"It wouldn't accomplish the same result—it wouldn't put him in jail," Lorraine objected.
"It will put him in a hospital if you thrust hard enough," said Pendleton. "That ought to satisfy you."
"And put me in jail, if he prosecute."
"He will not prosecute, never fear."
Lorraine shook his head.
"It won't do!" he declared. "Stephanie has nothing to lose and everything to gain by my prosecuting him. The tale is going—what Dolittle knows will be public property in a day. The way to meet it is to have Porshinger arrested at once. Show that Stephanie is not afraid to face the issue. If she remain quiet under the story she tacitly admits its truth."
"But my dear Lorraine,"—Pendleton began.
"I'm not to be deterred, Montague—I didn't protect my wife from Amherst, but I will protect her this time." He arose. "You'll hear of Porshinger's arrest before night.—It will take him a little by surprise, I imagine," he flung over his shoulder as he strode away.
Pendleton sprang up and overtook him.
"Look here, Lorraine!" he said, curtly. "Don't be a fool—you think that Porshinger will bear the brunt of this, but you're grievously in error—it will be Stephanie who catches all the recoil. Be sensible," he urged, his hands itching to shake Lorraine. "Think of the defence that Porshinger will make if he is disposed to fight—and if you arrest him he is sure to fight—that is the cad in him."