Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/116

 "You contemptible cur!" cried Larkin. "I could strangle you!"

"No doubt," sneered Butler. "If you dared!"

"Take care, you cowardly dog!" leaped the threat from the lips of the Carpetbagger, with a sudden flash of incontrollable rage; and again his massive figure towered over the Judge's slouching form. Butler's shifting eyes blinked in terror as he spluttered:

"I'll keep your secret on one condition!"

"What is it?" snapped Larkin.

"You're a man of genius. Use your talents for me, and we'll be friends."

"You have told no one the facts you have discovered?"

"No. Suggs knows only of the investigation as to your citizenship."

"I accept your terms," was the quiet answer.

The Convention ended in unexpected harmony, electing a solid Butler delegation. Larkin lingered in town for several days and, to the surprise and uneasiness of the Judge, stopped with Uncle Isaac in the little cottage by his gate.