She took a step toward Peabody and he
fell back, dragging Bob with him so that a chair stood between them
and the furious girl. "You try to return Bob to the poorhouse, and
I'll tell every one what I know about that deed," flared Betty. "I
know all about the Warren lots and the kind of sale you forced
through. You--you--" to her distress and amazement, Betty burst into
tears.
"Don't cry, dear," whispered Bobby, putting her arm around her.
"Daddy won't let them do anything to Bob. You see if he does."
Joseph Peabody was apparently impervious to verbal assaults and tears.
"Once more I ask you," he shook Bob violently, "are you going to
hand over that paper? Yes, or no?"
"I tell you I haven't got it," said Bob doggedly. "Shaking my teeth
out won't help me get a paper I never saw in my life. As for having
me arrested, you keep up this racket much longer and the hotel
authorities will send for the police on their own responsibility."
Peabody picked up his hat.
"All right, you come along with me," he said sourly. "You won't go
before a soft-headed police recorder this time, either. You'll find
out what it means to face a real judge."
He was marching Bob toward the door when a sharp rap sounded.
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