"Then ye've brought her back, have ye?" and Mrs. Hawkins cast a threatening look at Maggie.
"No, I have not," replied Mrs. Ramsey, quietly. "I simply brought her along to identify you."
"Ye think yer honest, don't ye?" shrieked Mrs. Hawkins. "I'll have the child back. I've the law on me side."
"We shall find out if the law permits anyone to retain a child and ill-treat her," returned Mrs. Ramsey.
"Ill-treat, is it? Who says it? If it's that little lyin', whinin'—"
"Hush!" said Mrs. Ramsey, in a tone of command.
The woman was silenced for a moment, then she made a grab at Maggie, who clung to her protector.
At this moment up strode a policeman. "What's all this?" he cried. "What's the trouble? Pardon me, madam," he said, addressing Mrs. Ramsey.
That lady explained.
The policeman looked perplexed. "I am not sure but the woman has some right, madam. I happen to know that the child belongs here, but you can probably settle it if she has been ill-treated. You had better leave the girl here, and consult the proper authorities."