Now I want to know who you are?
What authority you have on the Henley plantation?
Speak up!" The reply came reluctantly, but there must have been a sternness in my face which compelled an answer.
"I told yer--I 'm the overseer." "A fine specimen, from the looks of the place; what was you ordered to grow--weeds ?" "Thet 's none o' your business." "It 's the business of the lady upstairs, Coombs, and I am representing her at present.

It will be just as well for you to be civil.

Who appointed you to this position--the administrators ?" "I reckon not." "Ever hear of a man named Neale, P.B.Neale ?" "No." "Or Justus C.Vail ?" He shook his head.
"No one sent you any word then that we were coming?
or gave you any orders to look after us ?" The blank expression of his face was sufficient answer.

I waited a moment, thinking, endeavoring to determine my next move.

This knowledge made one thing clear--we were playing a lone hand.