"When I have read it, with pleasure," Mr. Sabin answered. "Before,
no."

Mr. Horser swallowed an exceedingly vicious oath. He struck the
table lightly with his forefinger.

"Look here," he said. "If you'd lived in New York a couple of
years, even a couple of months, you wouldn't talk like that. I tell
you that I hold the government of this city in my right hand. I
don't want to be unpleasant, but if that paper is not in my hands
by the time you leave this table I shall have you arrested as you
leave this room, and the papers taken from you."

"Dear me," Mr. Sabin said, "this is serious. On what charge may I
ask should I be exposed to this inconvenience?"

"Charge be damned!" Mr. Horser answered. "The police don't want
particulars from me. When I say do a thing they do it. They know
that if they declined it would be their last day on the force."

Mr. Sabin filled his glass and leaned back in his chair.

"This," he remarked, "is interesting. I am always glad to have the
opportunity of gaining an insight into the customs of different
countries. I had an idea that America was a country remarkable for
the amount of liberty enjoyed by its inhabitants. Your proposed
course of action seems scarcely in keeping with this."

"What are you going to do? Come, I've got to have an answer."