"You impertinent scoundrel! begone instantly, or I will summon my servants and have you kicked down my front steps!"
"That might not be altogether prudent, Mr. Morton," said James Cromwell.
"Might not be prudent! What do you mean by your cursed impudence?" demanded the merchant, glaring furiously at the druggist's clerk.
"What do I mean?" repeated James Cromwell. "Do you wish me to answer your question?"
"I demand that you answer my question, and that immediately," said the merchant, hardly knowing what he did, so carried away was he by his unreasonable anger.
"Very well, I will do so," said the clerk, quietly, "but, as it may take a brief time, will you not be kind enough to resume your seat?"
CHAPTER VIII. JAMES CROMWELL'S TRIUMPH.
The coolness displayed by James Cromwell had its effect upon the merchant. Mechanically he obeyed, and resumed his seat.