Murphy sagged back against the wall and waited respectfully for her to disappear.

McGowan did not alter his position nor did he remove his hat, though he waited until she had reached the landing before speaking again: "And now, what are you going to do, Mr.Breen ?" he demanded in threatening tones.
"Nothing," said Jack in his same even voice, his eyes never moving from the contractor's.

"Nothing, until you get into a different frame of mind." Then he turned to Murphy: "When Mr.McGowan removes his hat, Mr.
Murphy, and shows some sign of being a gentleman I will take you both into the next room and talk this matter over." McGowan flushed scarlet and jerked his hat from his head.
"Well she come on me sudden like and I didn't see her till she'd got by.
Of course, if you've got anything to say, I'm here to listen, Where'll we go ?" Jack turned and led the way into the sitting-room, where he motioned them both to seats.
"And now what is the exact amount of your voucher ?" he asked, when he had drawn up a chair and sat facing them.
McGowan fumbled in his inside pocket and drew forth a slip of paper.
"A little short of ten thousand dollars," he answered in a business-like tone of voice.

"There's the figures," and he handed the slip to Jack.
"When is this payment to be made ?" continued Jack, glancing at the slip.
"Why, when the money is due, of course," he cried in a louder key.
"Here's the contract--see--read it; then you'll know." Jack ran his eye over the document until it fell on the payment clause.
This he read twice, weighing each word.
"It says at the monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees, does it not ?" he answered, smothering all trace of the relief the words brought him.
McGowan changed color.

"Well, yes--but that ain't the way the payments has always been made," he stammered out.
"And if I am right, the meeting takes place on Monday next ?" continued Jack in a decided tone, not noticing the interruption.
"Yes, I suppose so." "Well, then, Monday night, Mr.McGowan, either Mr., Minott or I will be on hand.