"It is so, Andrew," exclaimed Pemberton, soothing and agreeable. "You'renear right."

"As referring to weather," exclaimed Stevey Todd, "though not putting itso strong, you might--"

But the newcomer broke in, and beat the table with his fist.

"Weather! No! Not weather. Mr. Pemberton, I'll tell you what's thematter. Here's my daughter run away to be married with the coolest,freshest, limber-tongued young codfish that ever escaped salting. Notif I know it! I'll salt him! I'll pickle him! I will, if my name'sMcCulloch."

He puffed hard, and sat down. Stevey Todd looked at AndrewMcCulloch, then he looked at the others and winked cautiously, andPemberton winked back. But Captain Tom did not look up. UncleAbimelech too kept his eyes on the fire. He seemed to be followinghis very very aged train of thought, which Andrew McCulloch's coming had startedagain inside his mind, for he began: