"We make it our business to defend this lady from your thievish
designs," said Melville.

"You!" exclaimed the tramp, contemptuously. "Why, I could twist
either of you round my little finger."

"You'd better not try it!" said Melville, not showing the least
trepidation. "Mrs. Cole, has this man anything of yours in his
possession?"

"He has my spoons and I have just handed him ten dollars."

George Melville turned to the tramp.

"Be kind enough to lay the spoons on the table," he said, "and give
back the ten dollars Mrs. Cole handed you."

"You must think I'm a fool!" said the tramp.

"No; but I think you are a prudent man. If you do as I say we will
let you go; if not--"

"Well, if not?" blustered the tramp.

"If not, you may regret it."

All this time George Melville had spoken in his usual tone of voice,
and the tramp was puzzled to know whether he had any weapon with
him. For himself, he was unarmed, and this made him feel rather ill