"Why did you lock the door ?" "Naturally, to keep you in here until I am through with you," returned the miner coldly.

"Sit down, Lacy; we've got a few things to talk over.

You left word for me at the hotel, and, being a polite man, I accepted your invitation.

I supposed I would find you alone." Lacy sank back into his chair, endeavouring to smile.
"This gentleman is a friend of mine," he explained.

"Whatever you care to say can be said before him." "I am quite well aware of that and also that he is now present so that you may use him as a witness in case anything goes wrong.