A cry broke from her lips as she recognized him, but still holding her
wrist, he stepped quickly between her and the astonished crowd. There
was a moment of silence, then the cry of "Spy!" and "Seize him!" rose
quickly, but above all the voice and figure of the Missourian was heard
commanding them to stand back. Turning to Clarence, he said quietly,--
"I should know your face, sir. Who are you?"
"The husband of this woman and the master of this house," said Clarence
as quietly, but in a voice he hardly recognized as his own.
"Stand aside from her, then--unless you are hoping that her danger may
protect YOU!" said the Kentuckian, significantly drawing his revolver.
But Mrs. Brant sprang suddenly to her feet beside Clarence.
"We are neither of us cowards, Mr. Brooks--though he speaks the
truth--and--more shame to me"--she added, with a look of savage scorn at
Clarence--"IS MY HUSBAND!"
"What is your purpose in coming here?" continued Judge Beeswinger, with
his eyes fixed on Clarence.
"I have given you all the information," said Clarence quietly, "that
is necessary to make you, as a gentleman, leave this house at once--and
that is my purpose. It is all the information you will get from me
as long as you and your friends insult my roof with your uninvited
presence.
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