. "I would be bitterly ashamed of you,
Alma, if you had run away as you are trying to make me believe. But--"

"Don't you believe me?"

"Silence! But this trumped-up story is too transparent. You are still
acting the fool in the matter of this person, here. Now see here, my
man, you are here to-day on the _Montana_ affair. Isn't that so?"

"It is, sir."

"I was sure of it. How did you dare to sneak into that job after I had
discharged you from the _Olenia_?"

"There was no sneaking to it! I was hired by Mr. Fogg and I--"

"You may be sure that I did not know you were on board the _Montana_.
But I cannot attend to all the details of my business. You realize,
don't you, that you are a fugitive from justice?"

"I am a scapegoat for the dirty dogs who operate for you!"

"That's enough! I am investigating this matter now? Sit down in that
chair!"

Mayo obeyed, lulled by the assurance.

"Alma, you go home!"

"I am going to stay here, father, until Captain Mayo--"

"I have listened to all the falsehoods I propose to hear!" This
rejoinder astounded his two listeners. "I see into this matter clear to
the bottom. I am amazed that you should think such a silly yarn would
deceive me for a moment." He had pressed one of the buttons. To the man
who opened the door he said: "Tell Mr. Bradish that I want to see him
here at once. He is in the office, isn't he?"

"Yes, sir! I will inform him."

Mayo and the girl exchanged eloquent looks; they had been leaving Mr.
Bradish out of their calculations; they had discarded him from their
thoughts; that he had had the effrontery to reappear in the Marston &
Waller offices was news indeed.

Marston took the girl by the arm and led her toward a door. "I tell
you to go home!" he cried, angrily, stopping her protests. "No, you are
going by this side door. I do not believe one word you have told me.
It's all a transparent attempt to continue your folly. I'll know how to
look after you from now on!" He closed the door behind her and locked
it.

"I swear this is all true, sir," pleaded Mayo. "I'm not trying to
deceive you through your daughter. I did not understand what she
intended to say. I want my rights as a man who has been tricked,
abused--"

Mr. Bradish appeared, bowing respectfully. He was once more part of the
smooth machinery of the Marston & Waller offices. He was pale, calm,
cool, subdued master of his emotions as the employees of Julius Marston
were trained to be.