try to repair the damage you have done. I insist only
that you shall do something, and I'll leave the matter in
that shape for the present--until I come again. For I shall
come again, Felix Brand, and you can not hinder me. I do not
know when, but it will not be long, I promise you.

"I do not know yet just what I shall do. I have been hoping
there would be room enough in life for us both. But I begin
to doubt that a man so evil as you has the right to live,
and big plans are stirring within me. But it will all
depend, I think, upon you; upon whether or not you show a
desire to overcome your deliberately fostered selfishness
and a willingness to recognize your human
responsibilities,--upon whether you try to refrain from evil
paths yourself and to right the effects of your influence
upon others. Yes, I think I can say that the end of all this
will depend upon you. And I shall be square with you. I
shall do nothing without giving you fair warning and
affording you every chance.

"With the money I borrowed of you--willy-nilly, it is true,
but still borrowed, for I shall repay it--I intend to go
into the real estate business. I have been looking about a
little in several cities--New York, Boston,
Philadelphia--that was why the reporters could not find me
these few days--and have decided where I shall make my
beginning and selected the man I shall take into
partnership. A week or two when I return, and then it will
be plain sailing. I shall repay that compulsory loan with my
earliest profits, for I do not choose to be in the least
indebted to you.

"As I have what I profoundly feel to be your best interests
at heart, and am working for them, I can, with a clear
conscience, sign myself,

"Faithfully yours,
"HUGH GORDON."

As Brand read the last lines he sprang to his feet with a sharply
indrawn breath and a muttered oath. In his eyes, instead of their
habitual soft, affectionate look, was the glitter of a roused animal.

"Impudent devil!" he exclaimed. "Scoundrel! Dictating to me as if he
had the right!" He crushed the letter in one fist and, striding across
the room, threw it upon the coals with an angry jerk of his arm.

"The fellow used to be amusing," he said to himself, scowling with
anger as he watched the sheet