"It's a shame," exclaimed the stock-clerk, indignantly. "I never thought
Mr. Mann could be so unfair." He hesitated a moment. "I'll do it; yes,
I will," he went on, half to himself.
"Do what?" asked Richard.
"Go down and have a talk with him. He's in the wrong, and ought to be told so."
"No, no, don't go down!" cried Richard in alarm. "I could plainly see that he was in a bad temper, and you'll only get yourself into trouble."
"I don't care, it's—" began the stock-clerk with flashing eyes, that showed up well the force of character within.
"No, no!" repeated Richard. He would not have his friend get into trouble on his account for the world. "I am much obliged to you for wanting to help me, indeed I am, but I'd rather leave the thing as it is."
"What will you do?"
"I hardly know yet. I'm completely upset and want time to think."
"You're not going to sit down and calmly submit to it, I hope?"
"Indeed I'm not. Mr. Mann has cast a slur on my character, and I'm going to remove that, no matter what happens afterwards."