e
passed. I don't want to kill you, but--"

Mrs. Cole uttered a shriek of dismay, and turned to obey the command
of her unwelcome visitor, when a loud, clear voice was heard from just
outside the window.

"Stay where you are, Mrs. Cole! There is help at hand. This ruffian
shall not harm you."

It was the voice of George Melville. The tramp turned swiftly and stared
in ill-disguised dismay at Melville and Herbert.

"What business is it of yours?" he demanded, in a blustering tone.

"We make it our business to defend this lady from your thievish
designs," said Melville.

"You!" exclaimed the tramp, contemptuously. "Why, I could twist either
of you round my little finger."

"You'd better not try it!" said Melville, not showing the least
trepidation. "Mrs. Cole, has this man anything of yours in his
possession?"

"He has my spoons and I have just handed him ten dollars."

George Melville turned to the tramp.

"Be kind enough to lay the spoons on the table," he said, "and give back
the ten dollars Mrs. Cole handed you."

"You must think I'm a fool!" said the tramp.

"No; but I think you are a prudent man. If you do as I say we will let
you go; if not--"

"Well, if not?" blustered the tramp.

"If not, you may regret it."

All this time George Melville had spoken in his usual tone of voice, and
the tramp was puzzled to know whether he had any weapon with him. For
himself, he was unarmed, and this made him feel rather ill at ease,
notwithstanding his superiority in physical strength. He was rather
disposed to think that George Melville had a pistol, for he could not
understand how otherwise he should dare to confront a man of twice his
size and strength.

"I don't care for the spoons," he said, "but I will take the money."

"No, you will return the money," said Melville, calmly.

"Who will make me?" demanded the tramp, defiantly.

"I will."

"We'll see about that!" said the tramp, desperately, and he sprang
towards Melville, who had in the meantime entered the house and stood
only six feet distant.

"Stay where you are!" exclaimed Melville, resolutely, and he drew a
pistol, which he leveled at his formidable antagonist.

"That settles it, stranger!" said the tramp, "You've got the advantage
of me this time. Just wait till we meet again."

"I am willing to wait for some time," said Melville, shrugging his
shoulders. "I have no desire to cultivate your acquaintance, my friend."

"There are the spo