But Frank was uncertain of the proper course to pursue. He did not doubt that she had spoken the truth in warning him that the man close behind would be ready to meet him with a deadly weapon the moment they reached the sidewalk. Not only that, but Merry had no heart for a street fight while accompanied by a woman.
How otherwise was Jones to be shaken? He would cling to them like a leech. Frank was turning this over in his mind as they passed out by the door and descended the steps to the sidewalk.
The moment the sidewalk was reached Jones stepped forward till he was at the other side of Hilda, saying:
“We will all take a cab to the place where you are stopping. There you can quietly hand the doll over to me. I give you my promise to depart quietly and never trouble you again in case my property has been returned to me in full. You will be free of me forever, and that is what you have paid——”
At that moment, with a snarling cry, a man who had been lingering in front of Shanley’s launched himself on Jones, whom he clutched by the throat.
Frank had seen the figure dart forward and spring, and he swung Hilda out of the way of harm.
“You!” cried the assailant, as he grasped Jones’ throat. “You are the worst one of them all! You would ruin her body and soul! But your time has come!”
“It’s Tom Stevens!” gasped Hilda.
It was the maniac who had twice attacked Merry, and he was handling Jones roughly just then.
“Let go, you fool!” gasped the man who had been attacked.