"Call him at once, sir."

The detective beckoned to a boy, and sent him out of the room. In a moment
his chief appeared.

"This man sent for you, Mr. Mallory," said the detective.

"What is it?" asked Mallory.

McNally blustered.

"I want to know what this means. Do you understand that I am the receiver
of this road?"

"Oh, no, you aren't." Mallory stepped to the door. "Is this true, Mr.
West?"

"No," said Harvey, "it isn't."

"You'll have to leave, then, my friend."

"Don't you touch me!" McNally's face was growing red. For reply each
detective seized an arm, and the protesting receiver was hustled
unceremoniously out of the room.

An hour later McNally returned. He greeted the deputy with a suave smile,
and requested an interview with Mr. West.

"I'm not sure about that," said the deputy.