You've started in to ruin me, but I'll be in on it myself. We'll
have a general cleaning up."

"Father! What are you talking about?" cried Graydon, aghast.

"They haven't told you about the lake front, eh? I should think
not! See him cringe!"

Cable had indeed fallen back against the wall, halfway up the steps,
white and trembling. His eyes were raised, and he was the first to
see Mrs. Cable as she came from her room.

"Go back!" he whispered hoarsely to her. She reached the banister
and leaned over, her eyes filling with terror after a swift glance
at Jane.

"Take Jane away," she murmured, realising that the blow was to
fall.

"I'll stop his infernal tongue!" shouted Cable, leaping down the
steps, his eyes blazing. James Bansemer laughed as he braced himself
for the shock. They did not come together, for Graydon threw his
big frame in the path of the assailant. For an instant there was a
frightful uproar. Rigby and the servant rushed to the young man's
assistance. The women were screaming with terror, the men were
shouting and there was a. violent struggle which played havoc in
the hallway.

"Call the police!" shouted Rigby.