Albert told of the lame horse, of his effort to hire another team, and finally how in desperation he had engaged Ves Young as a last resort. The captain's face was serious but there was the twinkle under his heavy brows. He pulled at his beard.
“Humph!” he grunted. “Did you know Ves and Simp had been drinkin' when you hired 'em?”
“Of course I didn't. After they had gone Issy said he suspected that they had been drinking a little, but I didn't know it. All I wanted was to prove to HIM,” with a motion toward Mr. Calvin, “that I kept my word.”
Captain Zelotes pulled at his beard. “All right, Al,” he said, after a moment; “you can go.”
Albert went out of the private office. After he had gone the captain turned to his irate customer.
“I'm sorry this happened, Mr. Calvin,” he said, “and if Keeler or I had been here it probably wouldn't. But,” he added, “as far as I can see, the boy did what he thought was the best thing to do. And,” the twinkle reappeared in the gray eyes, “you sartinly did get your lumber when 'twas promised.”
Mr. Calvin stiffened. He had his good points, but he suffered from what Laban Keeler once called “ingrowin' importance,” and this ailment often affected his judgment. Also he had to face Mrs. Calvin upon his return home.
“Do I understand,” he demanded, “that you are excusing that young man for putting that outrage upon me?”
“We-ll, as I say, I'm sorry it happened. But, honest, Mr. Calvin, I don't know's the boy's to blame so very much, after all. He delivered your lumber, and that's somethin'.”
“Is that all you have to say, Captain Snow? Is that—that impudent young clerk of yours to go unpunished?”