"Yes, I do."
I had hardly uttered the words before he caught up a heavy cane standing beside his desk and made for me. There was a wicked determination in his eyes, and I could see that all the evil passions within him were aroused.
"We'll see who is master here," he went on.
"Stand back!" I cried. "Don't come a step nearer! If you do, you'll be sorry for it!"
He paid no attention to my warning, but kept on advancing, raising the cane over his head as he did so.
When he was within three feet of me he aimed a blow at my head. Had he hit me, I am certain he would have cracked my skull open.
But I was too quick for him, I dodged, and the cane struck the back of the chair.
Before he could recover from his onslaught I hurled the album at him with all force. It struck him full in the face, and must have loosened several of his teeth, for he put his hand up to his mouth as he reeled over backward.
I was not astonished. I had accomplished just what I had set out to do. My one thought now was to make my escape. How was it to be done?
The key to the door was in the merchant's pocket, and this I could, not obtain. The windows were closed, and the blinds drawn down.