Without removing his steady gaze from Corway, Mr. Thorpe reiterated his words slowly and with stinging accentuation, "I demand that you eject that man from this place," and he pointed his finger dramatically at Corway, while glints of merciless intent shot from his eyes. The red flushed into Mr. Harris's face as he realized the indignity his guests and himself were being subjected to. "Thorpe--John--you are insulting all of us. Mr. Corway is my guest. What is the meaning of this affront to my hospitality?" "To defend my honor!" cried the distracted man, lost to all sense of propriety or decorum, "or to add my blood to the other crimes that disgrace him." "In the name of all that's astounding, what do you mean, Thorpe?" exclaimed Corway. "I mean that I intend to avenge the irreparable wrong I have suffered," replied Mr. Thorpe, fairly hissing the words from between his teeth. "Irreparable wrong! To whom do you refer?" "To you, scoundrel! Tell how you came by that ring!" Mr. Harris had listened to the two men with ill-concealed impatience, but when Mr. Thorpe called Mr. Corway, one of his guests, a scoundrel, and dangerous business appearing imminent, he could control his indignation no longer and shouted, "Mr. Thorpe's carriage immediately! Here, Sam, your assistance. Wells, get some more help to maintain order." The words had scarcely been uttered, when Sam, who had appeared with Virginia on the piazza, sprang down the steps to his uncle's assistance. They were quickly joined by the coachman and gardener who, having chanced to meet in a nearby secluded angle of the porch, had heard the loud, passionate words and were at once available for duty. "Hold, Mr. Harris!" spoke up Corway, who seemed to be less disturbed than either Thorpe or his host, "don't be hasty in this matter! Mr. Thorpe is certainly laboring under some delusion." "I will not listen to you," replied Mr. Harris, now worked up to a fury. "Mr. Thorpe's conduct is outrageous. Away with him to his carriage." "I guess so!" responded Sam, pulling off his coat and looking at his uncle sideways, "stampede the corral, eh, uncle? That's what you want!" "Away with him!" repeated Mr. Harris, gesticulating with his arms wildly. The two lackeys advanced, encouraged no doubt by the assurance of Sam's assistance. They were brought to an abrupt halt by Corway, who stepped in front of them and declared with heat, "Stand back! I demand an explanation!" In a low, hoarse voice that quivered with the intensity of his passion, with ghastly white face, and glittering eyes that flashed the lie to his forced calmness, Thorpe replied: "You shall have it--blackguard, liar, and coward!" With which he struck Corway on the mouth with the back of his closed hand. Corway passionately rushed at him and attempted to strike, but Mr. Harris sprang between them and caught his upraised arm, and with the help of Sam, separated them.