Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-08-22

reply. Here, you. How came you to
make such a blunderT
"Blind as an owl" came the gurgling
answer. 81 saw some red spots dancin
abaht, but I thort 1t must be that larst
| gill o. beer"
! Nevertheless the cabman extricated
his horse and vehicle from their pre-
dicament with singular case for n half
drunken man.
Coin on, miss?" he grinned. There's
nothin' cxtry for the steeplcchise."
"No no" cried the lady. II will
walk. I will pay you now"
| "Take my advice and pay him not
cent" protested the man by her side.
Leave him TO me. My friend here
will take his number. RI you will ac-
cept seat In my brougham"-
The cabman began to swear and
lence. The lady, clearly unwilling to
avail herself of the accommodating Of
fer made to her, tried to edge away.
The driver of the hanson whipped his
horse on to the pavement. BY this
time he had turned his back to the
roadmenders' barrier.
The girl, angered and alarmed,
shrank toward the gentleman, who
seemed 10 give her some measure Of
protection from the Infatuated cause Of
all the trouble.
"Do step into my brougham," he said
clvilly. Victor, inst grab the gee gees
, head again, and keep that idiot quiet
until we get away. Now, madam, take
my advice. You will be quite safe in
stantly."
Even yet she hesttated. There was
perchance timbre in the quiet cu-
tured tone of the speaker that did not
ring truly. The note of a hell cannot
be perfect If there is n flaw in the
metal, and the human voice often be
trays a warped nature when to all
outward seeming there is fair ex.
terror.
The man who addressed her was
youthful, not much older than herself.
lie was evidently gentleman, with
the polish and easy repose OF society.
His words, his attitude, were Ia the
best of taste. Yet
A loud alteration broke ont between
the ca bman and "Nictor' Tie latter
did not appear to be SO ready to lay
hands on the rcins again, and the whip
fell viciously on the horses flank, caus-
ing him to plunge forward in danger
Gus proximity to the couple on the
sidewalk. He came close, but not too
close. Philip was now quite certain
that he was witnessing the deAterous
display of q skilled driver.
Really, | am at a loss for words to
persuade you that your only course IL
TO use my carriage; otherwise there
will be a confounded row
The strangers voice was q trihe pet
ulant; she was such an unreasonable
young lady. She turned 70 him ir-
resolutely-to find Philip at her side,
TRUSTING himself in front Of her would
be rescuer.
"You have been the victim of q plot.
madam" he said. "Your driver is NOT
drunk. He caused the accident pur-
posely. These two scoundrcls are in
league with him. If"--
What the devil'- cried the other
fiercely, but Philip swung him bodily
against the iron railing
"lf you care TO take my cah alone
it is at your service will lock after
these cads."
His quick eyes causht signal from
Victor 10 the cahman. lie waS sorry
for the horse. hut this comedy must be
stopped. He instantly caught the bri-
die and backed the ca violently to-
ward the excavation. The cabman
dashed at him in vain and swore. too.
with remarkable fuenCy for one so
drunk. Both wheels cruuch5i on top
of the stout barrier and became locked
there.
Then Arson ran back toward the
girl, whose arm was held by The owner
of the brougham
Take your hands off that ldy or l
will hurt you said Philip. And there
was that In his emphatic order which
broOked 10 delay.
The stranger dropped his reStraining
hand, hut shouted furiously
by what right Ito you interfere? /
am only Offering the lady some assist,
ance."
Philip ignored Linn.
What do you say. madam he in
CURED somewhat sternly. for she
seemed loath to trust any Of them
"Will you occupy my cab? 1t is there,
Rest assured 'l9t neither of these
men shall follow YOU"