The man examined them once more. Then he continued:
“You are strangers hereabouts, I take it.”
Ezra leaned back and regarded the speaker in turn.
“And, sir,” said he, “I’d take the same of you.”
The mocking grin lost a little of its tone; and a flush came into the coarse, heavy-featured face.
“Hah!” said the man. “You are very apt in your answers, I see.”
“It’s a habit that’s like to grow upon one after a little experience with the world,” answered Ezra, evenly.
“You are very young to have had much experience of any sort,” spoke the man. He pushed back the platters and cups in a most offensive way and seated himself upon a corner of the table.
“Age does not always bring experience, any more than it brings manners,” returned Ezra, pointedly.
The grin disappeared entirely; two points of anger showed in the man’s eyes.