While he was speaking, an unsteady step was heard on the staircase.
"He's coming!" said Rose, with a terrified look.
A hard and resolute look came into the boy's face, as, turning towards the door, he awaited the entrance of his stepfather.
CHAPTER III.
A SUDDEN MOVE.
Presently the door was opened, and James Martin entered with an unsteady step. His breath was redolent with the fumes of alcohol, and his face wore the brutish, stupid look of one who was under the influence of intoxication. He was rather above the middle height, with a frame originally strong. His hair and beard had a reddish tinge. However he might have appeared if carefully dressed, he certainly presented an appearance far from prepossessing at the present moment.
Rough and Ready surveyed his stepfather with a glance of contempt and disgust, which he did not attempt to conceal. Rose clung to his side with a terrified look.
"What are you doing here?" demanded Martin, sinking heavily into a chair.
"I'm taking care of my sister," said the newsboy, putting his arm protectingly round Rose's neck.
"You'd better go to work. I can take care of her," said the stepfather.
"Nice care you take of her!" retorted the newsboy, indignantly.