“No, I’m not,” and Septimus gave an extra twist that made Frank cry out.
Bernard concluded that the time for remonstrance was past. He sprang forward, and seizing Septimus in his powerful grasp, tore him from his young victim.
“I’ll pay you up for this!” shrieked Septimus, as he flung himself upon Bernard.
Bernard laid him on his back in less than a minute.
“Do you want any more?” he asked, rather contemptuously.
Just at this moment the kitten saw a favorable opportunity to escape, and ran down the trunk of the tree. As she was running away Septimus caught sight of her, and his cruel instincts were aroused. He seized a rock and flung it at her. Had it struck the kitten she would have been seriously hurt.
Bernard was fond of pets, and his soul revolted at cruelty in any form.
“I see you can’t be trusted, Septimus,” he said composedly. “Nat, come here and help secure him.”
“What shall I do?” asked Nat.
“Hold his hands.”