You just set right down and I'll have your supper hot and smoking on the table in no time." Mr. Magee entered into no dispute on this point, and for half an hour he was the pleased recipient of advice, philosophy, and food. When he had assured Mrs. Quimby that he had eaten enough to last him the entire two months he intended spending at the inn, Mr. Quimby came in, attired in a huge "before the war" ulster, and carrying a lighted lantern. "So you're going to sit up there and write things," he commented. "Well, I reckon you'll be left to yourself, all right." "I hope so," responded Mr. Magee. "I want to be so lonesome I'll sob myself to sleep every night. It's the only road to immortality. Good-by, Mrs. Quimby. In my fortress on the mountain I shall expect an occasional culinary message from you." He took her plump hand; this motherly little woman seemed the last link binding him to the world of reality. "Good-by," smiled Mrs. Quimby. "Be careful of matches." Mr. Quimby led the way with the lantern, and presently they stepped out upon the road. The storm had ceased, but it was still very dark. Far below, in the valley, twinkled the lights of Upper Asquewan Falls. "By the way, Quimby," remarked Mr. Magee, "is there a girl in your town who has blue eyes, light hair, and the general air of a queen out shopping?" "Light hair," repeated Quimby. "There's Sally Perry. She teaches in the Methodist Sunday-school." "No," said Mr. Magee. "My description was poor, I'm afraid. This one I refer to, when she weeps, gives the general effect of mist on the sea at dawn. The Methodists do not monopolize her." "I read books, and I read newspapers," said Mr. Quimby, "but a lot of your talk I don't understand." "The critics," replied Billy Magee, "could explain. My stuff is only for low-brows. Lead on, Mr. Quimby." Mr. Quimby stood for a moment in dazed silence. Then he turned, and the yellow of his lantern fell on the dazzling snow ahead. Together the two climbed Baldpate Mountain. CHAPTER II ENTER A LOVELORN HABERDASHER
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