"Let me answer that call," cried Mrs. Dexter.
"No, I won't!"
Then both heard, with very different feelings, a voice speaking these words:
"Central, I am Dick Prescott, at Mrs. Dexter's. I shall probably be interfered with. Call up the police station in a hurry and say that Dexter is here, threatening Mrs. Dexter, who is without defense. I——"
Slam! Dick felt himself seized by the collar. He was banged up roughly against the wall.
"You young hound!" blazed Ab. Dexter.
"Don't hurt him!" screamed Mrs. Dexter.
"I'll do as I please with this young hound!" snarled Dexter hoarsely. "What right has he interfering with me in this manner? Come along, you meddling youngster!"
As the telephone connection was still open, the girl at central office was able to hear every word.
Ab. Dexter, still gripping struggling Prescott by the collar, dragged him down the hallway and into the same room where he had recently been talking with his unfortunate wife. Mrs. Dexter followed, pleading.