“And what if I have? Is there any law against it? You run a lousy paper, and as a reader I have a right to complain!”
“But not at my expense. Another thing, I want to know what connection you’ve had with Clyde Blake.”
“Never heard of him.”
“Then you don’t own property in this city?”
“Nor anywhere else. Now if you’re through giving me the third degree, I’ll move on.”
“Not so fast,” interposed Penny, refusing to unbar the door, “if I’m not mistaken you’re the same man who is wanted at Claymore for forging a cheque.”
“Really, this is too much!” Ben Bowman exclaimed angrily. “Unless you permit me to pass, I shall protest to the police.”
“I see an officer just across the street,” Mr. Parker declared. “Penny, will you call him over?”
“Just a minute,” Ben Bowman interposed in an altered tone. “We can settle this ourselves. I’ll admit I was hasty in sending those messages—just a way to let off steam, I guess. If you’re willing to forget about it I’ll repay you for every dollar you spent.”
“I’m afraid I can’t forget that easily,” Mr. Parker retorted. “No, unless you’re willing to come clean about your connection with Clyde Blake I’ll have to call the police.”