“That is for ME to judge, Mr. Fletcher,” returned Grant, haughtily.
“But the name of Professor Grant is known to all California as beyond the breath of calumny or suspicion.”
“It is because of that fact that I propose to keep it so.”
“And may I ask in what way you wish me to assist you in so doing?”
“By promptly and publicly retracting in the 'Clarion' every word of this slander against Harcourt.”
Fletcher looked steadfastly at the speaker. “And if I decline?”
“I think you have been long enough in California, Mr. Fletcher, to know the alternative expected of a gentleman,” said Grant, coldly.
Mr. Fletcher kept his gentle blue eyes—in which surprise still overbalanced their expression of pained concern—on Grant's face.
“But is not this more in the style of Colonel Starbottle than Professor Grant?” he asked, with a faint smile.
Grant rose instantly with a white face. “You will have a better opportunity of judging,” he said, “when Colonel Starbottle has the honor of waiting upon you from me. Meantime, I thank you for reminding me of the indiscretion into which my folly, in still believing that this thing could be settled amicably, has led me.”