hink
for a moment what the result will be. I am no ordinary girl full of
puling sentiment. I love or I hate, and if my love is trampled on, there
is a dangerous woman to be faced who will thirst for revenge. So be
careful," and her voice took a stern, menacing tone.

"Would you like Mr. Morris to corroborate all I have said?" asked Hal,
struck with the change in her, and feeling she was all she described
herself.

The waiter was summoned, and bidden to fetch Morris.

"Reg, I have told Miss Goodchild all about Wyck. Will you give her your
version?" said Hal, as Reg entered the room.

Reg told his story, and Miss Goodchild listened attentively, and said:

"Your accounts certainly tally, but you can give me, doubtless, further
proof. You have now a desperate woman to deal with, and if you have lied
to me, I will be revenged on both of you."

Hal for a moment was nonplussed. He had not doubted that his statements
would not be believed.

But Reg came to his rescue.

"We could procure that telegram from Port Arthur, and we could get the
landlord to certify to his story."

"That is certainly a small point in your favour, but is it the best
proof you can produce?" asked May.

"No, I have a letter here addressed to Wyckliffe. I know the
hand-writing, and I am confident it would afford you conclusive proof
that he is involved with other ladies."

"Do you mean to say you would be mean enough to suggest that the letter
should be opened?" asked May, in a disgusted tone.

"Yes, I mean it, since you doubt our word."

Here Reg deliberately tore open the envelope.

"Mr. Morris, you are a thief," cried May, excitedly. "Had I known you
were capable of such a low action, I would never have received you
here."

"Miss Goodchild, your hard words are uncalled for, but in spite of them
I shall go farther yet. We met your father when your conduct had left
him heart-broken, and we promised him to save you from the clutches of
this scoundrel Wyckliffe. And we will keep our word with or without your
assistance. Your conduct to your father has been disgraceful, and it is
not for your sake that we do this, but for his. And now I shall put the
police on Wyck's tracks, and have him arrested. It is not the course I
wanted to pursue, but having gone thus far I will go on to the end. Are
you coming, Hal?" said Reg, as he got up to leave.

"Really, Reg, I think you ought to control yourself in this lady's
presence, and not be too stron