Accordingly, after the first words of greeting had passed, he addressed Captain Obadiah in a strain somewhat after this fashion: "Indeed, I protest, my dear brother Obadiah, it is with the heartiest regrets in the world that I find myself obliged to confess that I cannot offer you a home with myself and my family.

" "Sir," quoth Captain Obadiah to the reverend gentleman, "again I say 'tis to you I address my confession.

He leaped into the room and caught Obadiah by the arm.

The night before he had guessed that Obadiah with his gold and his smoldering passion was not a man to isolate himself in the heart of the forest.