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.
"What has caused this quarrel, Thames ?" asked the little girl, anxiously.
"You," answered Jack, abruptly.
"No such thing," rejoined Thames.

"I'll tell you all about it presently.
But you must leave us now, dear Winny, Jack and I have something to settle between ourselves.

Don't be afraid.

Our quarrel's quite over." "Are you sure of that ?" returned Winifred, looking uneasily at Jack.
"Ay, ay," rejoined Sheppard; "he may do what he pleases,--hang me, if he thinks proper,--if _you_ wish it." With this assurance, and at the reiterated request of Thames, the little girl reluctantly withdrew.
"Come, come, Jack," said Thames, walking up to Sheppard, and taking his hand, "have done with this.

I tell you once more, I'll say and do nothing to get you into trouble.