The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-01-22
M@ W/CkS.

the empty seats, but he saw only the
two blue cushions bobbing up anu
down as the terrified horse-with a
couple of grooms at her head-plunged
from side to side.
Then Jack grasped the situation.
by Jove. both thrown out. or mare
bolted at the station" Running across
the yard he jumped into the dog cart,
seized the reins, and drove rapidly
along the road to the station. While
he spun along he kept wondering to
himself what had happened; what he
should find on the road; how he should
find the stranger. Mr.. Wicks. Would
he be safe at the station? Would he
be injured by the roadside? Or would
he be dead? AS this last horrible con-
lecture flashed across Jacks mind he
recalled his wish of only an hour ago.
that Mr.. Wicks might never come to
the house. At the thought he drew up
the horse with "A sudden jerk. then
shook the reins and with a stern face
drove faster than before.
1t was a lonely road. and for some
distance Jack drove without seeing a
soul; then at sharp turn of the road
he suddenly came upon James, the
coachman. sitting on a heap of stones.
II.
The effect of the man. in his long light
brown livery coat. seated on the top
of heap of stones. and mopping his
head with red handkerchief, bordered
ON the ludicrous; but almost at the
same time he saw that it was indeed
no laughing matter. for the blood was
flowing from a deep cash in the mans
forehead.
The box has gone. sir: you've been
robbed" said James, family.
What box?" asked Jack. jumping
down from the dog cart: but never
mind the box now; wen tie this hand
Ken chief around your head and get you
home"
It's the box from the bank sir"
continued James.
Jack gave a long whistle of aston
ishment. All his aunts jewels gone
at one swoop. But he said nothing and
tied a second handkerchief around
James head. For the moment he had
quite forgotten Mr.. Wicks.
Now see if you can't get into the
dog cart. Take hold of my arm. That's
it, Then he asked: But what hap
p ned to Mr.. Wicks?"
No answer.
You know the gentleman you had
20 meet?"
Still no answer; for James had faint
oG
Jack was up on the box seat like a
shot. He unloosened the mans collar.
there was no time to think of Mr.
WiCks or thieves. He whipped uD the
mare, and the dust rose in clouds be-
hind item.
Passing through the air so rapidly
bought James gradually back to con-
sCiuus ness, but 50 feeble was his con-
ditiOn that Jack refrained from asking
questions. He drove straight into he
st1l les, saw the unfortunate James
we'll cared for. sent a message for the
do' tor, and then. turning to the coach
rLan, asked again the question:
What happened to Mr. Wicks?"
James thought for moment, then:
He was in the dog cart when the
MAI" bClted, and the tramp didn't get
hold of him"
Then Jack ran to the house, hoping
that Mr.. Wicks had arrived.
At the front door Miss Cherryton and
Sylvia met him.
Where is Mr. Wicks?" they both
cried in the same breath.
That's what l want to know" re-
piled Jack "Mr. Wicks has disap-
peared; there has been a chapter of
| accidents, consisting of robbery, injury
and mystery. All your jewels have
been stolen, aunt that's the robbery;
James has been badly hurt by the
thieves. and Mr.. Wicks has disap-
pearcd'
Miss Cherryton was ruffled out of her
complacency into saying:
This is most unfortunate. James
| ought not to have gone. There never
was time when he didn't bungle; but
| | do trust nothing serious has hap
| pcned to Mr.. Wicks."
II hope not indeed" said Sylvia.
What a dreadful afternoon this has
| been! Can't we do something? Mr..
| Wicks may be hurt. and it seems so
| wrong to be standing here doing moth
| ing" she spoke impetuously and gazed
along the avenue of trees that led to
| the house
Jack noticed all Sylvia's movements;
! and her great anxiety for Mr.. Wicks'
safety aroused all the bitter feelings he
| had experienced when told of Mr..
| Wicks' coming, and there was just
shade of coldness in his voice when
he said:
II am going to walk into town to
make inquiries, and | hope 10 good
ness that we shall find Mr.. Wicks
! safe and sound somewhere"
All this time Sylvia had been lean
ing against the door post with her
hands behind her back. but at this
moment she suddenly ran forward,
with little cry of joy.
"Oh Mr.. Wicks, my sweet little Mr.
| W!cks, you are safe after ALL"
Very slowly and with extreme ldig-
nifty a small fox terrier walked beneat tn
the tall trees toward the house; with
head erect he looked from side to Aide
but no sooner did he hear Sylvia
voice, that well-known voice, than This
whole attitude changed in the twi1kl-
ing of an eye. His ears sank ddwn
fiat, his little stump of a tail wagEed
frantically, he gave one sharp, delight
ed bark, and then flew toward Sylvia,
and positively wriggled with glee.
| "Well, Mr.. Wicks, here you are at
last" cried Sylvia, taking the puppy
up in her arms and caressing him.
you've grown little, l think" she
| remarked thoughtfully, "and you are