Molly, though still remarkable, was not quite so convincing. She was a little younger and slighter, and there was a delicate air of distinction about her that was entirely her own. 

 "Oh, if you would be so kind," she said in a delightfully soft voice.  "I do not wish to speak with these men. If you could send them away—right away——" 

 "Why, of course," replied Tony with his most cheerful smile, "please don't distress yourself." 

 He turned to the two sallow-faced strangers who seemed to have been utterly disconcerted by his sudden appearance on the scene. 

 "Go away," he said, "and hurry up about it." 

 CHAPTER IV LIKE A FAIRY STORY 

 There was a short pause, and then the shorter of the two men stepped forward. He was an aggressive looking person with a cast in his eye, and he spoke with a slight foreign accent. 

 "Sir," he said, "you are making a mistake. We do not intend any insult to this lady. We are indeed her best friends. If you will be good enough to withdraw——" 

 With the gleam of battle in his eye, Bugg ranged up alongside the speaker, and tapped him on the elbow. 

 "'Ere!" he observed.  "You 'eard wot the guv'nor said, didn't you?"  He jerked his thumb over his left shoulder.  "'Op it before you get 'urt." 

 Tony turned to the girl.  "You mustn't be mixed up in a street fight," he said.  "If you will allow me to see you to a taxi, my friend here will prevent these unpleasant looking people from following us." 

 He offered her his arm, and after a second's hesitation she laid a small gloved hand upon his sleeve. 

 "It is very kind of you," she faltered.  "I fear I am going to give you a great deal of trouble." 

 "Not a bit," replied Tony.  "I love interfering in other people's affairs." 

 With a swift stride the cross-eyed gentleman thrust himself across their path. 

 "No, no!" he exclaimed vehemently.  "You must not listen to this man. You——" 

 Prev. P 30/265 next