ged. "You must not ask it of me."

"What? You would not continue to go with him, knowing what I have told
you? You would not permit a drunkard to pay you attentions, or a man who
is in the habit of going on wild debauches?"

"No. But Buck is not that kind of a man. You have simply been deceived."

"I have given my orders," said Lee, with a sternness he seldom used in
speaking to Winnie. "I expect that they will be obeyed. It is useless to
argue the matter. Buck Badger must not come into this house. I will
write him a note to that effect, myself. You shall not see him again! I
shall tell him in plain words just what I have learned, and that this
house and your company are forbidden to him."

"But, father----"

"We will not talk any more about it. You are stubborn to-night. You will
think better of it in the morning. No one--no one, Winnie, loves you as
I do! I have given you every advantage. You shall not throw yourself
away on any one."

He got up, as if to end the interview.

The room and its belongings seemed swinging wildly round in a crazy
dance before the eyes of Winnie Lee. She grasped at her chair for
support. She seemed unable to lift herself. In her heart there was only
one cry--one wild cry: "Buck! Buck! Buck!"

By a great effort, she at last arose from her chair. Her father saw the
marblelike pallor of her face, and, touched by this sign of distress, he
came over, put his arms about her and kissed her. Her cheek, against
which he pressed his lips, seemed cold as ice.

"Don't be foolish, dear!" he pleaded. "You shouldn't grieve over a man
who is so manifestly unworthy of you. You know that I love you, and that
I haven't said these things to give you pain, but because it is my duty
as your father. Now, good night, dear."

"Good night!" she said, as if in a dream, and blindly walked toward the
door.

In her room, she threw herself across her bed.

"Oh, what shall I do?" she moaned. "Buck! Buck! Buck! Who has told such
terrible lies on you, dear?"

And so she lay there, moaning out a grief that was too great for tears.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE BLOW FALLS.

The next afternoon the Westerner received this note, which was delivered
at his room by a boy, who went away before Badger had a chance to
question him:

"MR. BUCK BADGER: Certain facts have come to my knowledge which
show that you are not the man I supposed you to be. I find that you
are not only a drinking man, but that