“Ah!” he said, extending his hand. “Glad to see you, Captain—er—”
“Hammond,” replied the visitor. “Same to you, Mr. Stone.”
“Fine weather for this time of year.”
“Fine enough, Mr. Stone.”
“Well, Captain Hammond, what can we do for you? Going to sail soon?”
“Not right away. Just made port, less'n a week ago. Home looks good to me, for a spell, anyhow.”
“So? Yes, I have no doubt. Let me see—where is your home, captain? I should remember, of course, but—”
“Don't know why you should. This is my first trip in your latitude, I guess. My home's at Trumet.”
“Trumet?” Mr. Stone's tone changed.
“Yes. Trumet, down on the Cape. Ever been there? We think it's about as good a place as there is.”