It is time that prejudice gave way to reason, and that others, who profited much more by Rufus Grim’s removal, should not only be suspected, but subjected to the crucial test of a thorough investigation. This article set the people of Gold Bluff agog. The entire camp, from center to circumference, seemed startled by the boldness of Vance Gilder’s double-leaded editorial. When J. Arthur Boast read the article, he was dazed by its audacity. He sent for his attorney, and throughout the afternoon a consultation that lasted far into the night was held. Work on the Peacock was shut down the following [234] morning at Boast’s request, and the men assembled at the company’s office. Boast, addressing the miners, said: “You, doubtless, have read the editorial in yesterday’s Prospector, written by a stranger and interloper in our midst, Mr. Vance Gilder, who foully accuses me of murdering Rufus Grim. 9242 I am now going down to the office of the Prospector, and shall demand an amende honorable. So many of you as see fit may accompany me.” “Ay, ay!” the crowd shouted, “we are ready!” Indeed, the citizens of Gold Bluff almost to a man, sided with Boast, and said Vance was showing a cowardly venom at J. Arthur Boast’s unexpected success and good fortune, that was neither dignified nor just. Boast led the way to the Prospector office, and was followed by a throng of determined miners and angry citizens, who were in a frame of mind that boded no good for Vance Gilder. Louise Bonifield had just come over to the Prospector office with a message from her father, and met Arthur Boast at the office door. Louise tripped lightly into the office and saluted Vance with a cheery smile and good morning, while Boast paused in the doorway. “Good morning, Mr. Gilder,” said he, savagely. “Good morning,” replied Vance. “Who wrote this editorial?” asked Boast, striking vigorously a copy of the Prospector which he held in his hand. “I tell you,” continued Boast, “I never murdered Rufus Grim, and any man that says I did is a liar, abase scoundrel, and a contemptible whelp!” [235] “That’s right! Ay, ay!” exclaimed the mob that was standing behind Boast, ready at a moment’s notice to loot the printing office. Vance was cool and collected. He noticed that Boast spoke in his old-time thin, piping voice, and his eyes were restless and glittered like a fiend’s. The element of manhood and of the philosopher had wholly disappeared. Louise stepped quickly forward before Vance could make a reply, and laying her hand on Boast’s arm, said: “Arthur, you know I have always been your friend. I am sure Mr. Gilder has never accused you of murdering Mr. Grim. What do you mean?” “But he has accused me,” retorted Boast. “Read this!”