The Holly chieftain., 1902-05-09

erican struck him with all his force.
at the same time springing to his feet.
He reached now for the firearm.
The situation took sudden turn,
however, from the plan Of campaign
which he had laid out. for Just at this
interesting moment there came several
shrill pipings from the motor ahead,
then a crash, and a tremendous up
heaval that betokened serious acci-.
dent on the road; and, of course, Paul
found no immediate use for his little
persuader.
| A smash-up on the railway Is seri-
Gus enough at any time. but 1t seems
to possess an added horror when one
is 30 situated that the freedom Of limbs
| Is denied.
| Rhinelander felt the carriage vio-
| lently upheave, then toss to the right
and left as II in the grasp OF hurri-
cane.
All manner of horrible sounds burst
upon his ears. very nearly deafening
him.
| Then came tremendous crash, fol-
loweu by shock.
When he crawled out from the
wreck he found quite enough to en-,
gage his attention in rescuing those
less fortunate than himself from the
wreck.
One good turn this accident did Paul
he was free from the unwelcome at
tentions of the men who had watched
him SO closely. and who had been TAX
ing drastic measures to get him into
their power, at the time the smash oc-
Cured.
Just then Paul heard voice from
close by. voice that calmly begged
assistance, a voice that showed no
trace Of fear or alarm.
+. He knew 1t belonged to the English
man. and with all speed he made
for the spot, eager to render Sir Noel
what help he could.
No doubt the other was surprised to
hear an English voice address him.
but under the conditions he did not
ask any explanation until his limbs
had been extricated from their pre-
. dicamept.
ANY serious damage. Sir Noel?"
asked Paul, seeing the other make a
cursory examination.
Thank heaven, have come out
better even that might have expect
ed. A beastly piece of business, isn't
1t? But you seem to know me-we
have met somewhere. l am glad to
shake your hand and thank you for the
help you gave"
AS he did so, he leaned forward, en-
deavoring to see Paul's face.
"r am Paul Rhinelander-we met
under peculiar conditions at Heidel-
berg" Paul said, quietly.
The big Briton squeezed his hand
some more.
by Jove! You cut out some brave
work for us-thirteen stitches, my boy,
it took to cover that fellows cheek. A
rare mark he'll carry for life Glad
TO meet you again. doubly glad to be
under obligations. But may be the
only doctor at hand. See you later,
my boy"
He hurried of to where fire was
burning, and in which quarter they
were carrying the injured . fast as
rescued from the wreck
JUDI tucu u HhiACh ilOiH icmluluc
lungs somewhere in the distance re-
minded Paul Of what he had seen.
4 Was the Countess Aimee on the
train, as he had some reason to be-
lieye? He hurried to the carriage
where he remembered having seen her,
but when he looked the nest was
empty.
A man with lantern rendered him
some assistance since by the aid OF
the light he discovered certain articles
In the snug nest SO recently occupied
by lady as served to prove her iden-
tity. n
Then his suspicious were not over
drawn. and she had been the genius
whose hand manipulated the strings
by which he had been trapped.
The accident had. unfortunately,
taken place at lonely part Of the
road and this assistance could hardly
come before dawn.
Curiosity caused Paul to draw closer
to the fire and survey the groups near
by.
He Yves searching for the countess,
and though the women were hardly In
q condition to appear presentable, still
Paul believed he could have recognized
the adventures In any guise.
To his surprise he failed to discover
her! Then he turned to make lnquir-
i = rue ZR