"If she's under your protection, the best thing you can do is to accompany us," replied the man, bluntly; and he made another attempt to drag her away. Franklin restrained himself with an effort which did him honor, conscious that violence would be here out of place, and perceiving that it would be utterly useless. He strove a moment to collect his thoughts as one stunned by a thunderbolt. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded. "If you ask for information," remarked the man, impressed by his agonized astonishment, "I will tell you; but wont the young woman get into a hack, out of the crowd?" An empty carriage happened to be passing, into which, like a man in a dream, Franklin handed the ladies. One police officer entered with them--the other took his seat on the box with the coachman. Caroline, although still colorless, had partly regained her courage, and endeavored to smile. Mrs. Clifford, in a most distressing state of agitation, only found breath to say, "Well, this is a pretty adventure, upon my word!" As the carriage moved away, followed by a troop of ragamuffins, leaping, laughing, and shouting, Franklin said, "And now, my good fellow, I have submitted peaceably to this atrocious outrage, tell me by whose authority you act, and in what way this young lady has exposed herself to such an infamous insult?" "Well, in the first place," said the man, coolly, "I act by the authority of the Messieurs Blake, Blanchard & Co.; and in the second place, the young lady has exposed herself to such an infamous insult by stealing ten yards of Brussels' lace, at £12 a yard, value £120 sterling." "Scoundrel!" exclaimed Franklin, again grasping his collar. "Hollo! hollo! hollo!" cried the man--hands off, my cove! and keep a civil tongue in your head, you'd best. It aint of no use, I give you my word of honor." "Miss Clifford--" But Miss Clifford had covered her face with her white hands, which did not conceal her still whiter complexion.