"Why did you do this without my permission?" demanded the squire angrily.

"Perhaps," said Mr. Morton quietly, "it will be better to postpone inquiries until your son has changed his clothes.

Squire Haynes, though somewhat irritated by this interference, bethought himself that it would be churlish not to thank his son's preserver.

"I am indebted to you, sir," he said, "for your agency in saving the life of this rash boy. I regret that you should have got wet."

"I shall probably experience nothing more than temporary inconvenience."

"You have been some months in the village, I believe, Mr. Morton. I trust you will call at an early day, and enable me to follow up the chance which has made us acquainted."

"I seldom make calls," said Mr. Morton, in a distant tone. "Yet," added he, after a pause, "I may have occasion to accept your invitation some day. Good morning, sir."

"Good morning," returned the squire, looking after him with an expression of perplexity.