"
"I have no doubt I should. But I'm afraid I can't go. The fact is,
Captain, I've decided not to spend Thanksgiving with you, after all."
"Hey?" Captain Elisha could scarcely believe he had heard correctly.
"You can't go--to South Denboro?"
"No."
"Why not, for the land sakes?"
"Well, I've decided--I've decided not to."
"But, Jim! Why, I can't have it so! I'm dreadful disappointed. I've
counted on your goin'. So has Abbie. She's read your book, and she says
she's crazy to see the feller that wrote it. She's told the minister
and a whole lot more, and they're all comin' in to look at you. 'Tain't
often we have a celebrated character in our town. You've GOT to go."
"Thank you, Captain. I appreciate the invitation and your kindness,
but," with decision, "I can't accept."
"Can't you come later? Say Thanksgivin' mornin'? Or even the day after?"
"No."
"But why not? What's the matter with you all of a sudden? Come here! let
me look at you."
He took the young man by the arm and led him, almost by main strength,
close to the lighted window of the station. It was late, and the
afternoon was gloomy. Here, by the lamplight streaming through the
window, he could see his face more clearly. He looked at it.
"Humph!" he grunted, after a moment's scrutiny.
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