rl resided
with those who would not protect her, and he nobly resolved to
constitute himself her friend. He had lingered around the house for
hours, and when he saw the libertine approaching, followed him to the
very door, at which he stationed himself, and listened.

Soon a piercing shriek proceeding from an upper chamber, told him that
the moment for his aid had arrived. The street door was fortunately not
locked, and was only secured by a night latch; this he broke by one
vigorous push, and rushing through the hall, mounted the stairs, and
entered the chamber from which he judged the cry of distress had issued.

Then what a sight presented itself! Sophia, in her night dress, her hair
in wild disorder, struggling in the arms of the villain Radcliff, whose
fine countenance was rendered hideous by rage and passion.

'What!' he exclaimed--'_you_ here? By G----, you shall rue your
interference with my schemes. How is it that you start up before me
just at the very moment when my wishes are about to be crowned with
success?'

'I will not parley with you,' replied Frank--'the chamber of this young
lady is no fitting place for a dispute between us. As you claim to be a
gentleman, follow me hence.'

'Lead on, then,' cried the libertine, foaming with rage. 'I desire
nothing better than an opportunity to punish your presumption.'

As they descended the stairs, Josephine and her mother, alarmed by the
noise of the dispute, issued from their rooms, and when Frank had given
them a hasty explanation, the latter angrily demanded how he dared
intrude into that house, and interfere in a matter with which he had no
business.

'Madam,' replied our hero--'you are, I presume, the mother of that much
abused young lady up stairs. I see that you countenance the ruin of your
daughter. I tell you to beware--for I shall take proper measures to
expose your vileness, and have _her_ placed beyond the reach of your
infernal schemes.'

He then left the house followed by Radcliff. After proceeding a short
distance, the latter paused, and said--

'We can do nothing to-night, for we have no weapons, and to fight
otherwise would scarce comport with the dignity of gentlemen. Meet me
to-morrow morning, at the hour of six, upon this spot; bring with you a
friend, and pistols; we will then repair to some secluded place, and
settle our difficulty in honorable combat.'

'But what assurance have I that you will keep the appointment?' demanded
Sydn