The boy shrank back with a cry of terror.
In an instant Marion was between them, her voice ringing out like a bugle.
“Don’t you dare to hurt him, you monster!” she cried furiously; “I won’t stand by and see it done even if I am a girl! And when I’m a woman I’ll have you put in prison!”
“And I’ll help you do it, if I’m alive!” cried Bert Jackson, recklessly; “but there ain’t much doubt but what he’ll kill me now for my arm hurts so bad that I can’t stand him much longer!”
Marion stood like a statue as the group passed down the road. Matt Jenkins looked back at her once or twice, but his whip was not raised while her eyes were upon him.
CHAPTER II.
THE CITY BOARDER.
When they were gone from her sight Marion turned homeward.
The patient cows were well on their way, so the young girl had nothing to do but follow them.
As she came in sight of the low farm-house where she was born she saw a girlish figure coming swiftly toward her.