“I do so hope you will understand me, Uncle Josiah!”
“I’ve always tried to, Beth.”
“I know you have! Tell me, did my––did any one you know have anything to do with making up that boxing match the other night?”
“There was a good many that had to do with it, unless I’m ’way off in my reckoning.”
“Has Mr. McGowan said anything about Father in connection with the affair?”
“He ain’t said nothing to me,” responded the Captain.
“Uncle Josiah!” exclaimed the girl, her eyes growing wide in her earnestness. “I know Father has not treated Mr. McGowan one bit nicely since what happened at our 142 house, and I don’t know why. There must be some reason, though, for Father would not harm any one without just reasons. He is the best man in the whole world! But he has had his way so long with all the other ministers that he cannot become accustomed to the way Mr. McGowan ignores him. Father does a lot of good, and Mr. McGowan dare not think ill of him!”
“There, there, Beth,” soothed the Captain. “You’re trying to tell me something, but you’re getting off the course. Just you tell me calm-like what it’s all about. The fust thing to do is to get our bearings. Has some one been telling you that Mr. McGowan thinks and talks about your dad in the way you say?”
“No-o. But I’ve heard others say that Father knew all about the plans for that fight before it happened, and that he could have stopped it had he wished to. It isn’t true! And if Mr. McGowan even thinks it’s true he isn’t fair. He will misjudge Father if he has the least idea that he would stoop to such a frame-up.”