The western recorder., 1898-05-12
CHAPTER xxv.-(ContInued.)
sfWhero IN r,,tord 90


sions is the order-that's where Mrs.
'Arris lives. you know"
"Ay," muttered the coachman. In re-
ply And Mrs. 'Arrls'll catch Tar
tar In I'm. no mistake about that"
They generally takes care OF them
selves" said Charles. with d cyniclsm
worthy OF his estimable master.
Coming events. they say. cast their
shadows before. and Barker. who had
been giving a small share OF attention
10 Charles and gossip. suddenly pulled
in his horses with jerk. "'0sses Is
inclined to be playful today" he re-
marked.
Il dessay they know 1t is the wrong
time OF year to be In town." returned
Charles. superciiiously.
Likely enough. 'Osses Is as sensible
as Christians and sensibier than some"
Barker rejoined.
As they got over the ground the
'playfulness" of the horses did not sub
side; indeed. on the contrary. 1t in
creased, and to such an extent that
by the time they turned into the Ken
sington High street they were racing
along at express speed. with the EVIL
dent intention of bolting as soon as
they had a chance.
Barker. however, knew his work and
did not give them the chance at all,
and by the time they reached the cor
ner of che road for which they were
bound. they were going steadily again.
Unfortunately, at that point, however.
that terrible maker OF mischief, the
Unforeseen, happened-a little child
with balloon as large as a mans
head suddenly let go the string with
which she had held It captive; the
balloon scared away and dashed into
the near horses face: the child
screamed at the loss of her toy; the
horse reared and plunged. Barker ad-
ministered cut OF his whip. and the
next moment they were dashing down
the road. and an elderly woman was
lying helplessly in dead faint just
where the carriage had passed.
My God! we are over some one" {"
shouted Lord Aylmer. He was the
Kind OF man who, on emergency, al
ways appeals to the Deity. whom in
all his ways of life he utterly and sys-
tematically ignores. Let me get out"
he cried.
Barker. who was pulling in the
horses with might and main, had al
ready checked their mad speed. and
moment or SO later turned the horses.
with face like chalk and a dreadful
fear knocking at his heart that the
motionless figure lying in the road
would never move again. He pulled
up just where the crowd was gather
Ing, and Lord Aylmer was out OF the
carriage before Charles could collect
his scattered senses sufficiently to get
on the box.
The crowd was gathering In num-
bers every moment, and wns not only
dense and strong. but curious. Lord
Aylmer, however, without standing ON
ceremony. vigorously elbowed his way
to the inner circle.
LET me pass; stand aside. Police
man. I am Lord Aylmer-my horses
were frightened by an Internal balloon
that child was carrying. Is she much
hur.?"
"csaad faint at present, my lord"
returned the policeman. who had the
woman's head upon his knees. II
wish We could get some brandy and
some water"
Lord Aylmer looked around for
Charles. Charles. get some brandy
and water from somewhere or other.
Be quick"
Just then well-dressed young -wo.
man pushed her way through the
crowd. Let me pass" she urged.
Cant you see I've brought brandy :?
Stand back, you men. Have you never
seen an accident before? Do you
want to kill ner? Stand backr'
She was handsome woman, scarce
iy more than girl: her hands and
face and speech betokened that she was
gently born; her fearless speech put
ting into words what was in her mind.
had the effect OF causing the crowd to
shrink back little. rs she much
nurt?" she asked.
Pretty bad case. Miss" answered
he policeman. who was trying TO get
little brandy down the unconscious
voman's throat.
Hadn't you better get her Into my
house? She can't lie here" she went
on. Has any one gone for doctor ?''
Il should get her orf to the 'orspital
at once Miss" the policeman replied.
Would you? Poor thingl was
standing at my window and saw II
al. You oughtn't to let your coach
man drive like that" she added. Sc
verely, to Lord AyImer.
II don't; but my horses were fright
ened by child's balloon" he ex-
plaincd-
"''ou oughtn't to have horses that
are frightened at triiies,' she respond
ed. illogicalIy.
81 think we'd better get her orr
at once said the policeman. she
gives no sign OF coming round"
How can we take her? Shall 1? I
have the carriage here ready, and the
horses are sober enough now"
Yes, my lord. really think that's
the best thing we can do the other
answered. 'If your man'll give me a
hand we'll lift her in. in minute"
Eventually the woman was lifted In
to the victoria and the energetic
young woman. having rushed back to
her house for her hat. got in also. and
supported her in as comfortable posi-
tion as was compatible with her in
sensible condition. Just as they were
starting. doctor arrived on the scene.
took a hasty glance at the victim OF
the accident. and quietly got in. taxi
Ing possession OF the little back seat.
I'D better go-it's bad business" !"
he said to Lord Aylmer, realizing that
he was the owner of the carriage.
.ync-ves-we had halter follow in