Entirely unaware that he had been saved from a second attack from the waiters by Dunton’s action, Frank lost no time in leaving the place, the girl clinging to his arm.
She was so badly frightened when the street was reached that it was some time before she could tell where she lived.
When they had walked some distance, Frank said:
“Miss, I hope you will pardon me for interfering as I did, but I could not help it when I saw Dunton inducing you to drink wine. I read innocence in your face. I knew you were out of your element in that place and among the frequenters of it, and I resolved to save you.”
“But—but, the gentleman I was with, Mr. Dunton, is one of your company, Mr. Merriwell,” faltered the frightened and bewildered girl.
“I am well aware of that, and that was one reason why I was all the more determined to save you.”
“But he seemed like a nice fellow. Of course I did not admire him as I do you, Mr. Merriwell, but he was so pleasant, so jolly, so kind!”
“I haven’t a doubt of it. That made him all the more dangerous. I saw you talking with him when I entered the theater this afternoon.”
“Oh, did you!” she exclaimed. “Why, I didn’t think you noticed me at all!”
“But I did, and I had a talk with Dunton about you.”