The atmosphere of the room seemed to him, as he entered, a little strained. Billie looked pale and agitated. Mr. Peters looked rather agitated too. Sam caught Billie's eye. It had an unspoken appeal in it. He gave an imperceptible nod, a reassuring nod, the nod of a man who understood all and was prepared to handle the situation. "Come, Peters," he said in a deep, firm, quiet voice, laying a hand on the clerk's arm. "It's time that you went." "Yes, indeed, Mr. Samuel! yes, yes, indeed!" "I'll see you out," said Sam soothingly, and led him through the outer office and on to the landing outside. "Well, good luck, Peters," he said, as they stood at the head of the stairs. "I hope you have a pleasant trip. Why, what's the matter? You seem upset." "That girl, Mr. Samuel! I really think--really, she cannot be quite right in her head." "Nonsense, nonsense!" said Sam firmly. "She's all right! Well, good-bye." "Good-bye, Mr. Samuel." "When did you say you were sailing?" "Next Saturday, Mr. Samuel. But I fear I shall have no opportunity of seeing you again before then. I have packing to do and I have to see this gentleman down in the country...." "All right. Then we'll say good-bye now. Good-bye, Peters. Mind you have a good time in America. I'll tell my father you called." Sam watched him out of sight down the stairs, then turned and made his way back to the inner office. Billie was sitting limply on the chair which Jno. Peters had occupied. She sprang to her feet. "Has he really gone?" "Yes, he's gone this time." "Was he--was he violent?" "A little," said Sam, "a little. But I calmed him down." He looked at her gravely. "Thank God I was in time!" "Oh, you are the bravest man in the world!" cried Billie, and, burying her face in her hands, burst into tears. "There, there!" said Sam. "There, there! Come come! It's all right now! There, there, there!" He knelt down beside her. He slipped one arm round her waist. He patted her hands.