“Why, no, I wouldn't say that, exactly. Of course, I wouldn't say that.” “But, you see, you did say it. However, we'll leave that to one side for a spell. What objection--what real objection is there to those two marryin'--my grandson and your daughter--provided that they care for each other as they'd ought to?” Mr. Fosdick's expression changed slightly. His tone, as he replied to the question, was colder and his manner less cordial. “I don't know that it is worth while answering that in detail,” he said, after an instant's pause. “Frankly, Captain Snow, I had rather hoped you would see, for yourself, the reasons why such a marriage wouldn't be desirable. If you don't see them, if you are backing up your grandson in his business, why--well, there is no use in our discussing the matter any further, is there? We should only lose our tempers and not gain much. So we had better end it now, I think.” He rose to his feet. Captain Zelotes, leaning forward, held up a protesting hand. “Now--now, Mr. Fosdick,” he said earnestly, “I don't want you to misunderstand me. And I'm sorry if what I said has made you mad.” Fosdick smiled. “Oh, I'm not mad,” he answered cheerfully. “I make it a rule in all my business dealings not to get mad, or, more especially, not to let the other fellow know that I'm getting that way. My temper hasn't a ruffle in it just now, and I am leaving merely because I want it to remain smooth. I judge that you and I aren't going to agree. All right, then we'll differ, but we'll differ without a fight, that's all. Good afternoon, Captain.” But Captain Lote's hand still remained uplifted. “Mr. Fosdick,” he said, “just a minute now--just a minute. You never have met Albert, my grandson, have you? Never even seen him, maybe?” “No, but I intend to meet him and talk with him before I leave South Harniss. He was one of the two people I came here to meet.”