“Go to blazes!” he hissed. “If you fool around me, you’ll get thumped!”
He made a threatening movement, but Frank did not stir, looking him straight in the eyes, and quietly saying:
“I wouldn’t advise you to try it.”
That was too much for the angry actor, and, despite the time and place, he aimed a blow at Merry’s cheek with his open hand.
Frank ducked like a flash, came up instantly, caught the fellow by the collar, whirled him about and gave him a push away, advising:
“Go on, now! Don’t try that a second time.”
Then he turned to the girls, swiftly speaking:
“I am very sorry you have been annoyed, and I think you had better get away from here at once, so you will not be connected in gossip with an actor’s row, in case Mr. Dunton forces me to fight.”
The dark-eyed girl gave him a grateful and admiring look, and they both hastened away.
By that time Dunton had turned, his face now white with rage.