Mr. Gordon selected a fresh knuckle for his modified drumming. "Have you considered your duty to the paper, Mr. Banneker? If not, I advise you to do so." The careful manner, more than the words, implied threat. Banneker leaned forward as if for a confidential communication, as he lapsed into a gross Westernism: "Mr. Gordon, _I_ am paying for this round of drinks." Somehow the managing editor received the impression that this remark, delivered in just that tone of voice and in its own proper environment, was usually accompanied by a smooth motion of the hand toward the pistol holster. Banneker, after asking whether there was anything more, and receiving a displeased shake of the head, went away. "Now," said he to the waiting Tommy Burt, "they'll probably fire me." "Let 'em! You can get plenty of other jobs. But I don't think they will. Old Gordon is really with you. It makes him sick to have to doctor news." Sleepless until almost morning, Banneker reviewed in smallest detail his decision and the situation to which it had led. He thought that he had taken the right course. He felt that Miss Camilla would approve. Judge Enderby's personality, he recognized, had exerted some influence upon his decision. He had conceived for the lawyer an instinctive respect and liking. There was about him a power of attraction, not readily definable, but seeming mysteriously to assert some hidden claim from the past. Where had he seen that fine and still face before? CHAPTER IX Sequels of a surprising and diverse character followed Banneker's sudden fame. The first to manifest itself was disconcerting. On the Wednesday following the fight on the pier, Mrs. Brashear intercepted him in the hallway. "I'm sure we all admire what you did, Mr. Banneker," she began, in evident trepidation. The subject of this eulogy murmured something deprecatory. "It was very brave of you. Most praiseworthy. We appreciate it, all of us. Yes, indeed. It's very painful, Mr. Banneker. I never expected to--to--indeed, I couldn't have believed--" Mrs. Brashear's plump little hands made gestures so fluttery and helpless that her lodger was moved to come to her aid. "What's the matter, Mrs. Brashear? What's troubling you?" "If you could make it convenient," said she tremulously, "when your month is up. I shouldn't think of asking you before." "Are you giving me notice?" he inquired in amazement. "If you don't mind, please. The notoriety, the--the--your being arrested. You were arrested, weren't you?" "Oh, yes. But the coroner's jury cleared--" "Such a thing never happened to any of my guests before. To have my house in the police records," wept Mrs. Brashear. "Really, Mr. Banneker, really! You can't know how it hurts one's pride." "I'll go next week," said the evicted one, divided between amusement and annoyance, and retired to escape another outburst of grief.