up--Why, what's the matter, Larry?"

"You and I--teamed up," he repeated slowly.

"Yes. Don't you like the idea?"

His hands suddenly gripped her bare shoulders.

"There's nothing to it!" he exclaimed almost savagely.

"What's that?" she cried, startled.

"I tell you there's nothing to it!"

"You--you think I can't put it over?"

"You can't! And I'm not going to have it!"

"Why--why--"

Staring, she drew slowly away from him. His face, which a few moments
before had been smiling, was now harsh and dominant with decision. She
had heard him spoken of as "Laughing Larry"; and also as "Terrible
Larry" whose aroused will none could brook. He looked this latter
person now, and she could not understand.

But though she could not understand, her own defiant spirit stormed up
to fight this unexpected opposition. He didn't believe in her--that
was it! He didn't think she was equal to working with him! Her young
figure stiffened in angered pride, and her mind was gathering hot