“There is no need of my wasting any more time here,” he exclaimed. “I came over to give you a chance to set yourself straight.”
“To set myself straight?” queried Harkins.
“Yes; if you have that boy of yours apologize to Arthur at school to-morrow, we’ll call it quits.”
David Harkins stood looking at the banker as if he had taken leave of his senses. The silence lasted so long that it became embarrassing.
“Come, come, what do you say to my proposal?” asked John Black. “I don’t want to be too hard on your young one. Do as I say and the matter will drop. Your answer.”
“No!” shouted Harkins. “No; a hundred times no! Herbert did perfectly right in thrashing that bully of a son of yours. I’m proud of him for doing it. And if he would dare to apologize for it I’d disown him as a son.”
John Black grew almost livid with rage. He hurried to the door. When he reached it he looked back and shook his cane at Harkins.
“You will regret this insult; blast you, I’ll make you sorry for what you said.”
Mrs. Harkins entered the room just as the banker retired. She hurried over to her husband.
“I heard loud voices, David,” she said. “I am sorry you quarreled with Mr. Black.”