“Frank Merriwell is something surprising for a tenderfoot,” he admitted; “but you had better keep away from him.”
“Oh, really!”
“Yes, really. It will be better for him.”
“It strikes me that your words are insulting, sir!”
“Wait!” he exclaimed, putting out one hand and barring her way as she sought to pass him. “Please don’t go so soon, Sadie! Listen! Frank Merriwell has a sweetheart, and she is your friend. It would not be just for you to try to cut her out. You know that, and I do not believe you would think of such a thing.”
“Thank you for your good opinion of me!” laughed the girl in a way that caused him to scowl and shrink a bit.
“I am in earnest,” he went on, quickly. “Am I right in thinking so. I know you can win him from her if you try, but you shall not do it!”
He hissed the words through his teeth, and she started back, an expression of fear flitting across her face. Then she became angry to think that he should speak to her in such a manner.
“Stand aside!” she exclaimed. “You are not my master! It is well for you that Frank Merriwell is not here.”
“It is well for him that he is not here,” declared Charlie, his face pale and his lips cold and blue, while there was a deadly glitter in his eyes. “I see you care for him! That is enough! You shall be mine! I have sworn it a thousand times and I swear it again!”