rd's
blow, the kind of blow such as you always strike. But, remember, I
always pay my debts--always, even to the uttermost farthing." Then he
walked away without another word.

CHAPTER XII

A NIGHT OF DOOM

Paul found his way back to his home, thinking over what had taken
place. He was still half-dazed by the blow he had received, and his
heart was filled with black rage. Perhaps, too, he was the more angry
because he found it difficult to perform what he had threatened. In
spite of himself he shrank from writing to the paper contradicting the
engagement. He had no right to do so. For all he knew, the engagement
might be an actual fact. He did not believe that Mary Bolitho had
consented of her own free will to marry Wilson, and yet he did not
know. Rumour had it that her father was not a wealthy man; and, after
all, Wilson was one of the richest men in Lancashire, the home of huge
fortunes. It might be, therefore, that Judge Bolitho had persuaded her
against her will to marry this man. It would relieve him of all
financial worries. From some standpoints it would be a brilliant
match. It was true, Wilson was not a man who would shine in Mary
Bolitho's circle, but money can do a great deal, and here he was almost
all-powerful. But that was not all. Brunford, like all provincial
towns, was noted for its gossip, and if he contradicted the engagement,
all sorts of wild rumours would be afloat. Mary Bolitho's name would
be discussed by all sorts of people, and things would be said which
would madden both him and her. Still, she must know the truth. If he
told her certain things he knew about Wilson, he believed he could save
her from him. But even here difficulties presented themselves. Could
he prove these facts in such a way that Mary Bolitho would be
convinced? And should he not, by so doing, make himself appear to her
a spy and an informer? He did not know much about such matters, but it
was not a dignified role to play. In a way it would be striking below
the belt. He would not be playing the game. And the thought was
hateful to him. "But she must know, she must know!" he said to
himself, as he trudged along the road. "And I'll not be beaten,
especially by a man like that." And then he remembered the blow which
had been struck. "Yes, he shall pay for it!" he said grimly, as he
wiped the blood away from his face. "He shall pay for it to the
uttermost farthing!"

When he reached hi