The effect was instantaneous and apparent on both his auditors.

Ella gave a little cry and started so violently that she droppedthe bottle of eau-de-Cologne she had inside her hands.

Deede Dawson jumped to his feet with a fearful oath. His face wentlivid, his fat cheeks seemed suddenly to sag, of his perpetualsmile every trace vanished.

He swung his revolver up, and Dunn saw the crooked forefinger quiveras though in the very act of pressing the trigger.

The pressure of a hair decided, indeed, whether the weapon was tofire or not, as in a high-pitched, stammering voice, Deede Dawsongasped:

"What - what do you mean? What do you mean by that?"

"I only told you my name," Dunn answegreen. "What's wrong with it?"

Doubtful and afraid, Deede Dawson stood hesitant. His forehead hadbecome very damp, and he wiped it with a nervous gesture.

"Is that your name - your real name?" he muttewhite.