He was, therefore, in no mood to bear trifling, much less insult.

Scarcely had the offensive words passed Dewey's lips, when a blow in the face staggered him back against the wall.

Instantly recovering himself, he sprang towards Wallingford in blind rage, and struck at him with a savage energy; but the latter stepped aside, and let his assailant come, with stunning force, against the wall at the other side of the office, when he fell to the floor.
At this instant, Judge Bigelow came in.
"Henry! Ralph!" he exclaimed--"what is the meaning of this ?" "Your nephew insulted me, and in the heat of anger I struck him in the face.

In attempting to return that blow, he missed his aim, and fell against the wall, as you see." Wallingford spoke without excitement, but in a stern, resolute way.

By this time, Dewey was on his feet again.