Everyone gasped and turned toward that room.

The scream was repeated.

"Don't, pop—please don't hit me again! Oh—oh, pop!"

Then came old Dan's voice:

"Blab, will ye—blow on me! You hussy—you ungrateful girl! Take that, dern ye!"

Then there was a blow and a fall.

Frank Merriwell made a rush for the door of the dressing room.

It was fastened on the inside.

From within the room came groans and sobs.