“No.”
“It belongs to me. You have no right to take it! Give it back!”
“No.”
The Man of Mystery was perfectly calm and determined in his refusal. Frank and Jack looked on wonderingly. The woman turned swiftly on Frank Merriwell.
“I appeal to you!” she cried. “You are a gentleman. Will you see me insulted and robbed of my fan in such a manner?”
“You do well to appeal to one you were about to strike like a snake!” said Mr. Noname, with a sneer. “A few moments ago you thought to destroy him, and now you appeal to him to protect you from insult! You do well!”
“He is mad!” gasped the woman.
“She knows I speak the truth,” spoke the Mystery. “She cannot deny it.”
“I do deny it!”
“Indeed! I can prove every word I have spoken.”