kely need it.
What I want to make plain to you is that Mack is going to stay right
here in Little River, perviding he wants to."

"Indeed? You surprise me. I usually get my way about church matters.
Permit me to say that you shall not interfere in these affairs any more
than in those of my own home."

"That's been the trouble with you all these years, Jim. You've been
getting your own way too long. I'm not going to interfere one mite, I'm
just going to dictate for this once. If I ain't way off in my
soundings, you'll be mighty glad to have him as a son-in-law, too."

Mr. Fox rose and lifted his cane. He tapped the corner of the desk. He
opened his mouth, but his anger choked him.

"You make me nervous, Jim. Set down and set still. I ain't going to
speak of the parson right off. Ain't you going to set down? There,
that's better."

The Elder's face was livid.

"I cal'late I'll talk better if I get this thing going," observed the
seaman, lighting his pipe. "Now, Jim, I ain't sartin why I'm going to
talk to you in private like this, but----"

"By God! It's time you're finding out! Your impudence has got beyond all
bounds."

"I wouldn't swear like that. It ain't becoming to one of your position
in the church. Them black scowls and blue cuss-words ain't going to get
you nothing."

"You impudent dog! I thought you were intending to pay me that little
debt, or I should never have entered this room. Your insults are----"

"Sartin sure. 'Most forgot that." The Captain drew out a bank-draft and
handed it over to the surprised Elder. "Thanks for reminding me. It's
best to clear all decks afore manoeuvers are begun in earnest."

"I shall be going now. But I cannot take that draft. You will learn more
about that later."

"Suit yourself on both p'ints, Jim," replied the seaman studying the
tips of his heavy boots. "You'd best take this money, though. It pays
off all I owe you. Anyway, I'd stay if I was you. You'd sure enjoy
Peters' yarn."

The two men eyed each other like a pair of wild animals. The Elder at
length rose.

"Pott, I'll not listen to more of your insane talk. I fear all your
trouble has gone to your head. I'm sorry if that is the case. You would
do well to consult some brain specialist."

"No, it ain't my head it's gone to. It's my heart." His words were
gentle, but his eyes were as hard as flint. "I've been itching to get
hold of you for some time, Jim, but I ain't seen any handle till now.
Since yo