But he crossed it now. And, after a look about the place, ignoring the Captain completely, he walked over to the desk. He did not look happy. Mary, on the contrary, looked very much pleased.
“Good morning, Mr. Clifford,” she said.
Jeremiah, who was a little thin man, looked up at her from under his heavy gray eyebrows and above his spectacles. He did not acknowledge the salutation.
“Umph!” he grunted savagely. “You think you're smart, don't ye?”
Shadrach started forward.
“Why, you—” he began. Mary held up her hand.
“Don't interfere, Uncle Shad,” she ordered. “This is Mr. Clifford's affair and mine. We understand each other perfectly.” Then, turning to the frowning Jeremiah, she said: “Why, yes, thank you, Mr. Clifford, I do think I am rather clever—just now. Don't you think I am, yourself?”
Again the visitor ignored the question.
“What did you go and stick an attachment on that land of mine for?” he demanded.
“Surely you don't need to ask me that, Mr. Clifford. The amount is one hundred and ten dollars and sixty-three cents. I remember it and I should imagine you must; certainly it has been called to your attention often enough.”