“This woman is my wife!” he said.
Le instantly recovered himself, and dashed madly forward.
Heaven only knows what he might have done, but he was intercepted, and held as in a vise by Mr. Force, who sternly said:
“Le, there must be no violence here. This madman must be dealt with by law, not by violence.”
“‘This madman!’” shouted the infuriated youth, struggling desperately to free himself. “‘This madman,’ is it? This scoundrel, steeped to the lips in vice and crime! This——”
“Le, be quiet! Would you murder, or be murdered?” demanded Mr. Force, holding the young maniac firmly. Then turning to the intruder, he said, in a calm, commanding tone: “Col. Anglesea, leave the house.”
“When I have accomplished that for which I came here,” answered the intruder, smiling superior.
Young Bayard made a dash at him.
“Roland!” exclaimed Mr. Force, in a peremptory tone that arrested the steps of the young man. “Stop! I will have no struggle in my house. If the man does not leave quietly, he shall be taken off by a policeman.”
But now all Abel Force’s attention and energy were required to control the young lion whom he held.