"Wait until I've talked to you, Barry. You haven't had time to think. You've jumped at conclusions. Fred just thought that I could--" "This hasn't anything to do with you, Agnes. There hasn't been anything wrong with me. My brain's been all right; I've known every minute what I've been doing. This man's crooked, and I know he's crooked. I needed time, and I shammed forgetfulness. I've gotten the information I need now--and I'm repeating that he's through! And every one else in this camp goes with him!" "I'm not in the habit of taking insults! I--" Thayer moved forward belligerently, one hand reaching toward a cant hook near by. But suddenly he ceased. Ba'tiste, quite naturally, had strolled between them. "M'sieu Houston have a broke' arm," had come very quietly. Thayer grunted. "Maybe that's the reason he thinks he can insult every one around here." Ba'tiste looked down upon him, as a Newfoundland would look upon a snapping terrier. "M'sieu Houston insult nobody." "But--" The voice of the big man rose to a roar. "Ba'teese say, M'sieu Houston insult nobody. Un'stan'? Ba'teese say that! Ba'teese got no broke' arm!" "Who is this man?" The woman had turned angrily toward Barry; "What right has he to talk this way? The whole thing's silly, as far as I can see, Barry. This man, whoever he is, has been stuffing you full of stories. There--" "This man, Agnes," and Barry Houston's voice carried a quality he never before had used with Agnes Jierdon, "is the best friend I ever had. You'll realize it before long. He not only has saved my life, but he's going to help me save my business. I want you to know him and to like him." A quick smile flashed over the full lips. "I didn't know, Barry. Pardon me." Houston turned to the introduction, while Agnes Jierdon held forth a rather limp hand and while Ba'tiste, knit cap suddenly pulled from straggly gray hair, bent low in acknowledgment. Thayer, grumbling under his breath, started away. Houston went quickly toward him. "You understood me?" "Perfectly. I'm fired. I was good enough for your father, but you know more than he did. I was--" "We won't go into that." "There's nothing about it that I'm ashamed of." Still the sneer was there, causing Barry's bandaged arm to ache for freedom and strength. "I don't have to go around hiding my past." Houston bit down a retort and forced himself to the question: "How long will it take you to get out of here?" "I'll be out to-night. I don't stay where I'm not wanted. Needn't think I'll hang around begging you for a job. There are plenty of 'em, for men like me." "One that I know of, in particular. I asked you when you could get out." "An hour, if you're so impatient about it. But I want my check first." "You'll get it, and everybody else connected with you. So you might as well give the word."