it, Miss Clinton, by saying it was necessary," said
he steadily. "There are other distinguished men here who are further
distinguishing themselves by toeing the mark without complaint or cavil.
Mr. Landover was appealed to on three distinct occasions by Captain
Trigger and the committee. He ignored all private appeals--and commands.
The time had come for a show-down. It was either Landover and his little
band of sycophants, or me and the entire company of men on this ship.
It may interest you to know that you and Mrs. Spofford are the only two
people on board, outside of Mr. Landover's retrievers, who blame me for
what I did this morning."

"You can hardly expect me to be interested in what other people think of
my position, Mr. Percival," she said, raising her eyebrows slightly.

"No more, I dare say, than Landover cares what they think of his," was
his retort.

She lifted her chin. "I am beginning to appreciate Mr. Landover's
attitude toward you, Mr. Percival," she said icily.

"And to justify it, I suppose," he said dejectedly. "I want your
friendship, Miss Clinton,--yes, I want a great deal more than your
friendship. You may as well know it. I'm not asking for it,--I'm
just telling you. Please don't go away. I promise not to make myself
ridiculous. You have been good to me, you have been wonderful. I--I
can't bear the thought of losing your friendship or your respect. I just
had to bring Landover to time. You may think there was some other way,
but I do not. At any rate, it isn't a matter that we can discuss. Some
day you may admit that I was right, but I don't believe I will ever see
the day when I will admit that I was wrong. Won't--can't we be friends?"

"I do not believe I can ever feel the same toward you after witnessing
what I did this morning," said she, shaking her head. "You deliberately,
intentionally degraded Mr. Landover in the presence of others. Was that
the act of a gentleman? No! It was the act of an overbearing, arrogant
bully who had nothing to fear. You took advantage of your authority
and of the fact that he is so rich and powerful that he is practically
without a friend or champion. You knew only too well that ninety-nine
per cent of the people on board this ship were behind you in your attack
on him because he represents capital! You had nothing to fear. No, Mr.
Percival, I don't believe we can be friends. I am sorry."

"You heard what Mr. Landover said to me this morning, Miss Clinton,"