human
I think I can spare you a few minutes, Josiah, barely whispered the Elder.
gpt
I don't want to seem arrogant and high-handed in the matter of that small loan. And if there is anything----
human
That's all right, Jim, about that loan. Come right in, and set down. Thought you'd gone hum.
gpt
That was the preacher going out with my daughter. He shall see the day when he'll pay for his impudence.
human
Most of us get caught afore we're through life, Jim.
gpt
I don't know why I'm doing this little service for you to-night, except it be for the sake of our boyhood friendship. I am willing to suffer this inconvenience----
human
It's mighty kind of you, cut in the Captain sharply.
gpt
But for once that boyhood rot ain't going to help you none. It ain't going to let you turn any more of them tricks of a black rascal simply because you pose as a shining martyr. The way you've treated Mack McGowan----
human
If this conversation is to be about the minister, I shall save you the trouble of speaking by going at once.
gpt
It ain't no trouble for me to speak. What I've got to say does consarn Mack a heap, and you'd best listen. When I finish you'll see that it's best for him to stay right here in this church, if he wants to, after all the mean low-down tricks you've served him.
human
I shall not allow you to pick a quarrel. I regret that you are so much inclined that way.
gpt
You can keep all your regretting till later, you'll likely need it. What I want to make plain to you is that Mack is going to stay right here in Little River, perviding he wants to.
human
Indeed? You surprise me. I usually get my way about church matters. Permit me to say that you shall not interfere in these affairs any more than in those of my own home.
gpt
That's been the trouble with you all these years, Jim. You've been getting your own way too long. I'm not going to interfere one mite, I'm just going to dictate for this once. If I ain't way off in my soundings, you'll be mighty glad to have him as a son-in-law, too.
human
You make me nervous, Jim. Set down and set still. I ain't going to speak of the parson right off. Ain't you going to set down? There, that's better.
gpt
I cal'late I'll talk better if I get this thing going, observed the seaman, lighting his pipe.
human
Now, Jim, I ain't sartin why I'm going to talk to you in private like this, but----
gpt
By God! It's time you're finding out! Your impudence has got beyond all bounds.
human
I wouldn't swear like that. It ain't becoming to one of your position in the church. Them black scowls and blue cuss-words ain't going to get you nothing.
gpt
You impudent dog! I thought you were intending to pay me that little debt, or I should never have entered this room. Your insults are----
human
Sartin sure. 'Most forgot that. The Captain drew out a bank-draft and handed it over to the surprised Elder.
gpt
Thanks for reminding me. It's best to clear all decks afore manoeuvers are begun in earnest.
human
I shall be going now. But I cannot take that draft. You will learn more about that later.
gpt
Suit yourself on both p'ints, Jim, replied the seaman studying the tips of his heavy boots.
human
You'd best take this money, though. It pays off all I owe you. Anyway, I'd stay if I was you. You'd sure enjoy Peters' yarn.
gpt
Pott, I'll not listen to more of your insane talk. I fear all your trouble has gone to your head. I'm sorry if that is the case. You would do well to consult some brain specialist.
human
No, it ain't my head it's gone to. It's my heart. His words were gentle, but his eyes were as hard as flint.
gpt
I've been itching to get hold of you for some time, Jim, but I ain't seen any handle till now. Since you made me that offer up to your house t'other night I've been wanting to choke you. Yes, to choke you till your lying old pipe of a gullet would shut off your wind for good and all. But the law won't allow me that pleasure. He continued with intense bitterness:
human
I s'pose you're wondering where I got that money to pay off your filthy loan.
gpt
So this is the gratitude you offer for my kindness?
human
It's a fat lot you've ever done for me! You've just told me this ain't no good.
gpt
The fact of the matter is, my lawyers probably foreclosed on the real mortgage at noon to-day.
human
Then, that lawyer feller I see wa'n't far off his course, after all, replied the Captain, laying the draft on the table.
gpt
Now, Jim, show your hand and be damn quick afore I call your turn on the deal,
human
I have nothing to show at this time.
gpt
By the Almighty, then, look out! I sold my _Jennie P._ to get you that money. It was purty hard to see her go, but it wa'n't all loss, not by a heap. John Peters bought her. I told him why I was selling her. He was real sorry, and then he spun me the yarn about your crookedness in Australia. I got the rest of the story by installments, about the way you treated Adoniah. John give me some mighty interesting news about an old Mrs. Rogers, who was the mother of Adoniah's wife. She's here right now looking for heirs and crooks.