I allow I never was in so horrible a snarl in my life.

But I'll punch Pike's head for this, and don't you forget it! That's whatever!" But the Westerner met quite as chilling a reception at Lee's home as at the office.

The servant who met him at the door had received her instructions.
"You are not to be admitted to the house," she said sharply.
"Is Miss Lee in ?" he persisted.
"No." "Is that true, or is it one of the society lies which declares that a lady is out when she is in ?" he bluntly demanded.
To this there was no answer.

The servant began to close the door.

Badger stopped this by taking hold of the knob.
"What do you want ?" asked the girl, who was somewhat frightened by the Westerner's violent manner.
"I want to see Miss Winnie Lee." "She is not at home." "Then I want to see Miss Inza Burrage." "She is not in." "Then I should like to see Miss Elsie Bellwood." "She is not in." Badger suddenly changed his tactics.