“Mr. Havener, this is the third time to-day——”
“It is the third time I have been forced to tell you something you do not like to hear, and it will be the last time. If I have to make any further talk to you this day it will be to tell you that you are discharged.”
This was straight talk, and Dunton could not misunderstand it.
“You dare not discharge me without good cause. I have a contract with Barnaby Haley, and you cannot give me any release.”
Havener snapped his fingers.
“That for your contract!” he said. “It was with the old ‘All-Star Combination,’ and does not hold with the new company. You have no contract with Haley and Hawkins, I know that, and, if I see fit to release you, out you go. So now be careful.”
“Such threats are uncalled for, Mr. Havener.”
“I am talking business to you, for there is no other way to handle you. You are so sore on Merriwell that you seem crazy to do him some sort of injury. If you keep it up, you will injure yourself—nobody else.”
“I shall appeal to Mr. Haley.”
“Do so.”