"Have you told me the truth?"
"Yes."
"It's a lie!"
The words were scarcely spoken when Norton's clenched fist struck him a blow full in the face.
A wild cry of surprise, inarticulate in fury, came from the boy's lips as he staggered against the table. He glared at his father, drew back a step, his lips twitching, his breath coming in gasps, and suddenly felt for the revolver in his pocket.
With a start of horror the father cried:
"My boy!"
The hand dropped limp, he leaned against the table for support and sobbed:
"O God! Let me die!"
Norton rushed to his side, his voice choking with grief: