This was too much for the old man. With an effort he rose to his feet and staggered to where the intruder was kneeling. "Go away; go away at once!" he cried out, in agitation. "You are a thief. I don't believe you are a Nixon at all." He tried to seize Ralph by the shoulder, but only fell over him. The young man laughed, and put another handful of coins into his pocket. "You—you scoundrel! Old as I am, I'll live to see you hanged!" By this time the visitor had become angry. He gave the old man a push which laid him on his back, for he had little or no strength. Thomas Nixon began to cry out, "Help! Murder! Thieves!" so that his nephew became alarmed. "If you don't stop your yelping I'll choke you!" he exclaimed. But the old man continued crying out. Finally Ralph lost patience, and grasped the old man by the throat, nearly choking him. "Will no one help me?" he cried, feebly, as soon as the grasp was somewhat relaxed. "No; there is no one within hearing!" said Ralph. "Give me half of these gold pieces and I will go away and never trouble you again." "No, no!" screamed the old man. "I won't give you one!" "Then I shall have to help myself," said Ralph, coolly, and this he proceeded to do. The old man, who was lying on his back on the floor, tried to get up, but he was too weak, and his unfeeling nephew laughed at his efforts. "Will no one help me?" he again asked, in piteous accents. "I guess not," said Ralph; but as he spoke the outer door opened, and Gerald Lane appeared. Scarcely noticing who it was, but knowing that some one had entered the room, the old man again called for assistance. Ralph Nixon was at first alarmed when he heard the door open, but on seeing Gerald his boldness returned. "It's only a kid?" he exclaimed, contemptuously. "What are you doing there?" demanded Gerald, with spirit. "None of your business, boy. You'd better clear out!" "He is robbing me!" complained the old man. "I am his nephew. Part of the gold is mine." "I never saw him till this morning. He is a thief! Help me if you can!" "I'll try," said Gerald. Looking about him for some offensive weapon he espied a broom. Seizing it, he flourished it above his head, and ordered the ruffian to put back the gold he had taken. These words were greeted by a derisive laugh. "I take no orders from a kid!" said the thief. "Then take that!" Carried away by his indignation, Gerald struck Ralph a smart blow on the head with the broom-handle. The ruffian was immediately on his feet, his face blazing with wrath. "I'll give you a lesson!" he exclaimed, between his set teeth.