He departed, chuckling. Captain Zelotes looked after him. He tugged at his beard.
“Al,” he said, “do you know what I've about made up my mind to do?”
Albert shook his head.
“I've about made up my mind to take Labe Keeler into the firm of Z. Snow and Co. YOU won't come in, and,” with a twinkle, “I need somebody to keep my name from gettin' lonesome on the sign.”
Albert was delighted.
“Bully for you, Grandfather!” he exclaimed. “You couldn't do a better thing for Labe or for the firm. And he deserves it, too.”
“Ye-es, I think he does. Labe's a mighty faithful, capable feller, and now that he's sworn off on those vacations of his he can be trusted anywheres. Yes, I've as good as made up my mind to take him in. Of course,” with the twinkle in evidence once more, “Issachar'll be a little mite jealous, but we'll have to bear up under that as best we can.”
“I wonder what Labe will say when you tell him?”
“He'll say yes. I'll tell Rachel first and she'll tell him to say it. And then I'll tell 'em both I won't do it unless they agree to get married. I've always said I didn't want to die till I'd been to that weddin'. I want to hear Rachel tell the minister she'll 'obey' Labe. Ho, ho!”
“Do you suppose they ever will be married?”