“You contemplate a step that is bound to bring trouble.” “It is not my fault,” with a sneer; “some people are so wrapped up in themselves that they can see no one else. This lady—her name shall not be mentioned, as I would not have it the subject of a quarrel—prefers my company to that in which circumstances have thrown her. She is restrained of her liberty, and I would give it to her. That is all. Through the interference of some interloper, such as yourself, we may be prevented from carrying our immediate plans into execution, but the postponement can only be temporary. We must triumph!” Eric was more than ever amazed. This man did not appear shamefaced—he even gloried in his foul work. Surely this was the acme of villainy. How was he to meet it? Could he cow the artist? Already he had made up his mind that this was impossible, for the man seemed to be as daring as he was bad. What then? There was nothing left but to let the game take its course. If Joe and this man ever came into personal contact there would be trouble, for the artist looked like a man who would back up his acts with blows. “You refuse to change your plans, then?” “Most decidedly.” “Well, you may rue it ere long.” “See here, what makes it your business—there was no name attached to this note—how do you know who wrote it—what in the devil have you got to do with it, anyhow, and what is to hinder me from giving you a sound thrashing on account of your confounded impudence in the affair?” His manner was threatening. Eric did not wince. “Mr. Prescott, listen to me, I am a man not acquainted with fear, nor do I descend to fisticuffs. You see I am armed—now you can keep your distance and talk reason or else take the consequences.” At sight of the revolver the artist started. He seemed to suspect for the first time what manner of man he was dealing with. “Are you a—detective?” “I am, sir!” “In _his_ employ?” “Mr.—the gentleman referred to is an old friend of mine. I have sworn to see him through this trouble.” “Were you following me when this paper fell?” “Yes.” “You saw it drop?” “I did.” “And the maid who gave it—perhaps you followed her home.” “No matter—I believe I know all there is to be known of this affair, sir. I am here to advise you to drop it before you get hurt.” “Would you like to hear my opinion of you, sir?” “It would in no wise alter the one I hold of you, Mr. Prescott. Still it is not my plan to indulge in personalities. Remember that what I do is done as a business and from friendship. I wrong no honest man and deceive no trusting woman.” “You make me out a scamp, which I am not, in my own estimation,” he said hotly. “That is another subject which we need not discuss, sir, since our ideas would be sure to be at variance. You go your way and I go mine; but at the last I wish to distinctly warn you that we are prepared to give you your deserts if you persist in your course.”