"Now, sir," he continued, raising his voice, "proceed! For, after to-day all your communications will be in writing, and only through us!" "I demand your authority for all these high-handed actions," snarled the deposed autocrat of the Trading Company.

His heart hardened as he reflected that, after all, he was the legal marital master of the slim girl there, hidden in her shrouding black robes.
"Nothing easier," calmly answered Boardman.

"Here is a certified copy of the will of Hugh Worthington, which leaves his entire estate, real and personal, to his only child.
"As Miss Worthington has passed the age of eighteen, she needs no guardian of the person.
"We have obtained a special sanction of the Michigan courts for the appointment of Mr.Witherspoon to represent the estate here.

I will leave you this copy, and Mr.Witherspoon will now deliver to you our written order to cease all functions in connection with the Trading Company except in so far as you represent your own stock.
"And, as you were not a qualified stockholder (a bona fide one) at the last election manipulated by you, your office as vice-president will be vacated at this special meeting." Arthur Ferris' eyes flashed fire as Witherspoon, without a word, handed him the second document.
He essayed vainly to speak, but his parched tongue was powerless, his lips were fever-glued.

Finally, the man who now feared a further stroke of malevolent fortune, said, in a low voice, "I desire a few words in private with Miss Worthington." To the astonishment of the three men, Alice Worthington arose and glided into the rear drawing-room, where Ferris sprang to her side.
In low whispers he essayed to recall his lost bride to her perfunctory duties of wife.