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“Was that the first time that Senator Carew and Mr. Winthrop have quarreled?”

“Deys had words now and den,” muttered Joshua, evasively.

“About what?” broke in Douglas, sharply.

“Oh, nuffin in particular. Marse James uster get mad with Marse Philip ’cause he wore so lazy, an’ den he’s been adrinkin’ right smart, which Marse James didn’t like nuther.”

“Is Mr. Winthrop a heavy drinker?”

“No, suh, but he’s been adrinkin’ pretty steady fo’ de pas’ three months.”

“Have you any idea, Joshua, what caused the quarrel yesterday afternoon?”

“Well, it mighter started over Hamilton. Marse Philip persuaded Marse James to keep him las’ fall when he was ’bout to discharge him fo’ bein’ impertinent.”

“Did Senator Carew give you a letter to mail yesterday afternoon, or a note to deliver for him?” inquired Douglas thoughtfully.

“No, suh, he did not,” Joshua declared with firmness.

“How long have you been with Senator Carew, Joshua?”

“Most thirty years, suh. I worked fust fo’ his father, der ole Gineral. Ef yo’ doan want me fo’ nuffin’ mo’, gen’man, I reckon I’ll go an’ close up de house fo’ de night.”