"Joe—Joe," faltered Helen. "You will be careful—won't you?"
"Well," and Joe smiled quizzically, "I'll be as careful as he'll let me," and he nodded toward the law clerk.
"What do you mean?" demanded Sanford, uneasily.
"You'll see in a few minutes," said Joe calmly.
When Helen went out Joe, with a quick movement, closed and locked the hall door.
"What's that for?" cried Sanford.
"So you won't get out before I'm through with you."
The law clerk made a rush for Joe, endeavoring to push him to one side. But muscles trained on a typewriter or with a pen are no match for those used on the flying rings and trapeze.
With a single motion of his hand Joe thrust the clerk aside, fairly forcing him into a chair.
"Now then," said Joe calmly, "you and I will have a little talk. You needn't try to yell. If you do I'll stuff a bedspread in your mouth. And if you want to try conclusions with me physically—well, here you are!"