With inward satisfaction Scattergood noticed how the old lady turned a pert, sharp look upon Mr. Spackles, regarding him with awakened interest.  To be considered a man of wisdom by Scattergood Baines was a distinction in Coldriver even in those days, and for a man actually to be consulted and asked for advice by the ample hardware merchant was to lift him into an intellectual class to which few could aspire.

“I hope he gin you good advice, Scattergood,” said Grandmother Penny.

“Allus does.  If ever you’re lookin’ for level-headedness, and f’r a man you kin depend on, jest send a call for Mr. Spackles.  G’-by, ma’am.  G’-by, Mr. Spackles, and much ’bleeged to you.”

Mr. Spackles was a little bewildered, for he had not the least idea upon what subject he had advised Scattergood, but he was of an acuteness not to pass by any of the advantage that accrued from the situation.  He replied, with lofty kindness, “Any time you want for to consult with me, young man, jest come right ahead.”

When Scattergood was gone, Mr. Spackles turned to the old lady and waggled his head.

“Ellen, that there’s a mighty promisin’ young man.  Time’s comin’ when he’s a-goin’ to amount to suthin’.  I’m a-calc’latin’ on guidin’ him all I kin.”

“I want to know,” said Grandmother Penny, almost breathless at this new importance of Mr. Spackles’s, and Mr. Spackles basked in her admiration, and added to it by apochryphal narratives of his relations with Scattergood.

For a week Scattergood let matters rest.  He was content, for more than once he saw Mr. Spackles’s faded overalls and ragged hat on the Penny premises, and watched the old gentleman in animated conversation with Grandmother Penny, who seemed to be perter and brighter and handsomer than she had ever seemed before.

On one such day Scattergood crossed the street and entered the gate.

“Howdy, folks?” he said.  “Wonder if I kin speak with Mr. Spackles without interferin’?”

“Certain you kin,” said Grandmother Penny, cordially.

“Got a important bankin’ matter over to the county seat, Mr. Spackles, and I was wonderin’ if I could figger on your help?”

“To be sure you kin, Scattergood.  To be sure.”

“Got to have a brainy man over there day after to-morrer.  B’jing! that’s circus day, too.  Didn’t think of that till this minnit.  Wonder if you’d drive my boss and buggy over and fix up a deal with the president of the bank?”

“Glad to ’bleege,” said the flattered Mr. Spackles.

“Circus day,” Scattergood repeated.  “Been to a circus lately, Mis’ Penny?”

“Hain’t seen one for years.”

“No?...  Mr. Spackles, what be you thinkin’ of?  To be sure.  Why, you kin bundle Mis’ Penny into the buggy and take her along with you!  Finish the business in no time, bein’ spry like you be, and then you and her kin take in the circus and the side show, and stay f’r the concert.  How’s that?”