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 "Again you track him for mischief—track him to steal him! Stand over there, Gerald! Touch him, if you dare!"

Philip was of good size and weight for his age, as has been said, and all the old and new resolution and protection revealed itself in his manly, defiant attitude and upraised walking-stick.

"I will touch him! You spoil my plans again, do you? You shall rue it, Mr. Philip Touchtone."

He made a step forward; but fine villainy means often physical cowardice, and Philip looked no trifling adversary.

"He says he comes from papa—and Mr. Marcy," said Gerald. "He says—"

"Never mind what he says! It isn't true! He is trying to hurt us both. Aren't you ashamed of yourself to lie to that little fellow, Mr. Winthrop Jennison?" he demanded.

Of his own muscle he was not altogether sure, if an actual wrestle over Gerald came. He wished by loud talking to attract any kind of attention over in the hotel.

"You—spoil my plans—again!" repeated Jennison, regarding him indecisively, but with a