"That's all the good it will do her. We'll beat you in court, Mr.
Crosby, and we won't leave a dollar for you, my dear sister-in-law,"
snarled Austin, his face white with rage.

"And now that we've settled our business, and missed our train, perhaps
you'll call off your confounded dog," said Crosby. Austin's face broke
into a wide grin, and he chuckled aloud. Then he leaned against the
door-post and held his sides.

"What's the joke?" demanded the irate Crosby. Mrs. Delancy clasped his
arm and looked down upon Austin as if he had suddenly gone mad.

"You want to come down, eh?" cackled Austin. "Why don't you come down? I
know you'll pardon my laughter, but I have just remembered that you may
be a horse thief and that I was not going to let you escape. Mrs.
Delancy refuses to speak to me, so I decline to ask her to come down."

"Do you mean to say you'll keep this lady up here for--" began Crosby
fiercely. Her hand on his arm prevented him from leaping to the floor.

"She may come down when she desires, and so may you, sir," roared Austin
stormily.

"But some one will release us, curse you, and then I'll make you sorry
you ever lived," hissed Crosby. "You are a black-hearted cur, a cowardly
dog--"

"Don't--don't!" whispered the timid woman beside him.

"You are helping your cause beautifully," sneered Austin. "My men have