Part 11 (2/2)

”I think I do,” Norman replied, holding his father's steady gaze.

”You are my son and the heir of my fortune. But you must remember that I am the master of this establishment.”

”I am aware of that fact, sir,” the boy replied, in cold tones.

”I trust that it will not be necessary, then, for me to repeat to you my first positive order--that you will immediately sever your connection with the Socialist Club, and never again appear in public or private with the three people who were on that platform to-day.”

”It will not be necessary for you to repeat your order,” the young athlete replied, with a curious smile and a slight tightening of the lips.

”I thought as much.”

Norman laughed, and the Colonel's eyes began to blaze.

”What do you mean, sir?” he sternly asked.

”That it will be unnecessary for you to repeat your order, for the very simple reason that I'm a man. I've the right to do my own thinking, and I propose to do it.”

With a quick stride the Colonel confronted the young rebel, his breath quick and laboured, his face aflame with unbridled rage.

”You dare thus to defy my wishes?”

”If you put it that way, yes.”

The Colonel stepped to the door and opened it.

”You will obey my order or get out of this house never to enter it again. Take your choice!”

”You mean it?” the younger man asked, with sullen emphasis.

”Exactly what I say,” was the cold reply.

Norman turned without a word, seized his hat, and left the room. As he reached the end of the corridor, and placed his hand on the front door, his father's voice rang out suddenly:

”Norman!”

He paused, and looked back without taking his hand from the k.n.o.b.

”You can't be such a fool!” the Colonel cried.

”It looks that way, Governor!”

He opened the door, softly closed it, and was gone.

CHAPTER VIII

THROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE

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