and Mr. Arthur Ferris will bob up at the annual election with a
stack of proxies and a power of attorney from Worthington.

"The new deal will follow the annual election, old Hugh captures
the whole concern, Mr. Ferris will be not only Hugh's son-in-law
but the new managing vice-president in the East. The trick will
double old Hugh's fortune. Once husband of the old miser's only
child, he can be trusted to guard his own. So, look out for yourself!"
Clayton's eyes burned with a sudden anger.

"You asked me why I did not marry," he fiercely cried. "I have
a fair salary. True; but at a word, on a single telegram from old
Hugh, out I go. Dropped, cast off like a squeezed lemon." Clayton's
eyes gleamed in a sudden rage.

"Have you saved much?" demanded his friend. Clayton shook his
head. "I have a couple of thousand in bank, that's all."

"Then you are dependent upon this old skinflint's bounty," answered
the lawyer, "for you have no profession, no backing, no capital.
He wished to leave you helpless in his hands; I see it all. The
crafty old fox! To watch you during your boyhood, to railroad you
away from Michigan, and to hoodwink you as to your possible rights.
Never mind, old man; I will be back in three months, and if you
will confide in me, we may frighten a good sum out of Worthington.

"But you must let this annual election go on undisturbed. Smile
and keep your counsel. Let this sleek ferret Ferris, go on and marry
the girl, for I, alone, can aid you. Worthington fears me. I know
too much of his secret operations.