"I like her," he said coolly. "I might marry her. You are very lovely," he added, turning his bold, cold eyes on Evelyn.
She hid her face against her father's shoulder.
Otto laughed.
Jack sprang at him with a shrill cry. The big man caught the boy, and flung him contemptuously to the floor.
"Be careful, little sparrow!" he said. "A second time and I will crush you! I'm going now," he said, turning to the Professor. "In half an hour we will come and you will tell us which you prefer—death or safe conduct." He bowed. "Good-bye for a little, Mees Evelyn, he said and closed the door behind him."
Evelyn threw herself on her father's shoulder and burst into sobs. "Oh, father, father, what shall we do?" she cried.
The Professor was silent, then he said, "Well, my dear, I actually believe that young man meant what he said."
"Of course he did!" sobbed Evelyn.
"In that ease," said the Professor firmly, "I would as lief be dead as to have the work of a lifetime destroyed by those rascals."
He hastened to the table and took up the portfolio enclosing his book.
"It's all here," he said after a glance.