Cavenaugh stepped back, and his legs, striking a chair, toppled him into it. His father had become Medusa's head!
"Aha! That jars you some," chuckled grandpa.
It took Cavenaugh some time to recover his voice, and when he did it was faint and unnatural.
"Is this true?" he gasped.
"It is so true that I'll trouble you for the check now."
"Come, father, this is no time for nonsense." Cavenaugh waved his hand impatiently. "Let me see the document."
"Hardly. But the moment you place the check in my hands, I shall be pleased to do so. But there must be no reservation to have payment stopped."
"I will not give you a single penny!" The mere suggestion of giving up so large a sum without a struggle seemed preposterous. "Not a penny! And furthermore, I am through with you for good and all. Shift for yourself hereafter. Fifty thousand! You make me laugh!"
"I shall make you laugh, my son; but not on the humorous side." The old man reached out his hand and struck the bell.
"What do you want?" asked Cavenaugh, mystified.