Cronk glared about until his gaze rested upon the two girls. His eyes pierced into the soul of Fledra. She shuddered and drew closer to Miss Shellington. The squatter walked toward the door, and once more looked back, an evil expression crossing his face and settling in deep lines about his mouth.
"Ye remember what I told ye, Flea, the last time I seed ye! I meant what I said then, and I say it over again!"
The emphasis upon the words struck terror to Fledra's sensibilities. But, with new courage in her eyes, she advanced a step, and, raising a set face, replied: "Ye can't have us, Pappy Lon--you can't! I'll take care of Flukey, and Mr. Shellington'll take care--of--me."