uch vague threats."

"No siree," said Curlew with a self-assured manner, but at the same time
putting Peter's desk between the clerk and himself, so that his flank
could not be turned. "We've got some evidence that won't be sweet
reading for you, and we're going to print it, if you take the
nomination."

"Tell Mr. Maguire he had better put his evidence in print at once. That
I shall take the nomination."

"And disgrace one of your best friends?" asked Curlew.

Peter started slightly, and looked sharply at the man.

"Ho, ho," said Curlew. "That bites, eh? Well, it will bite worse before
it's through with."

Peter stood silent for a moment, but his hands trembled slightly, and
any one who understood anatomy could have recognized that every muscle
in his body was at full tension. But all he said was: "Well?"

"It's about that trip of yours on the 'Majestic.'"

Peter looked bewildered.

"We've got sworn affidavits of two stewards," Curlew continued, "about
yours and some one else's goings on. I guess Mr. and Mrs. Rivington
won't thank you for having them printed."

Instantly came a cry of fright, and the crack of a revolver, which
brought Peter's partners and the clerks crowding into the room. It was
to find Curlew lying back on the desk, held there by Peter with one
hand, while his other, clasping the heavy glass inkstand, was swung
aloft. There was a look on Peter's face that did not become it. An
insurance company would not have considered Curlew's life at that moment
a fair risk.

But when Peter's arm descended it did so gently, put the inkstand back
on the desk, and taking a pocket-handkerchief wiped a splash of ink from
the hand that had a moment before been throttling Curlew. That worthy
struggled up from his back-breaking attitude and the few parts of his
face not drenched with ink, were very white, while his hands trembled
more than had Peter's a moment before.

"Peter!" cried Ogden. "What is it?"

"I lost my temper for a moment," said Peter.

"But who fired that shot?"

Peter turned to the clerks. "Leave the room," he said, "all of you. And
keep this to yourselves. I don't think the other floors could have heard
anything through the fire-proof brick, but if any one comes, refer them
to me." As the office cleared, Peter turned to his partners and said:
"Mr. Curlew came here with a message which he thought needed the
protection of a revolver. He judged rightly, it seems."

"Are you hit?"

"I f