readily see that it had worked Mr. Stillwell up to a fever heat.
"Give me that letter, Luke. I'll stand no more fooling."
Once more my uncle bore down upon me. But I saw him coming, and shoved the chair in his way.
I still held the ruler in my hand, and now brandished it over my head.
"Don't come any closer!" I cried. "If you do I'll crack you on the head!"
My uncle was too enraged to pay attention to my words. He hurled the chair aside and sprang upon me as a wild beast springs upon its prey.
"We'll see who is master!" he panted.
In another instant he had me by the throat. His grasp was that of a band of steel, and I thought for a surety my last hour had come.
"Let let go!" I gasped.
"Will you give me the letter?"
My only reply was to struggle with all my strength. In a moment we were both on the floor.
"Help! Help!" I cried.
"Shut up!" he exclaimed, and tried to close my mouth with his hand.
"I won't shut up! Let me up! Help!"
But now my voice was fainter. It was all I could
