"I do not care to discuss it," answered Albert firmly; "the role of private detective that you want me to assume is not to my taste, anyway, and your words have convinced me we can never get along together. I will not remain longer on any terms." "And what will you do now?" sneered Frye, a sinister look entering his yellow eyes, "steal or starve?" "Neither," replied Albert defiantly; "I'll go back to Sandgate and hoe corn first." Then, as a realizing sense of how much he was in the power of this courageous stripling came to Frye, his arrogance all melted, and as he turned and began to play with a paper-cutter he said meekly: "Come, Mr. Page, overlook it all. I spoke too hastily, and I apologize." It was the guilty coward conquering the brute instinct, but it availed not. "Will you oblige me with the small balance due me to-day," asked Albert, "or shall I call again for it?" "And if we part company now," muttered Frye, "what am I to expect? Are you to be a friend or an enemy?" "If you refer to your scheme to blackmail John Nason," replied Albert resolutely, and not mincing words, "I am too ashamed to think I ever listened to your proposals to even speak of it." It was a hard blow and made Frye wince, for it was the first time he had ever been openly called a villain, but, craven hypocrite that he was, he made no protest. Instead, he silently wrote a check for Albert's due and handed it to him. "I am much obliged, Mr. Frye. Good morning, sir," said Albert in a chilly tone, and putting on his hat, he left the office. When the door was closed behind him he turned, shook his fist at it, and muttered: "You miserable old villainous vulture! I am glad I saved one victim from being robbed by you!" But Albert cooled off in time. We always do. That night when he met Frank at the club he grasped one of that young man's hands in both of his and as he shook it, exclaimed: "If you were Alice now, I would hug and kiss you!" "Well," responded Frank, "if you were Alice now, all I can say is, it would meet my entire approbation; but tell me what ails you? Have you had a fortune left you?" "Yes and no," replied Albert; "your father has given me the chance of a lifetime and I am free from old Frye. I have you to thank for the chance, I am sure." "Well, I put in a good word for you when I had the opportunity," said Frank modestly, "and the sermon you preached me once, and which I reported to dad, may have had some weight with him." In a week Albert had his office fitted up, and then he presented himself to John Nason, and after that he not only had all the responsibility thrust upon him that he was able to assume, but he no longer felt himself in the position of a menial. To one of his proud spirit it meant self-respect, life, and sunshine. CHAPTER X AMID THE GREEN MOUNTAINS