“We had other things to think of just then, and I will confess that I was giving him a piece of my mind in reference to that mining affair. “As we talked, both of us became excited and we rose and faced one another. In a sudden flash of anger Yasmar, who is a taller man than myself, made a jump for my throat. “Then he bent me backward over the steamer rail. “For a moment he held me in that position, glaring at me like a tiger. “‘Be a little more temperate in your speech,’ he hissed, ‘or something will happen.’ “‘You’d kill me!’ I gasped, as he withdrew his hands. “‘Well, something will happen,’ he repeated, threateningly. “‘Why don’t you kill me?’ I said, with a sneer, ‘then you could have everything your own way.’ “‘Will you be reasonable?’ “‘I am reasonable,’ I replied. ‘You come from the West, Yasmar, and those knockdown-and-drag-out Western methods of yours won’t go in the East.’ “He muttered something under his breath. “‘I am armed,’ I continued, threateningly, ‘and if you lay a hand on me again it will be at your own peril.’ “‘Don’t give me any cause to lay a hand on you, and you’ll be safe enough.’ “‘When I tell you I think you are trying to swindle my guardian on this Royal Ophir mine deal, I am stating what I believe to be a fact.’ “‘Swindle is a hard term, young man.’ “‘It’s the only term to use--sometimes.’ “‘This is not one of the times. Everything in this transaction is open and above board.’ “‘That is, it seems so.’ “‘It is so.’ “‘I have a feeling in my bones that my guardian is being tricked,’ I said. “‘Poppycock!’ “‘Sneer if you like, but it is my sister’s money and mine my guardian is putting into the deal; not yours or his.’ “‘Your guardian is safeguarding your interest in every possible way.’ “‘I don’t care if he is. You’re shrewd enough to pull the wool over his eyes, and I think you’re doing it.’ “‘There’s no possible chance to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes. It’s a straight, legitimate proposition.’ “‘I tell you I have a feeling that it is not.’ “‘You’re a man--don’t be so childish.’ “‘Childish! Is it childish to wish to keep for my sister and myself what money was left to us?’ “‘You’re a weak-kneed fool, Lansing!’ “‘Now you are using strong language,’ I answered, and I shouldn’t be surprised if my voice trembled with anger. ‘I give you fair warning of what I am going to do.’ “‘What are you going to do?’ “‘I’m going to hire the best detective in America to look into this mining proposition and see whether it’s as straight as you say it is.’ “‘You’re going to put a detective on my trail, are you?’ he hissed. “‘That’s my intention.’ “‘I see your game! You’re going to fake up some sort of evidence to prove me dishonest and queer this mining deal!’ “‘If you are honest you have nothing to fear. If dishonest, you’ll be unmasked and a million will be saved to these New York and Boston investors.’ “‘Who are you going to hire?’ “‘Nicholas Carter, if I can get him.’