"
"Him!" echoed the gentleman, releasing her. He was a
distinguished-looking fellow of twenty-eight or so, with a winning
face and very fine eyes. "Oh, I see. The villain in pursuit!"
"Egad, that makes you the hero to the rescue, Dick," said one of the
young gentleman's companions.
"Faith, I'll play the part, too," replied Dick. "Fear not, madam."
"Thank you, sir, for stopping her," said Ned, coming up, panting.
"Pray, don't waste your thanks. What shall I do to the rascal, madam?"
"I don't care," she answered. "Don't let him have me."
"None of that, sir," spoke up Ned. "She's a runaway, and I'm her
natural protector."
"Her husband?" inquired Dick.
"No--"
"I congratulate you, madam."
"I'm her brother," said Ned.
"And condole with you in the same breath," finished Dick, to Margaret.
"You're a lady, I see. Pardon my familiarity at first. Sure you
needn't fear me--I have a wife as beautiful as yourself. As for this
relation of yours--"
"He tried to rob me of my necklace and rings. We lodge yonder, where
the light is in the window. He found me packing my trunks to leave
him--"
"And leave him you shall. Shall she not, gentlemen?"
His two companions warmly assented. Ned savagely measured them with
his eyes, but did not dare a trial of prowess against three. Moreover,
their courtly address and easy manners disconcerted him.
"Oh, I sha'n't harm her," he grumbled.
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