It was clear to Oscar that Zmai was not anxious to penetrate closer to the Claiborne house, whose garden extended quite near.

He met Zmai promptly and again thrust him back.
"It is a message--yes ?" asked Oscar.
"It is my affair," blurted the big fellow.

"I mean no harm to you." "It was you that tried the knife on my body.

It is much quieter than shooting.

You have the knife--yes ?" The little soldier whipped out his revolver.
"In which pocket is the business carried?
A letter undoubtedly.