ck than judgment the burning brand scorched across the side of Hipps'
face.

"Hell!" came the cry and instantaneously the weight on his back was
gone and he was free to rise.

Oliver Laurence, to avoid danger, had thrown himself backwards and was
now under the table, looking very like a child playing hide and seek.
The American had backed against the buffet but his general dignity
suffered a reverse from the fact that his first thought was of remedy
rather than revenge. He had picked up a piece of butter and was
rubbing it vigorously on his burnt cheek. In the shadows Mr. Van Diest
was shaking his head in sorrowful disapproval of the whole proceedings.
For the life of him Richard could not help laughing.

"I'm extremely sorry, gentlemen," he said, "but you did ask for
trouble." He raised the corner of the table cloth and addressed
Laurence. "If you've quite done amusing yourself under there you might
come out and give me a cigarette."

Laurence, looking painfully ridiculous, emerged and handed his case to
Richard who took one and lit it slowly from the glowing brand which he
still retained.

"I think we had better come to an immediate understanding," he said.
"I am perfectly prepared to treat you all with civility as long as I
receive the same treatment from you, but please understand that I will
not tolerate any funny business." An idea flashed suddenly into his
brain. "Just one thing more--there was some talk earlier this evening
of trying to poison the mind of my--my fiancee in regard to a question
of my morals. That was a particularly offensive idea and I want your
assurance that you'll drop it. Otherwise----" he took a few paces
toward the window, "I shall set fire to your curtains and keep you
gentlemen busy until the woodwork has caught. I imagine you aren't
wanting the fire brigade or the intrusion of any other respectable
force at the moment."

"Seems to me, my son----" began Hipps.

But Van Diest interrupted him.

"Let us agree to this suggestion," he said. "For my part I wass very
sorry to make enemy of our goot guest. S'no troubles about that."

"Thank you," said Richard. "Then if you've nothing further to ask me
I'd be glad to turn in."

Hipps walked across the room and unlocked the door. The two servants
came in.

"Show this gentleman to his apartment."

"Goodnight, everyone," said Richard.

He was passing out when Hipps laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Say," he said, touching