“He isn't any too happy this morning,” he went on. “That young man won't do. I never quoted him within twenty points of par, but Mabel seemed to like him and her mother thought he was the real thing. Mrs. C. couldn't forget that his family is one of the oldest on the list. Personally I don't gamble much on families; know a little about my own and that little is enough. But women are different. However, family or not, he won't do. I should tell him so myself, but I guess Mabel will save me the trouble. She's got a surprising amount of common-sense, considering that she's an only child--and who her parents are. By the way, Paine, what did Carver say when you put him ashore?” “He--he said--oh, nothing of importance.” “Yes, I know that. I listened to his explanations last night. But did he say anything?” “Why, he offered to pay me for my work.” “Did he? How much?” “I did not wait to find out.” “And you haven't heard from him since?” I hesitated. “Have you?” he repeated. “Well, I--I received a note from him next day.” “Humph! Offering apologies?” “No.” “Sent you money, didn't he?” I looked at him in surprise. “Did he tell you?” I asked. “No, nobody told me. I'm only trying to find out whether or not I have lost all my judgment of human nature since I struck this sand heap. He did send you money then. How much?” “Mr. Colton, I--” “Come now! How much?” “Well--he sent me five dollars.” “No! he didn't!” “I am telling you the truth.” “Yes,” slowly, “I know you are. I've got that much judgment left. Sent you five dollars, did he. And you sent it back.” “Yes.” “Any message with it?” I was tired of being catechized. I had not meant to tell him anything. Now I decided to tell him all. If it angered him, so much the better. “I sent him word that what I saved wasn't worth the money.” To my amazement he was not angry. Instead he slapped his knee and laughed aloud. “Ho! ho!” he shouted. “Humph! Well, that was. . . . I'd like to have seen his face when he got that message. No, that young man won't do. He won't do at all.” It was not for me to dispute this conclusion, even if I had disagreed with him, which I did not. I said nothing. He rubbed his knee for a moment and then changed the subject. “How did you happen to be on the Lower Road at that time of the night?” he asked. “I'm mighty glad you were there, of course, but where did you come from?” “I left the festival rather late and--” “Festival? Oh, that thing up at the church. I didn't see you there.” I had taken pains that he should not see me. “Do you mean to tell me,” he continued, “that you enjoy a thing like that? What in blazes made Mabel want to go I don't see! She and Carver were set on going; and it would be the treat of a lifetime, or words to that effect. I can't see it myself. Of all the wooden headed jays I ever laid eyes on this town holds the finest collection. Narrow and stubborn and blind to their own interests!”