, who had temporarily "taken on"
the post-office and store, had no cause to fear that the old headquarters
was in danger of losing popularity. The truth was that big Tom had so long
presided over the daily gatherings that the new occupant of the premises
was regarded merely as a sort of friendly representative. Being an amiable
and unambitious soul, Ethan in fact regarded himself in the same light,
and felt supported and indeed elevated by the fact that he stood in the
shoes of a public character so universally popular and admired.

"I ain't Tom, an' I cayn't never come a-nigh him," he said; "but I kin do
my best not to cast no disgrace on his place, an' allus tradin' as fair
as I know how. It's a kinder honor to set in his chairs an' weigh sugar
out in the scales he used--an' it drors trade too."

During the passage of the first few weeks, horses, waggons, and ox-teams
crowded about the hitching-posts, while excitement ran high at mail-time.
The general opinion was that any post might bring the news that Congress
was "sitting on" the great De Willoughby claim, and that Washington
waited breathless for its decision. That all other national business
should be suspended seemed inevitable. That any mail should come and go
without bringing some news was not contemplated. The riders of the horses
and owners of the waggons sat upon the stone porch and discussed
probabilities. They told each other stories they had gathered of the
bygone glories of the De Willoughbys, of the obstinate loyalty of the old
Judge and the bitter indignation of his neighbours, and enlarged upon the
strength of the claim this gave him to the consideration of the
Government.

"Tom won't have no trouble with his claim," was the general opinion.
"He'll just waltz it through. Thar won't be a hitch."

But after the first letter in which he announced his safe arrival in the
Capital City, Tom wrote no more for a week or so, which caused a
disappointment only ameliorated by the belief that he was engaged in
"waltzing" the claim through. Each man felt it necessary to visit the
Cross-roads every day to talk over the possible methods employed, and to
make valuable suggestions. Interest never flagged, but it was greatly
added to when it was known that Judge Rutherford had ranged himself on
Tom's side.

"He's the pop-larest man in Hamlin County," it was said, "an' he's bound
to be a pop'lar man in Congress, an' have a pull."

But when the summer had passed,