"I know ye, Andy Barkswell—know what yer scheming brain hez concocted. Not content wi' puttin' poor Vict'ry Vane out o' the world, you hev planned ter kill my sister, yer true and lawful wife. I'll watch ye thar, hossfly—"
"Scoundrel!"
With the exclamation, Barkswell leaped with the fury of a tiger at the throat of the stalwart tramp.
The hour had come for a complete triumph or none.
"Murder!"
This was the cry that escaped the lips of the wounded tramp.
Well might he give utterance to the cry.
There was murder gleaming in the lurid eyes of the villain, Barkswell.
Although Perry Jounce was weak from the effects of the shot that had plowed a furrow through his scalp, his assailant did not permit him to have a fair show.
The tramp had been very indiscreet in telling what he did to his wicked brother-in-law.