"We won't discuss that, if you don't mind," he said.

His tone annoyed Mr. Scobell. Off came the velvet glove, and the iron
hand displayed itself. His green eyes glowed dully and the tip of his
nose wriggled, as was its habit in times of emotion.

"Is that so?" he cried, regarding John with disfavor. "Well, I guess!
Won't discuss it! You gotta discuss it, Your Royal Texas League
Highness! You want making a head shorter, my bucko. You--"

John's demeanor had become so dangerous that he broke off abruptly, and
with an unostentatious movement, as of a man strolling carelessly about
his private sanctum, put himself within easy reach of the door handle.

He then became satirical.

"Maybe Your Serene, Imperial Two-by-Fourness would care to suggest a
subject we can discuss?"

John took a step forward.

"Yes, I will," he said between his teeth. "You were talking to Miss
Silver about me this morning. She told me one or two of the things you
said, and they opened my eyes. Until I heard them, I had not quite
understood my position. I do now. You said, among other things, that I
was your hired man."

"It wasn't intended for you to hear," said Mr. Scobell, slightly
mollified, "and Betty shouldn't oughter have handed it to you. I don't