"You certainly misunderstand my motives," replies Trueman. "It is
because I have your interests at heart that I cannot see you pursue a
course that will lead to disastrous consequences."

"Do you put your judgment above mine?" asks the Coal King,
sarcastically.

"In ordinary business matters, in affairs of finance and in the conduct
of the mines I should not presume to dispute your judgment. But on the
propriety of assembling the Coal and Iron Police and of evicting a woman
who has the sympathy of the entire mining district I believe that I am
better able to judge of the effect these acts will have than you are,
for I come into close contact with the people."

"The sheriff tells me you have placed a thousand dollars to the credit
of the widow at the Company's store. Is this so?"

"I intend to do so."

"It shall not be done, sir, not if I have the power to prevent it,"
declares the Coal King emphatically, rising and pacing the floor. "You
must be out of your mind to make such a move, now, of all times, to
offer encouragement to the lawless element."

"He did nothing wrong," interposes Ethel. "He prevented the sheriff and
his men from injuring the woman and her child."

"Not another word!" Gorman Purdy speaks in a tone he has never employed
when addressing his daughter.