“Ain’t going to be no rumpus in this house,” said the man-of-all-work. “Let up, quick!”
“Make him leave the house, Michael,” said Miss Littell.
“Miss Littell, this is not my fault,” put in Frank. “I am sorry it occurred.”
“I know it is not your fault, Mr. Hardy. I was passing through the hall and heard all that was said. Mr. Deems, you must leave my house at once. If you don’t go, I’ll call an officer.”
“What, will you have me arrested?” gasped Grant Deems, and turned slightly pale.
“I certainly shall, unless you pay what you owe and leave at once.”
“All right, I’ll leave, and glad to go,” growled the rival book agent. “I don’t want to stay in a house with such a fellow as Hardy.”
“And I’ll be glad to get rid of your company,” rejoined Frank, warmly.
Grant Deems wanted to grow abusive, but the ugly look in Michael’s eye made him think better of it, and he left the apartment without another word. An hour later he packed his valise, settled with Miss Littell, and left not only the boarding house but also the town. It was the last our hero saw of him.
“I don’t want to meet such a rival again,” said our hero, in talking the matter over with Miss Littell. “I do not mind fair and square competition, but Mr. Deems was not fair.”