Curious eyes followed them as they passed out. Jones was at their heels. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XII THE SECRET OF THE DOLL. As they were passing out to the sidewalk Hilda’s hand fell on Frank’s arm and her voice whispered in his ear: “What can we do? He is close behind. If you turn on him, he will meet you with knife or pistol. It will be in the papers to-morrow. The whole truth will come out, and I shall be arrested.” He saw that she, usually so brave, was in great terror of something, and he did not believe her fear was inspired entirely by Jones. What caused it? Had this girl committed a crime of some sort that caused her to fear the relentless hand of the law? Even so, he pitied her. Even so, he would stand by her and try to aid her. What better could be expected of the daughter of Enos Dugan, the smuggler! She had been brought up in an atmosphere of lawlessness; had been taught as a little child that the law was an oppressor and that it was not wrong to defy and defeat it. No matter what happened to her, she should not lack for a friend. She had dreamed heroic things of this youth at her side, and he would not disappoint her in the supreme moment. But Frank was uncertain of the proper course to pursue. He did not doubt that she had spoken the truth in warning him that the man close behind would be ready to meet him with a deadly weapon the moment they reached the sidewalk. Not only that, but Merry had no heart for a street fight while accompanied by a woman. How otherwise was Jones to be shaken? He would cling to them like a leech. Frank was turning this over in his mind as they passed out by the door and descended the steps to the sidewalk. The moment the sidewalk was reached Jones stepped forward till he was at the other side of Hilda, saying: “We will all take a cab to the place where you are stopping. There you can quietly hand the doll over to me. I give you my promise to depart quietly and never trouble you again in case my property has been returned to me in full. You will be free of me forever, and that is what you have paid——” At that moment, with a snarling cry, a man who had been lingering in front of Shanley’s launched himself on Jones, whom he clutched by the throat. Frank had seen the figure dart forward and spring, and he swung Hilda out of the way of harm. “You!” cried the assailant, as he grasped Jones’ throat. “You are the worst one of them all! You would ruin her body and soul! But your time has come!” “It’s Tom Stevens!” gasped Hilda. It was the maniac who had twice attacked Merry, and he was handling Jones roughly just then. “Let go, you fool!” gasped the man who had been attacked. Then he twisted about and grappled with the other. A moment later both were sprawling on the paving. Frank saw his opportunity. Grasping Hilda’s arm, he quietly said: “Come!”