Mr. Johann Wilfer glared vengefully at the smooth face of his assailant,
and, struggling still, breathed out, with a choice assortment of oaths,
the question: "Who are you? What do you want?"

"Questions we will leave for the present, my friend," was the reply.
"Are you going to struggle much longer? because if so, I shall be under
the painful necessity of using still greater force."

Mr. Wilfer lessened his movements.

"Ah!" continued the suave voice. "So you decide to take things quietly.
Wise man! Now have the goodness to rise and let me see to whom I have
the pleasure of speaking."

Whereupon our friend, Mr. Jasper Vermont, released Johann's throat from
the pressure of his knee--for it was by this means he had controlled the
other's movements--and allowed him to rise to his feet. It was a very
sullen and altogether puzzled individual that stood waiting, uncertain
whether to listen to his captor's next words or to make his escape.

Jasper eyed him as a cat does a mouse, on the watch for the slightest
attempt to move.

"So!" he said, as he took out his cigar-case, and drew forth one of
Leroy's choice Regalias. "So! Now we are on our feet again, we
look--well, I must say, none the less a ruffian."

The man turned savagely as if about to run away, but Jasper was too
quick for him; with a grip of steel he caught hold of the other's arm.