His two companions laughed rudely, but the girls hastened on without a word or look. Another of the trio then said: "Betcha they'd be glad of comp'ny. I'll try it."
Eleanor whispered anxiously to Polly: "What time do you think it is?"
"It was almost eleven when we stopped writing. It must be nearly eleven-thirty now."
"Pretty late for such a bad night. We'll take the subway at Fourteenth street, Polly."
"Reckon we'd better. Are there no policemen about these corners?"
"Not when you need one. On fine summer nights you will see them strolling about, maybe."
The girls tittered, but instantly hushed when they heard voices directly behind them.
No reply was vouchsafed to this remark but the girls kept right on with their customary swift gait.
"Ain't che hankerin' fer comp'ny?" chuckled another tough.
"Ah, come on back, fellers. What's th' use foolin' wid a coupla high-brows on such a nasty night!" argued one of the three.
Polly and Eleanor fervently hoped they would go back, but the other fellow replied: "G'wan back, if yeh wants. Bill and me er goin' to have some fun. Come on, Bill."
Polly now glanced at Eleanor and said in a low tone: "Get a good grip on your umbrella. Thank heavens we haven't any books or papers to carry, as we usually have."
Then the fellow called Bill, said: "You amble up to the peacherino on the outside, whiles I take to the inside one, Andy."
"There's the boss's car waiting fer nuttin. We kin give them a ride--a joy ride fer us," harshly laughed Andy.
Bill joined in the suggestive laugh, and both girls unconsciously hastened their steps.
"No hurry, my pretties. There ain't a cop twixt here an' the saloon on Fourteenth street. Don't we'se know this districk? Ha-ha!"
"Ready for a fight, Nolla!" hissed Polly, suddenly wheeling and facing the accosters.
Eleanor also turned, a second later, and both men were taken by surprise. Polly's eyes blazed and she gave the roughs such a scornful look that it should have withered them as they stood there.
"Now you two out-laws turn-about-face and march downtown as fast as you know how!" commanded she.
[Illustration: "NOW YOU TWO OUT-LAWS TURN-ABOUT-FACE AND MARCH!" COMMANDED POLLY.]
"Ah, ha, Bill! I envy you your choice! She turns out to be a regerler sport. See them eyes shoot fire? Let me have a kiss, me pritty, afore Bill gits them all!" As the fellow Andy spoke insinuatingly, he stepped forward to take hold of Polly.