“And I have in my hand a letter of warning from an unknown friend,” continued Butler. “But you are not really afraid?” cried the girl with scorn. “I refuse to believe my own father the contemptible coward your enemies have called you.” “Have you heard of the criminal outrages committed last night by those masked raiders?” “They do not interest me.” “You must remember, my dear, that I have sworn to send these men to the gallows.” “I can’t help your political bluster. I refuse to sacrifice my social career and insult my friends for your dirty politics.” “And you can not see that the presence of these masked men in this house would be a mortal insult to me?” “Certainly not. A crowd of gay masqueraders who come to do me honour.” “You must stop it, my child.” “It is impossible now. My friends are getting ready. I’ve hired a band.” “You refuse to respect my wishes?” “I refuse to make a fool of myself!” “Come, my dear, you must be reasonable. I know I’ve spoiled you. I’ve loved you too well. I’ve indulged every whim of your heart and allowed you to rule me, but you can’t do this absurd and dangerous thing. You forget that you are not only making a fool of me but that you are putting my life in jeopardy.” “I’ll assume the responsibility!” she broke in, drawing herself up with pride. “If you receive the slightest insult or a hair of your head is harmed I’ll give my life to avenge it.” “You persist?” asked her father with a scowl. “I do,” flashed the answer. The Judge rose, hesitated a moment and then said with stern determination: “Then for the first time in my life, I forbid you a thing on which you have set your heart. These masked men shall not enter my house!” Stella’s eyes flashed fire. “They shall come!” she cried. “Larkin,” said the Judge, turning to the Carpetbagger, “I shall have to ask you to go to the telegraph office and order the troops here on a special. Ask them to protect me to-night from these assassins.” Stella’s figure suddenly stiffened with incontrollable rage. She clenched her fists and sprang in front of her father screaming. “Don’t you dare insult me by applying such epithets to my friends! If you are my father, you are a poltroon and a coward!” “Stella, my darling!” gasped the Judge. “Don’t you call me darling! Don’t you dare to speak to me again! I’ll leave this house and blot your very name from my memory!” Butler staggered back in dumb amazement and Larkin watched with a curious smile playing about the corners of his piercing eyes. Stella stamped her foot, turned, and bounded up the stairs and into her room, slammed the door and began to scream.