point it out to you."

He moved forward as he spoke, but Shock interposed.

"I think that is enough, Mr. Stanton," he said.

"Let the matter drop now."

The boy turned quickly, and looking steadily into Shock's face, began
in a quiet, even voice, "Mr.--ah--"

"Macgregor," supplied Shock.

"Mr. Macgregor, you are a stranger. In this country in a matter of this
kind we never allow interference."

"And yet," said Shock in a voice equally quiet, "interference is not
unwelcome at times."

"What you say is quite true," replied the boy, "and, as I have said, I
am not ungrateful for your timely assistance."

"Oh, I was thinking of Ike," said Shock hurriedly.

"But surely you will let this matter drop now."

"Drop!" roared the Inspector. "Blank your impudence! He has called me a
thief, and he has slapped my face while doing my duty. I will have the
lot of you arrested for interference with justice. And as for you,
Stanton, we shall settle this again."

So saying, the Inspector made for the door. At the door Ike still stood
on guard.

"When you want me, Mr. Inspector," he said, "don't have any delinquency
in sendin' for me. I surmise I can contribute some valuable evidence on
the point of guns, games, and such."

The Inspector glared at him.

"I'll take my gun," he said.

"Your gun? Why, cert! Did you drop it somewheres? Perhaps if you look
round when the light's good you'll find it. Slimey, here, will help
you. I'm pretty nigh certain you'll extradite that weapon in the
morning. Good-night."

With a curse the Inspector passed out.

"Now, Ikey," said The Kid coolly, "stand aside, for there is a cur here
that had the audacity to throttle me."

With these words he sprang past Shock, seized the stranger by the
throat, cuffed him with his open hand, and dragging him to the door
sent him forth with a parting kick and an imprecation.

"Now, Macfarren," he said, turning to that gentleman, who still sat by
the table, "you have some money not belonging to you. Put it on the
table."

Without a moment's hesitation Macfarren hastily poured forth from his
pocket poker-chips, gold pieces, and bills.

"I assure you, Mr. Stanton," he hurried to say, "I was simply holding
them till the--ah trouble should be over."

"That was most kind," replied Stanton. "I have no very clear
remembrance, but I was under the impression that it was your suggestion
to lock the door."

As he spoke he swept the money into his pocket.