d."

"The more reason why she shouldn't be driving a car."

"Why have you got it in for her, Mr. Surtaine?" ventured the other.

"I haven't got it in for her. But we've let her off once. And this is
too flagrant a case."

"It means a loss of thousands of dollars in advertising, just as like as
not."

"That can't be helped."

Shearson did the only thing he could think of in so unheard-of an
emergency. He went out to call up the office of E.M. Pierce.

Left to his own thoughts, the editor-in-chief reconstructed the scene of
the outrage. None too strong did that term seem to him. The incredible
callousness of the daughter of millions, speeding away without a
backward glance at the huddled form in the gutter, set a flame of wrath
to heating his brain. He built up a few stinging headlines, and selected
one which he set aside. "GIRL PLAYS JUGGERNAUT. ELIAS M. PIERCE'S
DAUGHTER SERIOUSLY INJURES NURSE AND LEAVES HER LYING IN GUTTER." Not
long after he had concluded, McGuire Ellis entered, slumped into his
chair, and eyed his employer from under bent brows.

"Got a grip on your temper?" he asked presently.

"What's the occasion?" countered Hal.

"I think you're going to have an interview with Elias M. Pierce."

"Where and when?"

"In his office. As soon as you can get there."

"I think not."

"Not?" repeated Ellis, conning the other with his curious air.

"Why should I go to Elias M. Pierce's office?"

"Because he's sent for you."

"Don't be absurd, Mac."

"And don't _you_ be young. In all Worthington there aren't ten men that
don't jump when Elias M. Pierce crooks his finger. Who are you, to join
that noble company of martyrs?" Achieving no nibble on this bait, the
speaker continued: "Jerry Saunders has been keeping Wayne's telephone
on the buzz, ordering the story stopped."

"Who is Jerry Saunders?"

"Pierce's man, and master of our fates. So he thinks, anyway. In other
words, general factotum of the Boston Store. Wayne told him the matter
was in your hands. All storm signals set, and E.M.'s secretary
telephoning that the Great Man wants to see you at once. _Don't_ you
think it would be safer to go?"

Mr. Harrington Surtaine swung full around on his chair, looked at his
assistant with that set and level gaze of which Esme Elliot had
aforetime complained, and turned back again. A profound chuckle sounded
from behind him.

"This'll be a shock to Mr. Pierce," said Ellis. "I'll break it
diplomaticall