t Eddie Raymond and Al
here don't get into mischief while you're gone. I . . . Crimustee! Jim
Young, what in time's the matter with you? Can't ye see nothin'?"

This last outburst was directed at the driver of the depot-wagon, who,
wheeling a trunk on a baggage truck, had bumped violently into the rear
of Mr. Price's legs, just at the knee joint, causing their owner to bend
backward unexpectedly, and with enthusiasm.

"Can't you see nothin' when it's right in front of ye?" demanded
Issachar, righteously indignant.

Jim Young winked over his shoulder at Albert. "Sorry, Is," he said, as
he continued toward the baggage car. "I didn't notice you WAS in front
of me."

"Well, then, you'd better. . . . Eh? See here, what do you mean by
that?"

Even after Mr. Price had thus been pushed out of the foreground, so to
speak, Albert was denied the opportunity of taking his place by Helen's
side. Her father had a few last messages to deliver, then Captain
Zelotes shook her hand and talked for a moment, and, after that, the
ladies of the sewing circle and the war work society felt it their duty
to, severally and jointly, kiss her good-by. This last was a trying
operation to watch.

Then the engine bell rang and the train began to move. Albert, running
beside the platform of the last car, held up his hand for a farewell
clasp.

"Good-by," he said, and added in a whisper, "You'll write, won't you?"

"Of course. And so must you. Good-by."

The last car and the handkerchief waving figure on its platform
disappeared around the curve. The little group by the station broke up.
Albert and his grandfather walked over to the office together.

"There goes a good girl, Al," was Captain Lote's only comment. "A mighty
good capable girl."

Albert nodded. A moment later he lifted his hat to a group in a passing
automobile.

"Who were those folks?" asked the Captain.

"The Fosdicks," was the reply. "The people who are going to build down
by the Inlet."

It was Madeline and her mother. The latter had been serenely
indifferent, but the young lady had smiled and bowed behind the maternal
shoulders.

"Oh; that so?" observed Captain Zelotes, looking after the flying car
with interest. "That's who 'tis, eh? Nice lookin', the young one, ain't
she?"

Albert did not answer. With the noise of the train which was carrying
Helen out of his life still ringing in his ears it seemed wicked even to
mention another girl's name, to say nothing of