“Stop!” exclaimed Jack, planting himself before the door; “do you want to get me sent across the water?”
“I want to save you from disgrace and ruin,” returned Thames.
“Bah!” cried Jack, contemptuously; “nobody's disgraced and ruined unless he's found out. I'm safe enough if you hold your tongue. Give me that picture, or I'll make you!”
“Hear me,” said Thames, calmly; “you well know you're no match for me.”
“Not at fisticuffs, perhaps,” interrupted Jack, fiercely; “but I've my knife.”
“You daren't use it.”
“Try to leave the room, and see whether I daren't,” returned Jack, opening the blade.
“I didn't expect this from you,” rejoined Thames, resolutely. “But your threats won't prevent my leaving the room when I please, and as I please. Now, will you stand aside?”
“I won't,” answered Jack, obstinately.
Thames said not another word, but marched boldly towards him, and seized him by the collar.