“Very well, sir.  But I fear you have mistaken the character of our paper,” said Patsy quietly.  “We are quite independent, Mr. Boglin, and intend to remain so—­even if we can’t make the paper pay.  In other words, the Millville Daily Tribune can’t be bought.”

He stared in amazement; then scratched his ear with a puzzled air.

“Such talk as that means somethin’,” he asserted, gropingly, “but what it means, blamed if I know!  Newspapers never turn money down unless they’re a’ready bought, or have got a grouch of their own....  Say!” he suddenly cried, as an inspiration struck him, “you ain’t got anything agin the mill at Royal, or agin Skeelty, have you?”

“I have, sir!” declared Patsy, raising her head to frown discouragingly upon the Honer’ble Ojoy.  “Mr. Skeelty is acting in a very disagreeable manner.  He has not only boycotted our paper and refused to pay for the subscriptions he engaged, but I understand he is encouraging his workmen to annoy the Millville people, and especially this printing office.”

“Well—­durn—­Skeelty!” ejaculated Mr. Boglin, greatly discomposed by this statement.  “But I’ll fix all that, Miss Doyle,” he added, eagerly.  “Skeelty’s my partner and he’s got to do what I say or I’ll make trouble for him.  You dicker with me for the support of your paper and I’ll guarantee a hundred subscriptions from Royal and get you an apology from Skeelty and a promise he’ll behave an’ keep his men to home.  And all that’s outside the price I’ll agree to pay.”

Patsy’s eyes were full of scorn.

“I won’t dicker with you an instant,” she firmly declared.  “I don’t know Colonel Kleppish, or what his character is, but I’m very sure he’s the better man and that the people have made no mistake in electing him in your place.  No respectable candidate for office would attempt to buy the support of a newspaper, and I advise you to change the wording on your card.  Instead of ‘Honorable’ it should read ‘Dishonorable’ Ojoy Boglin.  Good day, sir!”

Mr. Boglin’s face turned white with rage.  He half rose from his seat, but sat down again with a vicious snarl.

“I’ve coaxed, so far, young woman,” he said grimly, “but I guess it’s time I showed my hand.  You’ll either run this paper in my interest or I’ll push Skeelty on to make the town too hot to hold you.  I’ve got power in this county, even if I ain’t senator, and you’ll feel that power if you dare oppose me.  Take your choice, girl—­either to make good money out o’ this campaign, or be run out of town, neck an’ crop!  It’s up to you to decide.”

“In thirty seconds,” said Patsy, her face as white as was Boglin’s, “I shall ring this bell to summon my men to throw you out.”

The Honer’ble Ojoy slowly rose and put on his hat.

“Look out!” he said warningly.

“I will,” snapped Patsy.

“This ain’t the end of it, girl!”

“There are ten seconds left,” she said.