"Obed Bangs!" she exclaimed.
"I mean it.

I've been meanin' it more and more ever since I first met you, but I ain't had the spunk to say it.

Now I'm goin' to say it if I keel over on the last word.

Thankful, why don't you marry me ?" Thankful was speechless.

The captain plunged desperately on.
"Will you, Thankful ?" he begged.