feel that way--that's why I put in hot water heat--but for looks and
sociableness you can't beat a log fire. Smoke, do you?"

"Yes. Occasionally. But, Captain Warren--"

"Here, try that. It's a cigar the Judge gave me over to Ostable. He
smokes that kind reg'lar, but if you don't like it, throw it away.
He ain't here to see you do it, so you won't be fined for contempt of
court. I'll stick to a pipe, if you don't mind. Now we're shipshape
and all taut, I cal'late. Let's see, you wanted to talk business, I
believe."

"Yes, I did. But before I begin I should like to be sure you are the
Elisha Warren I came from New York to interview. Is there another of
that name in Denboro?"

"Um-hm. There's Warrens a-plenty all through this section of the Cape.
Our family blew ashore here a hundred and fifty years ago, or such
matter. My dad's name was Elisha; so was my grandfather's. Both sea
cap'ns, and both dead. There's another Elisha livin' over on the shore
lane."

"Indeed. Then perhaps it is he I want."

"P'raps. He's keeper of the town poorhouse. I can tell you better if you
give me an idea what your business is."

"I am an attorney. And now let me ask another question, please. Have
you--had you a brother in business in New York?"

"Hey?" The captain turned and looked his guest squarely in the eye. His
brows drew together.

"I've got a brother in New York," he answered, slowly. "Did _he_ send
you here?"

"Was your brother's name A. Rodgers Warren?"

"'A. Rodgers'? No. His name is Abijah Warren, and--Wait! His middle name
is Rodgers, though. Did 'Bije send you to me?"

"A moment, Captain. Was your brother a broker?"

"Yes. His office is--or used to be on Broad Street. What--"

"You have not heard from him for some time?"

"Not for eighteen years. He and I didn't agree as well as we might.
Maybe 'twas my fault, maybe 'twas his. I have my own ideas on that. If
you're lookin' for 'Bije Warren's brother, Mr. Graves, I guess you've
come to the right place. But _what_ he sent you to me for, or what
he wants--for he wants somethin', or he wouldn't have sent--I don't
understand."

"Why do you think he wanted something?"

"Because he's 'Bije Warren, and I was brought up with him. When we was
young ones together, he went to school and I went to work. He got the
frostin' on the cake, and I got the burnt part next to the pan. He went
to college, and I went to sea. He.... However, you mustn't think I find
fault with hi