hey were
brought he laboriously wrote out a screed to the effect that Webster
Saunders had received of Elsie Preston forty-four dollars, which sum he
promised to pay on demand.

"There," he said, pushing the writing materials across the table. "Sign
that."

At first Mr. Saunders positively refused to sign. Then he intimated that
he had rather wait and think it over a little while. Finally he affixed
his signature and spitefully threw the pen across the room.

Captain Eri folded up the paper and put it in his pocket. Then he rose
and put on his pea jacket.

"Now, there's jest one thing more," he said. "Trot out that coat and
hat."

"What do you mean?"

"Trot out that coat and hat of John's. I want 'em."

"I shan't do it."

"All right, then. It's all off. I'll step over and see the Jedge. You'll
hear from him and me later."

"Hold on a minute, Cap'n. You're in such a everlastin' hurry. I don't
care anything 'bout the old duds, but I don't know's I know where they
are. Seems to me they're up to the house somewheres. I'll give 'em to
you to-morrer."

"You'll give 'em to me right now. I'll tend shop while you go after
'em."

For a moment it looked as though the man of business would rebel
outright. But the Captain was so calm, and evidently so determined to do
exactly what he promised, that "Web" gave up in despair. Muttering that
maybe they were "'round the place, after all," he went into the back
room and reappeared with the burned coat and the scorched white felt
hat. Slamming them down on the counter, he said sulkily, "There they be.
Any more of my prop'ty you'd like to have?"

Captain Eri didn't answer. Coolly tearing off several sheets of wrapping
paper from the roll at the back of the counter, he made a bundle of the
hat and coat, and tucked it under his arm. Then he put on his own hat
and started for the door.

"Good-mornin'," he said.

The temper of the exasperated Mr. Saunders flared up in a final
outburst.

"You think you're almighty smart, don't you?" he growled between his
teeth. "I'll square up with you by and by."

The Captain turned sharply, his hand on the latch.

"I wish you'd try," he said. "I jest wish to God you'd try. I've held in
more 'n I thought I could when I come up here, but if you want to start
a reel fust-class rumpus, one that 'll land you where you b'long and rid
this town of you for keeps, jest try some of your tricks on me. And if
I hear of one word that you've said