said, and I was busy trying to think how to defend myself.
When Mr. Stillwell had caught me I had backed up against the desk. Near me lay a heavy ruler, used by Mr. Grinder in preparing designs for patents. I picked up the ruler, and before my assailant was aware struck him a violent blow upon the wrist.
The brass edge of the weapon I had used made a slight cut upon my uncle's arm, and with a cry more of alarm than pain he dropped his hold of me and turned his attention to the injury.
Seeing this I quickly placed a large office chair near the door, and got behind it, in such a manner that I could escape at an instant's warning.
"You young villain! Do you mean to add murder to your other crimes?" he howled, as he proceeded to bind his handkerchief around his wrist.
"I mean to fight my own battles," I replied. "I won't let you or any other man choke me to death."
"You shall suffer for all you have done!"
"I'm willing to take the consequences," I replied, as coolly as I could.
He continued to glare at me, but for a moment made no movement, probably because he knew not what to do next. I watched him very much as a mouse may watch a cat.
