"That's no language for a man of your exalted moral qualities," returned Jim. "And remember the ladies! Put that knife down, or something unpleasant will happen to you."
Hammond slumped down on to the chair and dropped the knife, and some of the madness faded out of his black eyes.
"I'll have the law on ye for this!" he cried.
"What law?" asked the other, pleasantly.
"Get out!"
"I'll breakfast first," said Jim, seating himself at the table.
Hammond glared for a minute, speechless at last, then bolted from the room. Jim ate with a good appetite.
"Jim, you got the nerve!" exclaimed Melchior. "If I had half yer nerve I'd been out of this a year ago. But he'll do you, fer all yer nerve."
Jim smiled noncommittally and buttered a hot biscuit.
"Please don't go away," whispered Mrs. Hammond. "He-he seems to be scared of you. I feel kinder safer—an' the children, too—with you in the house, Mr. Todhunter."