That day Sylvester ’phoned, asking Captain Elisha to come to his office on a matter of business. When, having done so, the captain, returning, alighted at his home station, he was surprised to see Pearson standing on the platform.
“Why, hello, Jim!” he exclaimed. “What are you doing here? Just come, have you?”
His friend shook his head. “No, Captain Warren,” he said; “I’m just going.”
“Goin’? What for? Been up to the house, of course? Caroline told you where I’d gone and that I was cal’latin’ to hurry back, didn’t she?”
“Yes.”
“Well, then, course you ain’t goin’! You’re goin’ to stay to dinner. I’ve got some things to tell you about that life-savin’ station cruise. I’ve been thinkin’ that I know the cap’n and most of the crew on the lightship off back of the Point. How’d you like to go aboard of her? You could get some yarns from those fellers that might be wuth hearin’.”
“I have no doubt I should. But I’m afraid I can’t go. The fact is, Captain, I’ve decided not to spend Thanksgiving with you, after all.”
“Hey?” Captain Elisha could scarcely believe he had heard correctly. “You can’t go—to South Denboro?”
“No.”
“Why not, for the land sakes?”