'Hooking Watermelons' is a short story written by Edward Bellamy. The story unfolds on a train station where an elderly lady, two drummers, and a young man with a satchel just got out. The old lady was deferential, as nervous travelers on arriving in strange places generally do regard everybody who seems to feel at home. The drummers briskly disappeared down the main street, each anxious to anticipate the other at the stores. The young man with the satchel, however, did not get away till he had shaken hands and exchanged a few good-natured inquiries with one of the loungers.