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 you so again. I've no more to say. If you want to talk further here, I don't. Come up to the hotel and do it out loud. I believe I dared you to try that once before, too."

Jennison smiled savagely.

"I will, you young—hound!" he exclaimed, losing his self-control. "You seem to think you can have things all your own way."

I do not know what sincerity lay in this assent. Just then Mr. Banger came strolling around the walk. The last loud words reached his ears. He looked toward the arbor and turned toward the disputants.

"Do you mean to say that you will play a part before him," cried Philip, pointing to Mr. Banger, "as you threatened to do before Captain Widgins?"

Jennison's only answer was to look at his watch. Then he called out, "Mr. Banger! Mr. Banger! Will you step here?"

Mr. Banger regarded the scene in astonished disapproval. The anger in Philip's face, Jennison scowling darkly, Gerald, very white, tearful, trembling visibly with fear. But Gerald was the first of the three to accost the newcomer.