicated, and soon ascended the steps of the portico, immediately in front of Mr. Long.
“Mr. Long,” said he, in great agitation, “I’ve got into trouble.”
“Ah, captain,” said Mr. Long. “How do you do? Trouble? What trouble?”
“Along o’ that stone fence.”
“The stone fence?” said Mr. Long. “How’s that? We put it all back in its place, better than ever.”
“Any how,” said Captain Corbet, “they’ve gone an sarved a writ on me.”
“A writ!”
“Yes, sir. Damages done to property by removal of wall. An they’re going to prosecute me! An me jest lost the schewner. Me, with nothin left but my little farm to leave tew the babby!”
He paused, overcome by his emotion.
“Damages?” said Mr. Long, who was filled with pity at Captain Corbet’s evident distress. “O, don’t be afraid. They can’t do anything. I’ll take the responsibility. I took the stones, you know. You had nothing to do with it. I’ll guarantee your safety. Don’t trouble yourself. When is the suit to come off?”