convince the man that she was serious, and Lolla's taunts no longer
affected him. He drew back still farther, and stood looking stupidly at
the two girls.

"You're wiser than she," said Bessie approvingly. "I meant just what I
said. Keep as far as that from me, and you'll be safe. I'm not afraid of
you any more."

Nor was she. Her victory, brief though it might be, had encouraged her,
and revived her drooping spirits. Dolly, too, seemed to have gained new
life from the sight of the big gypsy quailing before her chum. She had
stopped trembling, and stood up bravely now, ready to face whatever
might come.

"Good for you, Bessie!" she exclaimed. She darted a vicious look at
Lolla. "I wish that treacherous little gypsy would come somewhere near
me," she went on, angrily. "I'd pull her hair and make her sorry she
ever tried to help those villains to keep us. When they put her in
prison I'm going to see her, and jeer at her!"

Lolla, looking helpless now in her anger, said nothing, but she glared
at the two girls.

"I think these people are very superstitious," whispered Dolly to
Bessie, when it became plain that, for the moment, the two gypsies
intended only to watch them, without making any further attempt to tie
them up.

"I think so too," returned Bessie, in the same tone. "But I don't see
what good that is going to do us, Dolly."