exactly where we stand. When I say 'we,'" she added, with a nod of great
importance, "I mean 'we,' because, as I told you last night, I am a
silent partner in the business now."

"Don't seem to be so terrible much silence," observed Shadrach dryly.

"Hush! Another remark of that kind and I shall set you to sweeping out,
Uncle Shad. Now, Uncle Zoeth, according to the books this is what we
owe."

She read from the paper in her hand.

"That is the total, Uncle Zoeth, isn't it?" she asked. Zoeth groaned and
admitted that he cal'lated it was nigh enough.

"Yes. But this," holding up another sheet of paper, "is what is owed us,
and it is almost as much as the other."

It was Shadrach's turn to groan. "'Tis if we could get a-hold of it,"
he muttered. "The heft of the gang on that list ain't got a cent and the
bulk of the rest of 'em wouldn't have if they paid what they owed."

Mary nodded determinedly.

"There are some that can pay," she said. "Jeremiah Clifford, for
instance. According to the books he owes us over a hundred and ten
dollars and part of the account is three years old. Mr. Clifford owns
property. He can't be a poor man."

The Captain sniffed. "His wife owns the property," he said. "Every