Tom Smith heard the alarm in the voice, and rejoiced.  It gave him the greatest pleasure always to know that he inspired fear in anyone.

“Open the door.  It’s me, Tom Smith, and I’ve come after that dog of mine that you’ve stole!”

No answer came, nor was the door opened.

“Open the door, I say, or I’ll fetch the police for you! pack of thieves that you are!”

The threat of the police would have made Huldah smile, if she had not been in such a state of terror for herself, and even more so for Dick.  She knew that her “uncle” would not go within a mile of a policeman if he could help it.  Indeed, she longed and prayed for a policeman to come along then, that she might appeal to him for protection.

Unfortunately for them, though, not even a bolt stood between them and their enemy, and before Huldah could step forward to shoot it, or turn the key, the latch was raised, and Tom Smith was in the kitchen.  With one well-aimed kick he sent Dick into the furthest corner, and with equally sure aim he seized Huldah by the wrist.  “Now, you come along of me, and no nonsense, do you hear?  A fine dance you’ve led me and your poor aunt!  You deserves a good hiding, both of ’ee, and I ain’t sure but what you’ll get it yet.”

“Let her alone,” gasped Mrs. Perry, “let her go—­she isn’t yours.  You’ve no—­right—­to her.”  Her face was grey white, her heart seemed to have stopped beating, and she could hardly speak.

Tom Smith took no notice of her whatever, he was not going to waste time in arguing—­bullying was more in his line.  “Now then, come along.  If you makes any noise, I’ll turn the p’lice on the old lady there, for harbouring thieves and receiving stolen property.  Stop it now!” as Huldah wrenched herself away.  “P’raps that’ll teach you,” and he caught her a heavy blow on the ear.

Mrs. Perry screamed.  “Don’t hurt her—­oh, don’t do them any harm!” she pleaded.  “Promise not—­to beat them.”  It seemed to her impossible to resist him, they were helpless there, those two alone.  Huldah and Dick must go.

Huldah’s heart sank with overwhelming sorrow.  Was she really to be given up? was she to leave her new home, her new happiness, her work, Mrs. Perry, Miss Rose,—­all to go back to the old torture?  Oh no, it could not be.  She could never bear it!  Mrs. Perry spoke as if she would have to; but what would she herself do there alone?  She would be almost frightened to death.

Poor Huldah grew frantic.  “I am not going.  I can’t go, and Miss Rose said you can’t make me.  I am not yours.  Oh, Miss Rose, Miss Rose do come and save us!”

With a little whimper of pain Dick crawled out of his corner and came towards her.  He seemed to realise that his little mistress was in danger, and he meant to stand by her.

“Shut up your noise!” shouted her “uncle,” and dealt her another sharp blow on the side of the head.