Neither of
them seemed as deeply impressed with the Daniels proclamation as the
others of the group.
"Perhaps he wanted to buy a drink," suggested John, gravely.
Miss Timpson was shocked; her expression showed it. Caleb Hammond did
not seem to know whether to be shocked or not; the Hammond appreciation
of a joke generally arrived on a later train. Mrs. Barnes and Captain
Obed laughed, but not too heartily.
Mr. Daniels did not laugh. The frivolous interruption evidently jarred
him.
"I scarcely imagine that to be the reason," he said, drily. "If Mr. E.
Holliday Kendrick does indulge I guess likely--that is, I presume he
would not find it necessary to buy his--er--beverages here. He meant
public spirit, of course. He asked me who our leading men were."
"Who were they--the others, I mean?" asked John.
Emily rubbed away a smile with her handkerchief. Heman noticed her
action, and his color brightened.
"They WERE public," he said, rather sharply. "They were men of
standing--long standing in the community. Prominent and prosperous
citizens, who have lived here long enough for East Wellmouth to know
them--and respect them."
This was a shot in the bull's eye. Miss Timpson evidently thought so,
for she nodded approval. Daniels continued.
"They were men of known worth," he went on. "Practical citizens whose
past as well as present is known. Your cousin--I believe he is your
cousin, Kendrick, although he did not mention the relationship--was
grateful to me for giving him their names.
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