“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 357 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 manœuvers 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 you made me 358 that offer up to your house t’other night I’ve been wanting to choke you. Yes, to choke you till your lying old pipe of a gullet would shut off your wind for good and all. But the law won’t allow me that pleasure.” He continued with intense bitterness: “I s’pose you’re wondering where I got that money to pay off your filthy loan.”
“So this is the gratitude you offer for my kindness?”
“It’s a fat lot you’ve ever done for me! You’ve just told me this ain’t no good.”
“The fact of the matter is, my lawyers probably foreclosed on the real mortgage at noon to-day.”