Sprowl stood perfectly still, interested, waiting: and two men, bare-headed and in evening dress, came swiftly but silently into the drawing-room. One was Quarren, the other Chester Ledwith. Quarren took hold of Ledwith's arm and tried to draw him out of the room. Then Ledwith caught sight of Sprowl and started toward him, but Quarren again seized his companion by the shoulder and dragged him back. "I tell you to keep quiet," he said in a low voice--"Keep out of this!--go out of the house!" "I can't, Quarren! I----" "You promised not to come in until that man had left----" "I know it. I meant to--but, good God! Quarren! I can't stand there----" He was struggling toward Sprowl and Quarren was trying to push him back into the hall. "You said that you had given up any idea of personal vengeance!" he panted. "Let me deal with him quietly----" "I didn't know what I was saying," retorted Ledwith, straining away from the man who held him, his eyes fixed on Sprowl. "I tell you I can't remain quiet and see that blackguard in this house----" "But he's going I tell you! He's going without a row--without any noise. Can't you let me manage it----" He could not drag Ledwith to the door, so he forced him into a chair and stood guard, glancing back across his shoulder at Sprowl. "You'd better go," he said in a low but perfectly distinct voice. Sprowl, still holding his cigar, sauntered forward into the drawing-room. "I suppose you are armed," he said contemptuously. "If you threaten me I'll take away your guns and slap both your faces--ask the other pup how it feels, Quarren." Ledwith struggled to rise but Quarren had him fast. "Get out of here, Sprowl," he said. "You'll have a bad time of it if he gets away from me." Sprowl stared, hands in his pockets, puffing his cigar. "I've a notion to kick you both out," he drawled. "It would be a mistake," panted Quarren. "Can't you go while there's time, Sprowl! I tell you he'll kill you in this room if you don't." "I won't--_kill_ him!--Let go of me, Quarren," gasped Ledwith. "I--I won't do murder; I've promised you that--for _her_ sake----" "Let him loose, Quarren," said Sprowl. He waited for a full minute, watching the struggling men in silent contempt. Then with a shrug he went out into the hall, leisurely put on his hat, picked up his stick, opened the door, and sauntered out into the darkness. "Now," breathed Quarren fiercely, "you play the man or I'm through with you! He's gone and he won't come back--I'll see to that! And it's up to you to show what you're made of!" Ledwith, freed, stood white and breathing hard for a few moments. Then a dull flush suffused his thin face; he looked down, stood with hanging head, until Quarren laid a hand on his shoulder.