That tone meant war.

Hastily he changed his front.
"Yes, yes, we are quite sure of that," he said, with increasing nervousness, "but we are thinking of our own interests as well as yours.

Indeed, I feel sure"-- here his voice became even more kindly and confidential--"that in advancing your position and prospects we are--I am only doing what will bring myself the greatest satisfaction in the end, for you know, Ranald, I--we do not regard you as a stranger." Ranald winced and grew pale.

"We--my family--have always felt toward you as--well, in fact, as if you were one of us." Mr.St.Clair had delivered his last and deadliest blow and it found Ranald's heart, but with pain blanching his cheek Ranald stood up determined to end the fight.

It was by no means easy for him to strike.