The man was nettled by the unconscious brusqueness of Alden’s manner.
“Explain yourself,” he said, moving aside where the others who looked inquiringly at them, could not overhear what was said.
“I brought the mail pouches from the last station and expected to take them on to the next as I had a right to do.”
“Well, what of it?”
“And your nephew sneaked over and took them away from me.”
“Did the agent give him permission?”
“Certainly, though he now regrets it.”
“Then your question should be addressed to him and not to me.”
“You shouldn’t have permitted your nephew to do such a thing.”
“Since when have you assumed to advise me, young man? In the first place, Ross didn’t ask my permission, nor did I know he had gone until this morning.”