"I'll see about it," was my reply.
By this time we had reached the front door, and with unwilling hands the merchant opened it.
"Now stand aside and let me pass," I commanded.
"I will. But, Strong&—"
"No more words are needed," I returned. "I have had enough of you, Mr. Aaron Woodward. The next time you hear from me it will be in quite a different shape."
"What do you mean?" he cried, in sudden alarm.
"You will find out soon enough. In the meantime let me return your fancy knife. I have no further use for it."
I tossed the article over. He looked at it and then at me. Clearly he was mad enough to "chew me up." Bidding him a mocking good night, I ran down the steps and hurried away.