Another instant and the stick would descend on the beautiful head!
But Devereaux's upraised arm received the force of the blow, and that arm fell shattered and helpless by his side, but the other hand violently wrenched the old woman away from her victim, as he demanded:
"You vile beast! What is the meaning of this murderous assault?"
They glared at each other, and the old woman snarled:
"I have a right to beat her! She disobeyed my orders, and she belongs to me. She's my granddaughter."
"Heaven help me, it is true!" moaned Liane, as he looked at her for confirmation.
"Let me get at her! Let me get at her!" shrieked granny, intent on punishing the girl, and writhing in Devereaux's clutch.
But Devereaux, with one arm hanging helpless at his side, held her firmly with the other.
"You shall not touch her!" he said sternly. "You shall go to prison for this outrage."
At that both the old woman and the girl uttered a cry of remonstrance.