"I—I scarcely know you well enough." Mary's voice was low and she seemed in distress. Her back was toward Tom and Ned.
"You'll soon get to know me better," went on Barton boldly. "I'm very fond of you, Mary. Why are you so cold and distant? Now you and I—" He almost had his arm around her now.
"Mr. Barton, stop! Stand away from me!" exclaimed Mary.
Tom Swift made a jump into the cabin and, with a hand on Barton's shoulder, swung that surprised youth about.
"You dirty dog!" cried Tom, almost beside himself with rage. "I've found you out just in time!"
He gave Barton a shove which would have floored that young man had not Ned caught and held him.
"Oh, Tom!" cried Mary, and, holding out her hands she was soon clasped in Tom Swift's willing arms. "Oh, Tom! I'm so glad you came! He—he——"
A look of disgust came over her face as she looked at Barton.
"He won't annoy you again," said Tom grimly.
But now Barton had recovered his poise and, pulling away from Ned, demanded: