“That, gentlemen,” he exclaimed, straightening to his feet, one hand held high above his head, “is the most idiotic and unjust utterance that ever fell from Talbot Rutter's lips! and one he will regret to his dying day. This boy you all know--most of you have known him from childhood, and you know him, as I do, to be the embodiment of all that is brave and truthful. He is just of age--without knowledge of the world, his engagement to Kate Seymour, as some of you are aware, was to be made known to-night. Willits was drunk or he would not have acted as he did. I saw it coming and tried to stop him. That he was drunk was Rutter's own fault, with his damned notions of drowning everybody in drink every minute of the day and night. I saw the whole affair and heard the insult, and it was wholly unprovoked. Harry did just what was right, and if he hadn't I'd either have made Willits apologize or I would have shot him myself the moment the affair could have been arranged, no matter where we were. I know perfectly well”--here he swept his eyes around--“that there is not a man in this room who does not feel as I do about Rutter's treatment of this boy, and so I shall not comment further upon it.” He dropped his clenched hand and turned to Harry, his voice still clear and distinct but with a note of tenderness through it. “And now, that pronunciamentos are in order, my boy, here is one which has less of the Bombastes Furioso in it than the one you have just listened to--but it's a damned sight more humane and a damned sight more fatherly, and it is this:--hereafter you belong to me--you are my son, my comrade, and, if I ever have a dollar to give to any one, my heir. And now one thing more, and I don't want any one of you gentlemen within sound of my voice ever to forget it: When hereafter any one of you reckon with Harry you will please remember that you reckon with me.” He turned suddenly. “Excuse me one moment, gentlemen, and I will then see that you get your several carriages. Alec!--where's Alec?” The old darky stepped out of the shadow. “I'm yere, sah.” “Alec, go and tell Matthew to bring my gig to the front porch--and be sure you see that your young master's heavy driving-coat is put inside. Mr. Harry spends the night with me.” CHAPTER VII