Mr. Clifford owns that land. I didn't know that."

"Neither did I. He didn't tell me at first that he did own it. Asked me
what I wanted to know for."

"Did you tell him?" asked Mary.

For the first time since Mr. Keith's arrival that young gentleman's easy
assurance seemed a little shaken. He appeared to feel rather foolish.

"Why, yes, to be honest, I did," he admitted. "I was an idiot, I
suppose, but everyone asks about everyone's else business down here and
I didn't think. He kept talking and pumping and before I realized it I
told him about Raymond's being so anxious to get that property, being
dead set on it and all that, and about my being commissioned to buy
at any reasonable figure. And then, after a while, he astonished me by
saying he owned the land himself. Confound it! I suppose he'll jam the
price away up after what I told him."

"Oh, then you haven't bought?"

"Not yet. I was willing, but for some reason he wouldn't sell at
once--wouldn't even talk price. Wanted to think it over, he said. I
can't wait now, but I am coming down again on Monday and we shall close
the deal then."

That evening Mary told Shadrach what Sam had said. The Captain looked
puzzled.

"I didn't know Jerry Clifford owned that land," he said. "I don't
believe he does."

"Of course he does, Uncle Shad. He wouldn't have told Sam he did own it
if he didn't. What in the world would he gain by that?"

"Why, nothin', I presume likely. But he must have bought it mighty
recent. Last I heard Jimmie G. owned that piece. 'Twas part of the
property his father left him. Next time I see Jimmie I'll ask him."

So, three days later, when Jimmie G.--his last name was Peters--passed
the store the Captain hailed him and, inviting him in, went straight to
the point.

"When did you sell Jerry Clifford that North Inlet land of yours, Jim?"
he asked.

Jimmie G. looked surprised. "How in time did you know I had sold it?" he
demanded. "It beats all how things get around in this town. I never sold
that land until day afore yesterday evenin' and the deed didn't pass
till yesterday, and yet you know the whole business. Not that I care;
'twas Jerry wanted it kept still. Who told you?"

Captain Shad whistled. "I see," he said slowly. "I see. Yes, yes. When
Jerry told Sam he owned that land he . . . Humph! It's just another case
of the boy lied, that's all. Tut, tut, tut! When you get ahead of Jerry
Clifford you've got to turn out early, ain't you?