front of the house they passed Mona. As they entered, "Who was that woman?" said Kisseck.
"Mona," answered Danny.
"Damn her, I'll lay my soul that craythur is at the bottom of it all."
Danny's dilated eyes flashed fire. But he was otherwise outwardly quiet and calm.
"Where's that other fellow—Christian?" said Kisseck. "He has led me into all this cursed mess."
"That's a lie," said Danny, with the color gone from his cheeks.
Kisseck walked across to him with uplifted arm. Never flinching, the lad waited for the blow. Kisseck dropped his hand. Curling his lip in biting mockery, he said, "What for is that she-devil sthrowling around here?"
One bright spot of blood came into the lad's face, and as he drew in his breath it went through his teeth. But he was silent still.
"She has the imperince of sin," said Kisseck. "If she comes here she'll suffer for it."
Danny walked to the door and pushed the bolt. Kisseck laughed bitterly.
"I knew it," he said. "I knew she was in it. But I'll punish her. Out of the way, you idiot waistrel."
There was a hurried step on the road outside.
Danny put his back to the door. His eyes melted, and he cried beseechingly—
"You'll not do that, Uncle Bill?"
"Out of the road, you young pauper," cried Kisseck; and he took hold of Danny and thrust him aside.
