“Who are the lucky winners?” he inquired. “Some country cousins or other, I know that; but who are they?”
“Oh, I don't know. Yes, I know; but what difference does it make?”
“Isn't there a girl somewhere in the crowd?”
“Yes, but—” He broke off. Captain Dan was regarding him intently.
“Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable, Uncle?” drawled “Tacks,” with bland sarcasm.
Daniel was taken aback.
“Why,” he stammered, “I—I don't know's there is.”
“Shall I speak a little louder? Possibly that might help. Delighted to oblige, I'm sure.”
This was plain enough, certainly. The captain colored. His confusion increased.
“I—I hope you don't think I was listenin' to you and your friend's talk,” he protested hastily. “I wasn't. Why, if—if you two would like this table to yourself you can have it just as well as not. I can go somewhere else. You see, I was thinkin'—when you spoke to me—I was thinkin' there was somethin' familiar about your face. Seemed as if I'd seen you somewhere before, that's all; and—”