12 OVER ON THE ISLAND

It did!

I walked from Carleton shore to the “jumping-05f- place” of the new cable. A short distance ahead of me a red-headed lad of about twelve years was hurrying along. I set ofi at a brisk trot. I did not want to enjoy the cable alone, and besides, I wanted informa. tion. I overtook him at last, but after scrutinizing his face I saw quite clearly that I would get neither companionship nor information from him. His back had seemed quite intelligent and friendly.

“Wait a minute. ”

He waited, eyeing me distrustfully.

“Has the cable always been in this spot?”

“I dunno.”

”When was it put here?”

“I dunno. "

“Who laid it then?” He gave me a sulky look, and with a last “ I dunno, ”

moved on.

The information I had received weighed heavily on my shoulders so I sat down . . . About ten minutes later a kind-looking old man trudged toward me. He was dressed in faded blue ill-fitting trousers with a shirt to match. His face was round and chubby. His eyes opened wide with interest.

”The cable? Why sure. "

He settled down to enjoy himself. I wasn’t quite so comfortable. He had a few parcels with him which looked to be groceries. Suppose his wife were standing at the door impatiently waiting for the baking powder or molasses. I could see her stirring . . stirring . . . and peering . . . and scolding. But perhaps it was tobacco . . . or nails