But the little she had heard him say was not at all unusual to her, and
she attached no special importance to his words.
Adam Ward was like a child, abashed in her presence.
She looked at McIver appealingly. "Father is excited and nervous, Jim.
He is not at all well, you know."
McIver spoke with gentle authority, "If you will permit me, I will go
with him to his room for a little quiet talk. And then, perhaps, he can
sleep. What do you say, Mr. Ward?"
"Yes--yes," agreed Adam, hurriedly.
Helen looked her gratitude and McIver led the Mill owner away.
When they were in Adam's own apartment and the door was shut McIver's
manner changed with startling abruptness. With all the masterful power
of his strong-willed nature he faced his trembling host, and his heavy
voice was charged with the force of his dominating personality.
"Listen to me, Adam Ward. You must stop this crazy nonsense. If you act
and talk like this the police will have the handcuffs on you before you
know where you are."
Adam cringed before him. "Jim--I--I--do they think that I--"
"Shut up!" growled McIver. "I don't want to hear another word. I have
heard too much now. Charlie Martin stays right here in this house and
your family will give him every attention.
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