“And I know what you are up to, Polk.” “What am I up to?” “You are going to try to cheat Mr. Bartlett out of his shares in the Richmond Importing Company, just as your father cheated my mother out of the most of what was coming to her after my father died.” “It’s not so. I--I am trying to save Mr. Bartlett’s money for him.” “You are the last person in the world to do any such thing, Polk. You know how to spend money, but there is nothing charitable in your make-up.” “You think you have got a case against my father, and now you are trying to make out a case against me.” “You are making out the case against yourself. Why don’t you leave the Bartletts alone?” “I haven’t hurt them.” “Mr. Bartlett is very sick, and must not be disturbed.” “I came thousands of miles to see him.” “That makes no difference. You have got to leave him alone, so long as Mrs. Bartlett wishes it.” “Is that another of your orders?” “It is. And, let me add, I am going to see that it is enforced. If you are caught around that house again without the lady’s permission, I will have you placed under arrest, and stowed away in the Tien-Tsin prison. That prison is about the worst hole I have yet seen; and, if you know when you are well off, you’ll do your best to keep out of it.” “You think you are big because you are a lieutenant,” blustered Nuggy. “I am big enough to handle you, Polk. Now you go about your business, and”--Gilbert put a peculiar emphasis to the words--“don’t try to steal any more letters. They are easily duplicated, and such work may land you in prison.” For the instant Nuggy Polk glared at the young lieutenant. Then he turned on his heel, and made down the roadway at a rapid walk. At a far corner Jerry Nickerson was waiting for him, and the pair soon passed out of sight. CHAPTER XXV “ON TO PEKIN” “I am very glad you came when you did,” exclaimed Mrs. Bartlett, when Gilbert reappeared at the house. “If you had not come, I do not know what I should have done.” She spoke in a whisper, so that her husband might not be disturbed again. Jennie had gone to the sufferer, and administered a quieting draught; and he was now in a fitful doze. “Had Polk been here long before I came?” asked the young lieutenant, in an equally low voice. “At least half an hour. We tried by all means in our power to get rid of him; but he would not go, and at one time almost pushed his way into my husband’s bed-chamber.” “I do not believe he will bother you again, at least not right away.” And Gilbert told how he had threatened Nuggy Polk. “I imagine he is a coward at heart.” Mrs. Bartlett led the way to a side room; and, sitting down here, Gilbert listened to what she had to tell concerning the second fire at the warehouse.