"Well, I'll be blowed!" he said, adding an oath or two. "You're a bold little pup! You dare to insult me! Why, I could crush you with my little finger."

 

"I have not insulted you," said Dan. "I have only come for my sister."

 

"I don't know anything about your sister. So you can go about your business."

 

"That little girl is my adopted sister," said Dan, pointing to Althea. "Ask her if she doesn't know me."

 

"That is my daughter, Katy Donovan," said the saloon keeper.

 

"No, I am not," said Althea, beginning to cry. "I want to go away with my brother Dan."

 

"Shut up, you little jade¹!" said Donovan, roughly. "Mrs. Donovan," (by this time she was on her feet, looking on in a dazed sort of way), "is not this our little Katy?"

 

"Shure it is," she answered.

 

[Pg 269]

 

"You see, young man, you're mistaken. You can leave," and Donovan waved his hand triumphantly².

 

"That's too thin, Mrs. Donovan!" said Dan, provoked. "That don't go down. I can bring plenty of proof that Althea was until a week since living with my mother."

 

"That for your proof!" said Donovan, contemptuously snapping his fingers.

 

"I know who stole her, and who brought her to this house," continued Dan.

 

Donovan started. The boy knew more than he had expected.

 

"The same man has been here to-day," added Dan.

 

"You lie!" retorted Donovan, but he looked uneasy.

 

"You know that I tell the truth. How much does he pay you for taking care of the girl?"

 

"Enough of this!" roared the saloon keeper. "I can't waste my time talkin' wid you. Will you clear out now?"

 

"No, I won't, unless Althea goes with me," said Dan, firmly.

 

"You won't, then! We'll see about that," and Donovan, making a rush, seized Dan in his arms, and carried him down stairs, despite our hero's resistance.

 

"I'll tache you to come here insultin' your betters!" he exclaimed.

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