At first he was very pleasant though a little agitated but afterward he began to behave in a most extraordinary manner as though he was lashing himself up into a fury which he didn't feel.

I promised him a substantial amount on account, but he grew worse and worse and then, suddenly, before I realised what he was doing, he was brandishing a revolver in my face and uttering the most extraordinary threats.

Then it was I remembered Kara's warning." "Kara," said T.X.

quickly.
"A man I know and who was responsible for introducing me to Vassalaro.
He is immensely wealthy." "I see," said T.X., "go on." "I remembered this warning," the other proceeded, "and I thought it worth while trying it out to see if it had any effect upon the little man.

I pulled the pistol from my pocket and pointed it at him, but that only seemed to make it--and then I pressed the trigger....
"To my horror four shots exploded before I could recover sufficient self-possession to loosen my hold of the butt.