in the least, but thought he would have a cigar
himself. So he lit one and smoked in silence as the Captain filled his
pipe. "Web" knew that this was something more than an ordinary social
visit. Captain Eri's calls at the billiard room were few and far
between. The Captain, for his part, knew what his companion was
thinking, and the pair watched each other through the smoke.

The pipe drew well, and the Captain sent a blue cloud whirling toward
the ceiling. Then he asked suddenly, "Web, how much money has Elsie
Preston paid you altogether?"

Mr. Saunders started the least bit, and his small eyes narrowed a
trifle. But the innocent surprise in his reply was a treat to hear.

"Elsie? Paid ME?" he asked.

"Yes. How much has she paid you?"

"I don't know what you mean."

"Yes, you do. She's been payin' you money reg'lar for more 'n a month. I
want to know how much it is."

"Now, Cap'n Hedge, I don't know what you're talkin' about. Nobody's paid
me a cent except them that's owed me. Who did you say? Elsie Preston?
That's the school-teacher, ain't it?"

"Web, you're a liar, and always was, but you needn't lie to me this
mornin', 'cause it won't be healthy; I don't feel like hearin' it. You
understand that, do you?"

Mr. Saunders thought it time to bluster a little. He rose to his feet
threateningly.

"Cap'n Hedge," he said, "no man 'll call me a liar."

"There's a precious few that calls you anything else."

"You're an old man, or I'd--"

"Never you mind how old I am. A minute ago you said I didn't look more
'n forty; maybe I don't feel any older, either."

"If that Preston girl has told you any--"

"She hasn't told me anything. She doesn't know that I know anything. But
I do know. I was in the entry upstairs at the schoolhouse for about ten
minutes last night."

Mr. Saunders' start was perceptible this time. He stood for a moment
without speaking. Then he jerked the chair around, threw himself into
it, and said cautiously, "Well, what of it?"

"I come up from the house to git Elsie home 'cause 'twas rainin'. I was
told you was with her, and I thought there was somethin' crooked goin'
on; fact is, I had a suspicion what 'twas. So when I got up to the door
I didn't go in right away; I jest stood outside."

"Listenin', hey! Spyin'!"

"Yup. I don't think much of folks that listens, gin'rally speakin', but
there's times when I b'lieve in it. When I'm foolin' with a snake I'd
jest as soon hit him from beh