Behind him, a couple of juniors and the office boy supplied reenforcements.

They all had the settled conviction that their employer was a rogue, but he paid them in no niggardly fashion, and they would not suffer anyone to attack him.
This incursion from the external world had a restorative effect on Verity.

Being what is termed a self-made man, he had a fine sense of his own importance, and his subordinates' lack of respect forthwith overcame every other consideration.
"Get out!" he growled, waving a hand toward the door.
"But, sir--please, gentlemen----" stuttered the senior clerk.
"Get out, I tell you! D--n yer eyes, 'oo sent for any of you ?" Undoubtedly David was recovering.

The discomfited clerks retired.
Even Dickey Bulmer was quieted a little.

But he still shook the newspaper under David's nose.
"Now!" he cried.