“Oh! oh! please don’t do that! Please don’t!”
The unexpected cry came from a room at the end of a corridor. It was the voice of a girl, and was immediately followed by some harsh words uttered by the gypsy woman. Then the voice of another girl was heard.
“You let her alone! Don’t you dare to touch her, or touch me!”
“I’ll do as I please! I’ll make you behave yourselves!” came in the voice of Mother Domoza. And then there followed some heavy footsteps and several girlish screams.
Not waiting to hear more, Dave and Roger bounded down the corridor and flung themselves against the door to the room from which the sounds had issued. They had recognized the voices of Laura and Jessie, and were more than eager to go to the girls’ assistance.
The door had been closed, and evidently something had been placed against it. But the two young civil engineers were strong and their excitement gave them additional strength. They flung the door open readily, sending a bench before it. As they did this they found themselves confronted by Mother Domoza, her eyes blazing with commingled astonishment and anger.
“You—you!” she shrieked. “What do you want here?”
“It’s Dave!” shrieked Jessie.
“And Roger!” exclaimed Laura.
Then the two girls attempted to move toward the two youths, but their way was barred by Mother Domoza.