remember that I gave any definite promise. I said I would do
my best for you, and I did."

"Maybe you done your best, but----"

"We'll not quarrel about that. There is nothing indefinite about the
position I have to offer you this time. I have the papers here on my
table, and the command is yours in less than five minutes after you make
the promise. At the same time the note for my loan to you goes into the
fire."

"Well, is there any special reason why you should take so long to get
this thing off your chest?"

"I want you to realize the importance of the request I have to make."
The Elder threw aside what little mask he had been wearing. An imperious
note crept into his voice, giving it a hard metallic ring. "It is time
for you to recognize, Josiah, that I have you about where I want you. I
can make or ruin you in five minutes, and it all depends on how you
reply now. Think hard before you answer."

"That's right, Jim, you've got me with a purty tight hip-hold," admitted
the Captain. "But I'm waiting just now for them orders to see if I'm
going to sign up."

"You'll sign up, I'm not afraid of that. That is, if you really wish to
keep your place. The promise that you are to make to me is concerning
the man staying in your house."

Captain Pott stiffened, and threw up his guard. He carefully concealed
his rising anger, however. He must be more certain of his ground before
he made any leap that might prove dangerous.

"What in tarnation has he got to do with this affair?"

"He has everything to do with it, so far as you are concerned at this
particular moment. We must get that man out of this town. You must
believe me when I tell you that such action is as much to your interest
as mine. If he is permitted to stay here----"

"Heave to, there, Jim!" exploded the seaman. He leaned across the table
and glared at the man on the other side.

"There, now, sit down and compose yourself," soothed the Elder. "I was
prepared for you to take it this way at first. I don't mean anything
against the man, so far as his personal character is concerned, but his
presence here is a decided menace both to you and me. If I dared to tell
you the whole truth, you, too, would see the sense of my request. It is
best that he go for his own good, too. Some physical violence will
certainly be done him if he remains. You must see with me that it is
best on that one point that we remove him quietly from the town. Sim
Hicks has sworn to d