But Shelton thrust
himself forward and bore him back.
"Who is this? Are we to have all the scum of the earth in here? Do you
know this man, Leroy?" he asked hotly.
"Yes, I do," answered his friend in the low, restraining tones so
habitual to him.
"Yes, I should just think you do!" exclaimed the man, struggling to push
past Mortimer's outstretched arm. It isn't likely as you'll forget
Johann Wilfer, Adrien Leroy, nor me you either."
"This is too much!" cried Shelton, now thoroughly enraged at this fresh
interruption, and again he made as if to thrust the man away.
"Stop," said Adrien, glancing almost sadly at Constance, who smiled
lovingly back. "Let him speak, since he is here. Come, sir, why have you
forced your way in like this? What do you want of me?"
"What I asked a month ago," replied Wilfer. "I want my niece, Jessica. I
want her, an' I'm agoin' to have her, so you'd better own up where she
is."
Adrien turned to the others, who were standing silent in their
astonishment.
"This man," said Leroy, "has a fancied grievance against me; I know
nothing of where this girl is, or what has become of her.
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