"Men who would attack a defenseless woman," he said, "are poor creatures where a man's heart is needed. Now just watch me, and don't be alarmed."
He strode to meet the advancing trio. They halted.
"I give you a last warning," he cried. "Drive off in your carriage, and you," to the cabman, "go back and help your horse. You must go now, this instant, or take the consequences."
There was the silence of indecision. This strong-faced man, with the figure of an athlete, meant what he said.
Victor caught his friend's arm.
"Come away," he whispered. "She does not know you. You have failed this time."
Without another word the pair crossed the road to their waiting brougham. The cabman, who became remarkably sober, began to whine:
"It's on'y a lark, guv'nor. The lydy would ha' took no 'arm. I didn't mean——"
Philip was strongly tempted to kick him, but refrained. He grasped the man's shoulder and lifted his badge to the light.
"I will spare you for the lady's sake," he said, grimly, "but I want your number, in case you try any more such tricks."