“No, suh. I went ter de fron’ doo’, an’ while in de hall I heard a regular ruction goin’ on inside dis room.”
“Could you hear what was said?” demanded Brett eagerly.
Joshua shook his head. “I couldn’t make out a word, but Marse James’ voice was powerful riz an’ Marse Philip’s, too.”
“Was that the first time that Senator Carew and Mr. Winthrop have quarreled?”
“Deys had words now and den,” muttered Joshua, evasively.
“About what?” broke in Douglas, sharply.
“Oh, nuffin in particular. Marse James uster get mad with Marse Philip ’cause he wore so lazy, an’ den he’s been adrinkin’ right smart, which Marse James didn’t like nuther.”
“Is Mr. Winthrop a heavy drinker?”
“No, suh, but he’s been adrinkin’ pretty steady fo’ de pas’ three months.”