on't see what led us into this silly discussion. Malcolm and your
niece must be having a delightful ride. I almost wish I had gone with
them."

She did wish it, devoutly. Captain Elisha still remained by the fire.

"Automobiles are great things for hustlin' around in," he observed.
"Pity they're such dangerous playthings. Yet I s'pose they're one of the
necessities of up-to-date folks, same as you said, Mrs. Dunn."

"Surely," she asked coldly, "you don't condemn automobiles, Captain
Warren? What would you--return to stage coaches?"

"Not a mite! But I was thinkin' of that poor Moriarty man."

"His death was due to an accident. And accidents," she turned and looked
directly at him, "when they involve financial damages, may be paid for."

The captain nodded. "Yes," he said.

"And when arrangements for such payment is made, _honorable_ people--at
least, in the circle of which you and I have been speaking--consider the
matter settled and do not refer to it again, either among themselves--or
elsewhere."

"Yes, ma'am." He nodded again. She did know; Malcolm, evidently, had
told her. "Yes, ma'am. That's the way any decent person would feel--and
act--if such a thing happened--even if they hailed from South Denboro."

He pushed back his chair and stood up. She continued to look him over,
much as if she were taking a mental inventory of his character, or
revising an old one.

"I hope," she said, lightly, but with deliberation, "our little argument
and--er--slight disagreement concerning--er--duty will not make us
enemies, Captain Warren."

"Enemies! Land sakes, no! I respect anybody's havin' opinions and not
bein' afraid to give 'em. And I think I can understand some of how you
feel. Maybe if I was anchored here on Fifth Avenue, same as you are,
instead of bein' blown in by an unexpected no'theaster, I'd be feelin'
the same way. It's all accordin', as I've said so often. Enemies? No,
indeed!"

She laughed again. "I'm so glad!" she said. "Malcolm declares he'd
be quite afraid of me--as an enemy. He seems to think I possess
some mysterious and quite diabolical talent for making my un-friends
uncomfortable, and declares he would compromise rather than fight me
at any time. Of course it's ridiculous--just one of his jokes--and I'm
really harmless and very much afraid. That's why I want you and me to be
friends, Captain Warren."

"Sure!" Captain Elisha nodded emphatically. "That's what I want, too."

But that evening,