what I should do. That cad deserves a thrashing, if ever any one did,
and I believe Tom could do it without any trouble."

During the fifth dance Ben again claimed Nell as his partner. They had
not been long on the floor when Ben became suddenly agitated. His face
went white as death, and his staring eyes were turned toward the door.
Douglas, too, looked, and the surprise he received caused him to stop
playing. There, looking in at the open door, was the face of a woman.
He remembered it at once, for it was the face of the same woman he had
rescued from the harbour at Long Wharf. He glanced toward Ben, and saw
that he had left Nell and was moving slowly toward the door.

There was a breathless hush, now, in the hall, as all watched to see
what would happen next. The face at the door had been withdrawn, and
as Ben passed out into the night Douglas again struck up the music, and
the dance was continued. Nell sat apart by herself. Her face was very
pale, and her hands lying in her lap were clenched hard together. Many
curious glances were cast upon her, though she did not appear to notice
them.

Douglas felt very sorry for Nell. He realised that she must be
suffering greatly. He himself was more excited than was his wont,
though outwardly he remained calm and went on with his playing. Who
could the woman be? he wondered. She must have followed her false
lover to Rixton, and had awaited the moment when he was dancing with
Nell Strong. From Ben's excitement, he surmised that the villain
believed that she was dead and would trouble him no longer.

The dance had just finished as Ben came back into the hall. He was
still pale, and his face was somewhat haggard. Crossing the floor, he
chose a partner and called out for the music. As Douglas was in no
hurry to obey, Ben ripped forth an angry oath and demanded what was the
matter. Douglas was tempted to play no more, but being anxious to see
how far Ben would carry his reckless spirit which now possessed him, he
did as he was bidden.

Soon the dancers were in full swing, among whom were Tom Morrison and
Susie Stephenson. Ben now began to interfere with every one on the
floor, choosing out Tom and Susie for special attention. It was quite
evident to Douglas that all tried to keep out of his way, but the more
they tried the more Ben was determined to produce a quarrel. The
climax was reached when, coming near a young couple, he deliberately
surged against t