"Why!" exclaimed Ralph as he assisted the man to his feet, "it is Gasper Farrington."
It was the village magnate, disguised. He stood regarding Ralph with savage eyes.
"I thought you had gone to Europe, Mr. Farrington," said Ralph.
"Did you? Well, I haven't," growled Farrington, nursing a bruise on his face.
"Are you going to stay in Stanley Junction, then?"
"None of your business."
"Oh, yes, it is," retorted Ralph quickly. "You owe us thousands of dollars, and we want it."
"You'll collect by law, then. I'll never give you a cent willingly."
Ralph regarded the man thoughtfully for a minute or two.
"Mr. Farrington," he said, "I have come to the conclusion that you are trying to make me more trouble. This man Evans is up to mischief, and I believe that you have incited him to it."
The magnate was silent, regarding Ralph with menacing eyes.
"I warn you that it won't pay, and that you won't succeed," continued Ralph. "What do you hope to accomplish by persecuting me?"
The old man glanced all about him. Then he spoke out.
