Hugh Pendexter

“ This mention of her husband's name left him tongue-tied, and the golden opportunity was lost.
Later he learned that she intended to depart on Saturday; knowledge of this fact doubtless made clear to the postmaster his crying need to be known as a definite quantity before that day. It did not seem logical even to the blacksmith's slow mind to go to her and say, “Be my wife,” when he had no name to give her. He speculated hazily as to her status assuming she should marry him now. So far as he could decide she would be reduced like himself to the undesirable plane of a nonentity. ”

“ Durgin.
“They'll have ter hustle,” declared old man Cram, stroking his whisker dubiously.
As the blacksmith walked moodily through the dust to his shop his simple mind was beset with new worries. He knew he must be “somebody” before Saturday, or else suffer the greatest loss possible. For more than a year he had turned his eyes in bashful longing after the plump widow Judkins. ”

“ Old man Cram immediately pricked up his ears and eagerly anticipated the others by offering: “In that case jest consider—er—say, Twinkteetum. I vum! I didn't think I had it in me. There ye be! A danged odd name an' one no one can kick ag'in yer usin'. How's it strike ye?”
“It don't strike him at all,” interposed Postmaster Whitten angrily. “That ain't no name of a human bein'. It's th' name of a star, I take it. An', Mr. Cram, I'd like ter see ye inside afore ye start for home.” ”