The new arrival strode up to where Palmer was standing.
"Mr. Palmer," he said. "I have received your letter. I am Peter Churchill."
Palmer turned pale, his knees knocked together, and he looked terror-stricken.
CHAPTER XIII.
ROBERT RECEIVES A LETTER.
As Palmer looked at the stalwart black-bearded man facing him a terrible fear sent a tremor through his slender frame. Suppose the fellow had come to inflict punishment upon him? Suppose he had a cowhide somewhere concealed about his clothes? He felt ready to sink through the floor.
"I hope," he said tremulously, "you found my letter satisfactory. I—I didn't know Alameda—I mean Mrs. Churchill—was married."