CHAPTER XL.
John leaned out of the buggy and looked back along the road, as if deeply interested in observing something which had attracted his attention, and David's face worked oddly for a moment.
Turning south in the direction of the village, they began the descent of a steep hill, and Mr.Harum, careful of loose stones, gave all his attention to his driving.

Our friend, respecting his vigilance, forebore to say anything which might distract his attention until they reached level ground, and then, "You never married again ?" he queried.
"No," was, the reply.

"My matrymonial experience was 'brief an' to the p'int,' as the sayin' is." "And yet," urged John, "you were a young man, and I should have supposed----" "Wa'al," said David, breaking in and emitting his chuckling laugh, "I allow 't mebbe I sometimes thought on't, an' once, about ten year after what I ben tellin' ye, I putty much made up my mind to try another hitch-up.

The' was a woman that I seen quite a good deal of, an' liked putty well, an' I had some grounds fer thinkin' 't she wouldn't show me the door if I was to ask her.

In fact, I made up my mind I would take the chances, an' one night I put on my best bib an' tucker an' started fer her house.