had helped at the Hall in
Kings way, he had lived well. Gladys had taken care he was paid--not a
big sum to be sure--but enough to keep him. But directly John Martin,
in spite of Gladys's remonstrances, had resumed work, Shiel had been
dismissed.

"I wish I could help you," John Martin said to him, "for I really feel
grateful to you for all you have done, but to tell you the candid
truth, I can't afford to pay any salaries. As you know, the receipts
of the Hall are next to nothing; but the expenses continue just the
same--rent, gas, and staff--all heavy items. Moreover, at your uncle's
death, many of his creditors put in claims on the Firm for
debts--debts he had incurred without either my sanction or
knowledge--and it has been a serious drain on me to pay them off. In
fact, my finances are now at such a low ebb that I cannot possibly do
anything for you. If only the Modern Sorcery Company could be cleared
off the scenes."

"You would, I suppose, feel extremely grateful to whoever cleared them
off?"

"I would," John Martin replied, with a significant chuckle.

"Even though it were some one who had not stood very high in your
estimation?"

"Even though it were the devil."

"Now, look here, Mr. Martin," Shiel said, trying to appear calm. "I
will devote all my energies and all my time to your cause--the
overthrow of the Modern Sorcery Company, if only--if only, in the
event of my being successful, you will give me some hope of being
permitted to win your daughter."

"I promise you that hope, and any other you may see fit to aspire to,"
John Martin said, with a grim smile, "since there isn't the remotest
chance of your succeeding in the task you have set yourself. Believe
me, it will take both money and wits to get the better of Hamar,
Curtis and Kelson."

"Anyhow, I have your permission to try. I shall do my best."

"You may do what you like," John Martin rejoined, "so long as you
don't talk to me again about Gladys till you've redeemed your pledge,
that is to say, till you've overthrown the Modern Sorcery Company. In
the meanwhile, I must ask you to abstain from seeing her."

"I am afraid I can't promise that."

"Can't promise that," John Martin cried, his eyes suffusing with
sudden passion. "Can't you! Then damn it, you must. I'm not going to
have my daughter throw herself away on a penniless puppy. There, curse
it all, you know what I think of you now--you're a bumptious puppy,
and I swear you shall not