d.

"Substantially. But I'm waiting for Colonel Nelson to tell you more; to
tell you the whole story of our antagonism."

Martin Murphy, who had been a silent onlooker up to this point, made
himself heard. "Mr. Gray, I don't like the look of this any better than
Swope does. Your quarrel with Henry is wholly your and his affair, but
the welfare of the Security National is partly ours. Banks are not
toys, to be juggled and played with in mischief or in spite. You say
you paid high for your stock; do you intend to wreck the institution,
lose a fortune--?"

"By no means."

"That's precisely what you will succeed in doing."

"I had ventured to hope that you three gentlemen would remain on the
board."

"Am I dreaming?" Bell Nelson's collar appeared to be choking him, and
with clumsy fingers he tugged at it. "Going to kick Henry and me off
the board, eh? Rob us? Well, I'm damned if you do! You'll not kick us
off--"

"He doesn't want the bank," the son exclaimed, hoarsely. "That's all a
bluff. He wants blackmail. That's the kind of man he is. He wants his
price. I know him. How much, Gray? What'll it cost us?"

"I'll tell you what it will cost--"

"Ha! Didn't I say so?"

"Oh, there is a price for everything! Mine will surprise you, however,
it is so low. Can't you guess what it is?" The speaker's intent gaze
had never left Henry Nelson's face; it was fixed there now, as cold, as
relentless as the stare of a python.

Bell Nelson leaned forward, his lips parted, a new eagerness came into
his purple countenance. "Well, well! What is it?" he demanded,
querulously.

"Vindication!"

There was a moment of silence. "What is he talking about, Henry?"
Bell's eyes were strained toward his son.

"I don't know," the latter said, in a thin voice. "He's crazy--always
was."

"I'm giving you a chance, Colonel. You'd better take it. Think
carefully." When there came no response to this warning, Gray shrugged.
"Very well! There is nothing further, except to complete the transfer
and proceed with the business of the meeting. Mr. Briskow will be the
next president, and I shall occupy the position of vice-president and
treasurer now held by you--"

The effect of this declaration was electric. With a cry the younger
Nelson lunged forward. Confusion followed. It was of short duration,
however, for Henry found himself locked in the arms of the Briskow
giant. Others lent Buddy their assistance, and, in spite of his
struggles, the