"I'll whip you if you prefer it, Miss Saucebox," he said, and grasped Grace by the shoulder.
Mrs. Palmer sprang forward to rescue her child, but the struggle was by no means equal. The ruffian would probably have injured both but for an opportune arrival.
Paul was at the foot of the outside staircase when he heard his little sister's scream. He had a tender love for the little girl, and the thought that she was in some peril gave wings to his feet. He fairly flew up stairs, and burst into the room like a tornado.
One glance enabled him to understand the situation. He seized Stephen, and forcibly wrenched him from Grace.
"What does all this mean?" he demanded, turning to his mother.
"It means that Stephen has stolen your sister's gold piece, and when I remonstrated was on the point of assaulting us both."
"You contemptible coward!" exclaimed Paul, turning upon his step-brother with flashing eyes, his manner full of disdainful contempt.
Even Stephen cowered a little before the boy's scorn.
"I borrowed the money, that's all," he said. "It's a great thing to make such a fuss about. And what's more," he continued, resuming his swaggering tone, "I won't stand any impudence from a young whelp like you. Do you hear?"
"Grace," said Paul, not noticing the young man's words, "has he got your gold piece now?"