Also he refused to go to Simmons's that evening, saying that he was tired and guessed he'd stay at home and "turn in early." Mr.Tidditt departed grumbling.

After he had gone the captain drew his chair nearer the center table, took from his pocket a sheet of notepaper, and proceeded to read what was written on its pages.

It was a letter which he had received nearly a month before and had not yet answered.

During the past week he had read it many times.

The writing was cramped and blotted and the paper cheap and dingy.