Dunton’s anger threatened to flare forth. He half started up, but dropped back, grating his teeth together. His look just then reminded Merry of the time when, infuriated beyond endurance, Dunton had tried to wound or kill Frank in a sword combat on the stage.
“Why have you done this?” snarled the angry actor.
“Because I was impressed by the innocent appearance of this girl, and I feared for her safety. I thought it possible I had been mistaken till I saw this wine brought on, and now——”
“Now—what?” hissed Dunton, in great excitement.
“Now,” said Frank, looking straight into the eyes of the girl, “I’m going to take this young lady home!”
With a savage exclamation Dunton sprang to his feet, staring at Frank.
“Well, this is the greatest case of nerve!” he exclaimed.
The girl looked frightened and seemed on the verge of bursting into tears.
“Steady, Dunton!” commanded Merry, turning on him. “Don’t make a scene. It will do no good.”
“Do you think this is a very nice thing for you to do, Mr. Merriwell!” panted Dunton. “Don’t you think you are overstepping the bounds?”