He had conceived a feeling of dislike to the young man, for which he could not account, while at the same time he felt a strong curiosity to know more of him.
When they came nearer, he perceived the drenched garments, and went to the door himself to admit them.
"What's the matter, John ?" he demanded hastily, with a contraction of the eyebrows.
"I'm wet!" said John shortly.
"It is easy to see that.

But how came you so wet ?" "I've been in the river," answered John, who did not seem disposed to volunteer any particulars of his adventure.
"How came you there ?" "Your son's boat capsized," explained Mr.Morton; "and, as you will judge from my appearance, I jumped in after him.

I should advise him to change his clothing, or he will be likely to take cold." Squire Haynes looked puzzled.
"I don't see how a large rowboat like his could capsize," he said; "he must have been very careless." "It was a sailboat," explained John, rather reluctantly.
"A sailboat! Whose ?" "Mine." "I don't understand at all." "I had a mast put in, and a sail rigged up, two or three days since," said John, compelled at last to explain.
"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.