“We make it our business to defend this lady from your thievish designs,” said Melville.
“You!” exclaimed the tramp, contemptuously. “Why, I could twist either of you round my little finger.”
“You'd better not try it!” said Melville, not showing the least trepidation. “Mrs. Cole, has this man anything of yours in his possession?”
“He has my spoons and I have just handed him ten dollars.”
George Melville turned to the tramp.
“Be kind enough to lay the spoons on the table,” he said, “and give back the ten dollars Mrs. Cole handed you.”
“You must think I'm a fool!” said the tramp.
“No; but I think you are a prudent man. If you do as I say we will let you go; if not—”
“Well, if not?” blustered the tramp.
“If not, you may regret it.”