This took a long time, and in getting back to the carryall he tore a triangular rent in the back of his Sunday coat.

He had donned his best clothes to be married in, and, to add to his troubles, had left his watch in the fob-pocket of his everyday trousers, so they had no means of knowing the time.
"That's a nice mess," he grumbled, taking off his coat to examine the tear by the light of the lantern.

"Nice-lookin' rag-bag I'll be to get married." "Maybe I can mend it when we get to Bayport," said Miss Parker.
"What'll you mend it with--pins ?" "No, there's a needle and thread in my reticule.

Wait till we get to Bayport and then--" "Can't mend it in broad daylight ridin up and down the main street, can you?
And I'd look pretty shuckin' my coat in the minister's parlor for you to patch up the holes in it.

Couldn't you mend it now ?" Hannah announced her willingness to try, and the reticule being produced, the needle was threaded after numerous trials, and the mending began.