"No, sir—everything just entirely right—but first I got to ask your advice. I've had a letter from the Colonel—he just says some things ought to make a man kind of blush."
John had the odd thought that a blush must be the securely private property of a fellow as black as this grey-headed old friend. "What does he say, Josiah?"
"He wants to give me a farm."
"Well, why not—you have earned a dozen."
"I'd like it—but—if you're goin' to marry Miss Leila, I'd rather live with you."
"Good Heavens!" said the traveller out of fairyland, "what put that in your head?"
Josiah smiled. "You'll please to excuse me, Captain—but I thought I ought to tell you about that fool Billy. He was bobbin' for eels—and—he saw you go by—"
"Well, what else?"
"He met me and he said, 'Saw Mr. John kissin' Miss Leila!' He was off like a shot singin' out 'Goin' to get married, sure.' It will be all over Westways by noon, sir."
John laughed. "Well, it's true, Josiah—Confound Billy! Well, what more?"