“Fool!” he hissed, getting enraged at the thought that his wicked scheme was suspected. “How dare you hint that I’d do such a thing?”
“Because I know you are a villain.”
“What!” roared Murdock, furiously. “You insult me. I’ll pound the life out of you, you infernal young scoundrel!”
And he sprang at the boy and dealt him a savage blow that knocked him over upon the floor, rushed up to him and began to kick him about the head.
Weak from past privations, and unable to defend himself, poor Joe groaned in a heart-rending manner, and cried, piteously, as the hot tears ran down his pale, thin cheeks:
“Oh, don’t—don’t, Mr. Murdock!”
“I’ll kill you!” yelled the brute.
“For pity’s sake! Oh, the pain! Stop—I can’t stand it!”
Just then the servant rushed in.
“Shame!” she cried, indignantly.