“You’re mistook on that p’int, Jim. I’m skipper aboard here, and them’s orders.”
The Elder’s hands shook uncontrollably as he gripped the head of his walking-stick.
“You’re all wasting good time,” observed the seaman. “You’d best heave to, and obey orders. Mutiny won’t be allowed.”
“I intend to remain right here till this mystery concerning me is cleared up,” declared the minister.
“Mystery about you?” exclaimed the Captain. “Why, Mack, there ain’t nothing like that about you. You’re as clear as an open sky. What I’ve got to say is just ’twixt Jim and me. You couldn’t get in on it to save your soul. Now, you and Beth clear out.”
“Josiah Pott, I recognize no right that permits you to intrude into my family affairs. If what you have to say is concerning the mortgage you had better speak at once. There is nothing about that which is confidential.”
“That’s according to the way you look at it. I’d a heap sight rather say it in private, Jim. It may prove embarrassing–––”