The major laughed again. "I certainly am obliged to you, Mr. Winslow," he said. "And I must say you took a lot of trouble on my account."
Jed sighed, although there was a little twinkle in his eye.
"'Twan't altogether on your account," he drawled. "I owed 'em one, same as you did. I was the crank they sent you to."
Their visitor bade Barbara and her mother good afternoon, gathered up his cranks and turned to the door.
"I'll step over and start the car," he said. "Then I'll come back and return these things."
Jed shook his head. "I wouldn't," he said. "You may stop again before you get back to Bayport. Rogers is in no hurry for 'em, he said so. You take 'em along and fetch 'em in next time you're over. I want you to call again anyhow and these cranks 'll make a good excuse for doin' it," he added.
"Oh, I see. Yes, so they will. With that understanding I'll take them along. Thanks again and good afternoon."
He hastened across the street. The two in the shop watched from the window until the car started and moved out of sight. The group by the telegraph office seemed excited about something; they laughed no longer and there was considerable noisy argument.
Jed's lip twitched. "'The best laid plans of mice—and skunks,'" he quoted, solemnly. "Hm! . . . That Major Grover seems like a good sort of chap."
"I think he's awful nice," declared Babbie.