"I 'll do it. I 'll be here to-morrow."
He cuddled the dog into his arm and held out his hand.
"Don't worry about me, old man. Just a little rattled that's all. But fit as a fiddle; strong as a moose, even if I don't look it as you do!"
Barstow took his hand, and when Donaldson left, stood at the head of the stairs anxiously watching him make his way to the street, hugging the dog tightly to his side.
CHAPTER XXVII
The End of the Beginning
When Donaldson appeared at the door of the Arsdale house he was confronted by Ben whose eyes were afire as though he had been drinking. Before he could speak a word the latter squared off before him aggressively.
"What the devil have you done to my sister?" he demanded.
Donaldson drew back, frightened by the question.