“Unhand that lady!” rasped the man from Mississippi, fairly frothing. “How dare yo’ behave in such a manner!”
“Oh, go back to your kennel!” advised Zenas.
The major caught hold of Sarah Ann and managed to dance round until he could get his hands on the professor.
“Release her!” he commanded.
Miss Ketchum straightened up a little.
“Such a shocking scandal!” she sobbed.
“Yo’ have compromised her, suh!” panted Fitts. “Yo’ shall pay the penalty with your life, suh!”
“I’ve stood just as much of this as I can!” grated Zenas. “I’ll just throw you downstairs!”
Which he attempted to do, while Sarah Ann again tried to part them. On the top stair both lost their balance. Wildly they grabbed at something as they toppled. The right hand of Zenas caught Miss Ketchum. The left hand of the major closed on her, also. Then all three toppled, a shriek of terror escaped the woman, and down they went.
Bump, bump, bump-ety-bump!