business with me, sir, in which Miss
Presson's name may be mentioned. Don't you use her name--not in any way.
Do you understand?"

"I understand this: I know what I'm talking about and exactly why I've
come here, and you're going to listen. Miss Presson has accepted your
escort to the ball to-morrow evening. Don't you know, Thornton, why you
can't take Madeleine Presson into public, this whole State looking on? I
hate to say any more than that. I don't think it's necessary for me to
say any more than that!" His face was hard, his tone accusing.

"I tell you, you have no right to mention Miss Presson to me!" cried the
other.

"I'm taking it on myself, and I'm giving you a chance by doing it,"
retorted Linton. "The story is bad enough now. But you'll be drummed out
of this State if you insult an innocent girl in the way you plan to do."

In his indignation Thornton had been slow to grasp the fact that his
rival was making hints that both affronted and threatened. His
conscience accused him of nothing. He felt the crackle of paper in his
breast-pocket. He promptly suspected that Linton had gleaned a hint of
the proposed legislation which would involve Madeleine's father.

He tried to control his anger.

"Will you kindly explain to me by just what right you say this," he
sneered--"except, possibly, that you're jealous because Miss Presson
chose me as her escort."

"I have a right as a friend of her mother, if nothing else! I am keeping
this thing as still as I can for your sake, for in this case protecting
you means protecting her. I don't want to say any more! But sudden
illness must prevent you from accompanying Miss Presson into public at
that ball."

Harlan beat a palm upon his own breast.

"I've had enough of this, Linton. You tell me what you're driving at."

It was plain that Linton hated to be more explicit. This culprit did not
seem to quail before vague accusation, as he had expected him to do. He
was faced by a young man whose face was lighted by wrath, curiosity, and
kindred emotions that were obviously not those of guilt.

"Let me say this in my own defence," pleaded Linton. "Spinney was going
right to Mr. and Mrs. Presson with the story. I got it from him almost
by accident. We were talking over our railroad bill this evening, and he
mentioned your stand. Then he out with the story that he picked up when
he was in Fort Canibas. I do not listen to gossip, Mr. Thornton, but it
is plain that Spinney