What was the mysterious plot into which he had allowed himself to be drawn?
Why were a hundred guns and a ton and a half of powder and balls wanted by the Mormons of Beaver Island?
Instinctively he reached out and closed his hand over the counting fingers of the old man.

Their eyes met.

And there was a shrewd, half-understanding gleam in the black orbs that fixed Captain Plum in an unflinching challenge.

For a little space there was silence.

It was Captain Plum who broke it.
"Dad, I'm going to tell you for the third and last time that you've made a mistake.