"You daren't use it."

"Try to leave the room, and see whether I daren't," returned Jack,
opening the blade.

"I didn't expect this from you," rejoined Thames, resolutely. "But your
threats won't prevent my leaving the room when I please, and as I
please. Now, will you stand aside?"

"I won't," answered Jack, obstinately.

Thames said not another word, but marched boldly towards him, and seized
him by the collar.

"Leave go!" cried Jack, struggling violently, and raising his hand, "or
I'll maul you for life."

But Thames was not to be deterred from his purpose; and the strife might
have terminated seriously, if a peace-maker had not appeared in the
shape of little Winifred, who, alarmed by the noise, rushed suddenly
into the room.

"Ah!" she screamed, seeing the uplifted weapon in Sheppard's hand,
"don't hurt Thames--don't, dear Jack! If you want to kill somebody, kill
me, not him."

And she flung herself between them.

Jack dropped the knife, and walked sullenly aside.