Taking advantage of a break in Mr. Ball’s oration, I took the opportunity to engage Captain Garrett in conversation. “Tell me, Captain, do you travel to Mobile often?”

Mr. Ball slurped on his lemonade and said, “Yes, we do want to hear about your travels. The Delta Queen, that’s the name of your boat, correct?” His short dark hair stuck out above his ears, and his bald spot shone in the sun.

“I have been to Mobile many times, Miss Cottonwood. It is a city I have come to appreciate recently,” he said with a smile. “I have thought many times that if I were to ever take leave of my boat, I would happily call this fair city home. How much more so now that I have found such fair and pleasant company?” He lifted his glass and tilted his head to both Mr. Ball and me.

“Ma’am, the sheriff is here to see you.” Stokes stood officiously in the doorway.

“Thank you, Stokes. Just one moment, please, gentlemen.” The men rose as I left the table.

A tall, lanky man with a bushy black mustache stood in my foyer. After a few pleasantries, I led the sheriff to the porch, poured him a glass of cold water and sat quietly as he interviewed our guest. He drilled through the formalities, writing down a few notes as Captain Garrett recounted this morning’s misfortune. Satisfied with the interview, the sheriff mentioned that the captain’s horse, a dappled gray, had been found already. The thieves must have gotten cold feet and left the horse after realizing what a shameful act they had committed. “Still, we’re taking this very seriously. I have a few ideas about who these troublemakers are, but I can’t be certain without more investigation. I’ll do some checking around, Miss Cottonwood. In the meantime, if anyone sees the men again, please send for me immediately. Don’t take them on yourself, although I can see that you’re hardly alone here.” I could sense that the sheriff didn’t seem to approve of me. “Is your father expected to return soon?” I nodded dumbly. “Well, that’s a good thing. Can’t be too careful. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to continue my search.” As he rose with his hat in his hand, he added, “Sir, will you be available if I have more questions?”

“I am at your service, Sheriff.” The captain rose to his feet and nodded slightly.

“Where can I find you? Will you be staying long at Seven Sisters?”

“No. Now that my horse has been found, I’ll return to the Delta Queen before nightfall. You can find me there; I will be in Mobile for another month. I am scheduled to pick up a load of supplies and then head up the river.”

“Mr. Ball, if I may have a word with you, sir,” With a nod, the sheriff left with Mr. Ball, who was now fully sweating after his meal. I was relieved to see the sheriff go but felt immensely embarrassed by how my new guest had been treated.