John turned to his fellow practitioner.
“Very well,” he said. “Now, Daniels, what is it?”
Heman did not hesitate.
“Miss Howes has heard,” he said, deliberately, “that your client, Mr. Holliday Kendrick, is determined to force Mrs. Barnes here into selling him this house and land, to force her to sell whether she wishes it or not. Is that true?”
John nodded, gravely.
“I'm afraid it is,” he said. “He seems quite determined. In fact, he said he had expressed that determination to the lady herself. He did that, didn't he, Mrs. Barnes?”
Thankful, who had been so far a perplexed and troubled listener, answered.
“Why, yes,” she admitted. “He was here today and he give me to understand that he wanted this property of mine and was goin' to have it. If I wouldn't agree to sell it to him now then he'd drive me into sellin' later on. That's about what he said.”
Captain Obed struck his fists together.
“The swab!” he exclaimed. “Well, if that don't beat all my goin' to sea! Humph! I'd like to know how he cal'lates to do it.”