Bonbright could see how pale she was, how frightened.
"Don't be afraid," he said to her. "Nothing is going to—happen."
He stood erect now, free from the support of the car, waiting for
Dulac, who approached menacingly.
"Dulac," he said, "I can't—fight you. I can't even—-defend myself—much…. Unless you insist."
The men were facing each other now, almost toe to toe. Dulac's face was stormy with passion under scant restraint; Bonbright, though he swayed a bit unsteadily, faced him with level eyes. Ruth saw the decent courage of the boy and her fear for him made her clutch Dulac's sleeve. The man shook her off.
"I know—why you attacked me," said Bonbright, slowly, "what you thought…. I—stopped you to—be sure Miss Frazer was safe… and to tell you you were—wrong…. Not that you have a—right to question me, but nobody must think—ill of Miss Frazer…. No misunderstanding…."
"Get that car out of the way," said Dulac.
Bonbright shook his head. "Not till I'm—through," he said. "Then you may—take Miss Frazer home…. But be kind to her—gentle…. I shall ask her about it—and I sha'n't be—knocked out long."
"You threaten me, you pampered puppy!"
"Yes," said Bonbright, grimly, "exactly."