As they were leaving the quay, Silas Craig uttered an exclamation of astonishment on recognizing the lanky figure of William Bowen, who was advancing toward them at a leisurely pace.
The overseer wore a broad-brimmed straw hat, and the light linen coat and trousers customary throughout Louisiana.
"You here, William?" exclaimed Silas, with surprise; "I thought you were at Iberville, where I left you in charge of my plantation."
Bowen laughed, and glanced with rather a peculiar expression at the attorney.
"I know you did," he said; "but you see I've left those parts. I guess I wrote you a letter, Mr. Craig, a week or two ago."
"You did."
"In which I asked you the loan of a thousand dollars?"
"Why, yes."
"And I guess you refused 'em?"
The attorney bit his lip, and glanced from Augustus to Bowen.