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 CHAPTER XXXIV

GIVEN THE LIE

The calmness of the speaker had its effect on the trembling young fellow, who stood there, hands clenched, breast heaving, slowly beginning to realize that it was his duty to do nothing that would humiliate the girl and involve her in the speculations of scandal-loving tongues.

"Let me out now," he said, after a few moments, "and I'll meet Hazelton as he is coming back. Miss Harting's name shall not be mentioned."

"That's a bit more reasonable, but further thought ought to convince you that there's nothing but folly in getting into a fist fight with him, in which you are sure to come off second best. Why give him the satisfaction of whipping you? You know it's more than an even gamble that he would."

Hutchinson looked sharply at King.

"Now, listen to me. You say the girl hates a liar, and he has sworn in her presence that he is