"Well, you won't get it!" sneered the law clerk. "You bought that stock and now——"
"Now she's going to sell it again," put in Joe. He seemed to understand the situation now.
"Helen," he went on, "I think it would be well if you left this matter in my hands. If you'll just go downstairs and to the nearest police station and ask an officer to step around here, I think we can find something for him to do."
"Police!" faltered Sanford.
"Oh, well, perhaps we won't need one," said Joe coolly, "but it's always best, in matters of this kind, to have one on hand. It doesn't cost anything. Just get an officer, Helen, and wait downstairs with him. I'll have a little talk with Sanford."
"Oh, Joe! I—I——!"
"Now, Helen, you just leave this to me. Run along."
Joe Strong seemed to dominate the situation. He displayed splendid nerve.
Helen went slowly from the room.
"The clerk will tell you where to find a policeman," Joe called to her. "You needn't tell him why one is needed. It may be that we shall get along without one, and there's no need of causing any excitement unless we have to."