There was wild excitement, as well as consternation, in the farmhouse on the Mountain.
On the next day but one after Hazel had sent her letters, Chi had brought up from the Mill Settlement a telegram which had come on the stage from Barton's. It was addressed to, "Hazel Clyde, Mill Settlement, Barton's River, Vermont," and ran thus:--
CAMBRIDGE, May 20, 1 P.M.
Hope to get in our order ahead of New York time. Seventeen dozen of each kind. Letter follows.
JACK.
"Seventeen dozen!" screamed Rose, on hearing the telegram.
"Seventeen dozen of each kind!" cried Budd.
"Oh, quick, March, do see what it comes to!" said Hazel.
Then such an arithmetical hubbub broke loose as had never been heard before on the Mountain.
"Seventeen times twelve," said Rose,--"let me see; seven times two are fourteen, one to carry--do keep still, March!" But March went on with:--