Page:Paine--J Archibauld McKaney collector of whiskers.djvu/198

   night. I'm going in her. I hereby abdicate, jump the job, quit without notice. Miss Hulda Barnstable goes too. Will you join us?"

I shook his hand and congratulated him as heartily as I could under the circumstances. Alas, for my dreams of completing my unique researches on Lemuel Wilkins Island. I must join the retreat. I asked Wilkins if he intended leaving my employ. He shook his head with an air of sincere regret.

"She simply abominates 'em," he said reluctantly. "I'm afraid you and I have chased the last whisker to its lair together. I've made my choice, sir. There's a brace of missionary sky-pilots on Peace Island. We will be married there, and she has agreed to give up her missionary projects in return for my surrenderin' a throne. Maybe I'll buy a farm somewhere near your place. Will you lend me your razor first thing in the morning, sir?"

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