Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-30

| see if can repair the consequences of my own blunder."
 ! We had sprung into the dogcart, and Holmes, after turning the horse, gave 1t sharp cut with the whip, and we flew back along the road. As we turn 1 ed the curve the whole stretch of road between the hall and the heath was opened up. I grasped Holmes arm.
 That's the man." gasped.
 A solitary cyclist was coming toward HIS. His head was down and his shoul- ders rounded as he put every ounce of energy that he possessed on to the pedals. He was flying like racer. Suddenly he raised his bearded face, saw us. close to him and pulled up, | springing from his machine. That coal black beard was in singular contrast to the pallor of his face, and his eyes were as bright as if he had a fever. He stared at us and at the dogcart; then a look of amazement came over his face.
 Hello. Stop there" he shouted. holding his bicycle to block our road. Where did you get that dogcart! Pull I'D. man. he yelled, drawing pistol from his side pocket. Pull up. 1 say. or. by George, I'll put bullet into your horse"
 Holmes threw the reins into my lap and sprang down from the cart. I You're the man we want to see. rr,, l.. &sX,e Vy;oIo+ Smith 9, ho said ] in his quick, clear way.
 l That's what I'm asking you. You're in her dogcart. You ought to know where she is."
 'We met the dogcart on the road. There was no one in it. We drove back to help the young lady"
 | Good Lord. good Lord! What shall I do?" cried the stranger in an ecstasy of despair They've got her-that hell, hound Woodley and the blackguard | parson. Come, man. come, if you really are her friend. Stand by me, and we'll save her, if have to leave my carcass in Charlington wood.'
 He ran distractedly, his pistol in his l hand, toward gap in the hedge. Holmes followed him, and I, leaving the horse grazing beside the road, fol- lowed Holmes.
 This is where they came through" said he, pointing to the marks of sev- eral feet upon the muddy path. Hello! Stop a minute! Who's this in the bush"
 It was a young fellow about seven teen, dressed like hostler, with leath CT cords and gaiters. He lay upon his back. his knees drawn up, terrible cut upon his head. He was insensible, but alive. A glance at his wound told me that 1t had not penetrated the bone.
 That's Peter, the groom.' cried the stranger "He drove her. The beasts have pulled him off and clubbed him. Let him lie: we can't do him any good, but we may save her from the worst fate that can befall a woman"
 We ran frantically down the path. which wound among the trees. We had reached the shrubbery which surround ed the house when Holmes pulled up.
 "They didn't go to the house. Here are their marks on the left--here beside the laurel bushes. An, said so!' As he spoke a wnman,s shrill scream "a scream which vibrated with fren- | zy of horror-burst from the thick 1 green clump of bushes in front of us. | It ended suddenly on Its highest note with a choke and gurgle.
 "This way! This way. They are in the bowling alley!" cried the stranger, darting through the bushes. "Ah, the cowardly dogs. Follow me. gentlemen! Too late, too late. by the living jngo" We had broken suddenly into love ly glade of greensward surrounded by ancient trees. On the farther side of it. under the shadow of mighty oak, there stood singular group of three people One was a woman. our client, dropping and faint, handkerchief round her mouth. Opposite her stood brutal, heavy faced. red mustached young man. his gaitered legs parted wide. one arm akimbo, the other way ing riding crop, his whole attitude suggestive of triumphant bravado. Be tween them an elderly, gray bearded man, wearing a short surplice over a light tweed suit, had evidently just completed the wedding service, for he pocketed his prayer book as we ap- peared and slapped the sinister bride groom upon the back in jovial congrat- ulation.
 "They're marriedr gasped
 Come on.' cried our guide. Come on.' He rushed across the glade, Holmes and at his heels. As we ap- preached the lady staggered against the trunk of the tree for support. Will liamsnn. the ex-clergyman. bowed to lIs with mock politeness. and the bully. Woodley. advanced with a shout of brutal and exultant daughter.
 .You can take your beard of, Bob" said he. ''I know you right enough. Well. you and your pals have just come in time for me to he able to in troduce you to Mrs. Woodley.'
 Otr guides answer was singular one. He snatcbed off the dark beard which had disguised him and threw 1t on the ground. disclosing long. sal low. clean shaven face below it. Then he raised his revolver and covered the young ruffian. who was advancing up- on him with his dangerous riding crop swinging in his hand.
 ''Yes." said our ally. 'I am Bob Car