"
Colonel Harrington squirmed, got red and pale by turns, gripped his cane
fiercely, and then, relaxed with a groan.
"It's my property!" he declared. "I can prove it's my property."
"Then I suggest that you persuade the person who bought it of that
fact," said Bart.
"Say!" shot out the colonel eagerly, his eye brightening, "if I bring an
order from that same person, will you give up the package?"
Bart hesitated.
"You know where he is, then?" he inquired suspiciously.
"I--I might find him," stammered the military man.
"I do not think I would," said Bart. "Bring him here personally, and I
will hand it over to him--in your presence, if he says so."
The colonel groaned again. It was plainly to be seen that he was in an
intense inward frenzy.
"Stirling, you've got to give me that package!" he cried, springing to
his feet and lifting his cane threateningly.
"Have I?" said Bart, facing him watchingly.
"Be careful, Colonel Harrington! you are pretty near committing a
criminal offense."
"You're in the plot--you know all about it! Give up that package,
or--or--"
"Colonel Harrington," said Bart calmly, but every word ringing out as
clear as the tone of a bell, "I am no ruffian, and I hate violence, but
if you lift that cane to me again--I'll shoot.
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