Jimmy looked straight into the older man's eyes. "Through the
pay-roll," he replied.

For a full minute Compton did not speak.

"You may continue with your work in the plant," he said at last, "and we
will keep the accountants, for a while at least. And now I am going to
ask you to excuse me. I find that I tire very quickly since I have been
threatened with influenza."

Jimmy bid his employer good night, and Mr. Compton turned into the
library as the former continued along across the hall to the entrance.
He was putting on his overcoat when Elizabeth Compton emerged from the
music-room and approached him.

"I overheard your conversation with father," she said. "It seems to me
that you are making a deliberate attempt to cause him worry and
apprehension--you are taking advantage of his illness to frighten him
into keeping you in his employ. I should think you would be ashamed of
yourself."

"I am sorry that you think that," said Jimmy. "If it was not for your
father and you I wouldn't have urged the matter at all."

"You are just doing it to hold your position," retorted the girl, "and
now, by threats of blackmail you prevent me from exposing you--you are
a despicable cur."

Jimmy felt the blood mounting to his face. He was mortified and angry,
and yet he was helpless because his traducer was a woman. Unconsciously