nothing
less than an affront to such a man; Nelson could see in him only a
pompous braggart, an empty, arrogant strutter.

Age and easy success had not improved the banker's apoplectic turn of
mind, hence Gray's defiant declaration of war, his impudent assurance
that the recent misfortunes to the house of Nelson were the direct
results of his own deliberate efforts, had proven almost unendurable.
In the first place, Nelson could not imagine a man making such a
declaration; it was new to his entire experience and contrary to his
code. It was unconservative, therefore it staggered him. It was, in
fact, a phenomenon so unique as to leave him numb. He told himself that
it must have been the act of a madman or a fool. Under no circumstances
could he conceive of himself warning an enemy of his intentions; on the
contrary, when he undertook to crush a rival he went about it slyly,
secretly, in the only regular and proper way. As a matter of fact, it
had come as a disagreeable surprise to learn that his former comrade at
arms cherished any resentment whatever toward him, for he had thought
his tracks were well covered.

What left the banker actually gasping, however, that which he came back
to with unfailing astonishment, was Gray's effrontery in coming to
Wichita Falls to boast of his accomplishments. That bespoke such
contempt, such supreme self-confidence in his ability to wreak further
damage, that Nelson wanted to shout aloud his rage and his defiance.

Following the departure of his two callers on that day of the meeting
in the bank, Nelson closed his desk and went home. He could work no
more. For several days thereafter he was an unpleasant person to do
business with.

On mature consideration, what amazed him as much as anything else was
the fact that Gray had made good in so short a time and in such a big
way. Evidently, however, it was only another story of a lucky break and
an overnight fortune--a common occurrence these days. But it was doubly
unfortunate under the circumstances, for already Nelson was carrying a
load equal to his strength, and he told himself that he could not
afford to be distracted, even temporarily, by the irresponsible actions
of a maniac. One never could tell what a madman would do. And Gray had
confessed himself a madman--a fanatic of the most dangerous type. There
was but one course of action open--viz., to eliminate him, destroy him
without delay. That was no easy task, even in these law