“They are in the vault,” said Harvey, pointing to the side door. McNally looked sharply at Harvey, but the young man had turned to a pile of letters. After a moment's hesitation McNally opened the door and pulled at the steel gate. As he was peering through the bars, a heavy hand fell on his shoulder. “Here!” said a low voice. “You'll have to keep away from that vault.” “Take your hand away!” McNally ordered. “Come, now! Move on!” “Mr. West, under whose orders is this man acting?” “His superior officer's, I suppose,” Harvey called through the door without rising. “Call him at once, sir.” The detective beckoned to a boy, and sent him out of the room. In a moment his chief appeared. “This man sent for you, Mr. Mallory,” said the detective. “What is it?” asked Mallory. McNally blustered. “I want to know what this means. Do you understand that I am the receiver of this road?” “Oh, no, you aren't.” Mallory stepped to the door. “Is this true, Mr. West?” “No,” said Harvey, “it isn't.” “You'll have to leave, then, my friend.” “Don't you touch me!” McNally's face was growing red. For reply each detective seized an arm, and the protesting receiver was hustled unceremoniously out of the room. An hour later McNally returned. He greeted the deputy with a suave smile, and requested an interview with Mr. West. “I'm not sure about that,” said the deputy. “That is too bad,” smiled McNally. “Kindly speak to Mr. West.” With a disapproving glance the deputy opened the door. Harvey came forward. “Well,” he said brusquely, “what can I do for you?” McNally stepped through the door and seated himself. “I've been thinking this matter over, Mr. West, and I believe that we can come to an understanding. If your claims are correct, the road has two receivers. You are nominally in possession, but, nevertheless, you are liable for contempt of court for refusing to honor my authority. Whichever way the case is settled, I am in a position to inconvenience you for resisting me.” He waited for a reply, but Harvey waited, too. “In the interest of the road, Mr. West, it would be very much better for you to recognize me, even to the extent of having two receivers. It could not affect the outcome of the case, and it might avoid trouble.” “I can't agree with you,” Harvey replied. “I shall retain control of the road until the case is settled.” McNally rose. “Then, I warn you, you will have a big undertaking on your hands.” “I suppose so.” “Very well; good morning.” “Good morning, Mr. McNally.” At noon Harvey went out to lunch. He met Jim at the hotel, and told him what had happened. Jim smiled at Harvey's seriousness. “The fight hasn't begun yet,” he said. “When you've been through as many deals as I have”--he stopped and drew out his watch. “It's one-thirty. You'd better get back. I'll go with you and look over the field.”