"I am not," replied Thames; "but I insist upon your taking it back at once."
"Take it back yourself," retorted Jack, sullenly. "I shall do no such thing."
"Very well," replied Thames, about to depart.
"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.