Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1907-11-27

dropped heavily into a shallow trench.
simultaneously the brougham pulled
up, and It's two occupants rushed to the
scene of the accident.
Philips driver of course obeyed in
structions, but lie shouted to his fare
rs he jumped into the road:
THAT feller,s either drunk OF e did 1t
a-puppuss."
Philip was of the same opinion. He
reached the overthrown barricade al
most as soon as the two hurrying men
| in front, both of whom We're in even
ing dress.
One of them held the horses head
and steadied him. The other was just
in time to help the young lady to leave
her dangerous conveyance.>
Il hope YOU have received no injury.
madam" he said politely.
"Oh, not at ALL was frightened for
an instant How could it have hap
pened? saw the lamps quite plainly.
The man seemed to pull his horse de-
liberately into the barrier
The voice was singularly sweet and
well modulated A neighboring arc
lamp illuminated the girls face, with
its white, Implying radiance. 1t re-
vealed features beautifully modelled
and large, startled eyes that looked
wonderingly from the man who came
so promptly to her rescue to the driver
who had caused the mishap. Philip,
behind the hanson, was unseen. Hc
remained a critical observer
Il fear he is intoxicated,. was the
reply. Here. you! How came You to
| make such a blunder?'
Blind as an owl" came the gurgling
answer. 81 saw some red spots dancin'
abaht, but thort it must be that larst
| gill o. beer"
| Nevertheless the cabman eNtricated
his horse and vehicle from their pre-
dicament with singular ease for half
drunken man.
Coin on, miss?' he grinned. "There's
nothin' extry for the steeplechise."
mo, nor cried the lady Il will
walk. l will pay you now"
"Take my advice and pay him not a
cent protested the man by her side.
leave him to me. My friend here
will take his number. If you will ac-
cept a seat in my brougham''-
The cabman began to swear and
threaten them all with personal vio-
lence. The lady, clearly unwilling to
avail herself of the accommodating Of
fer made to Aer, 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 to give her some measure of
protection from the Infatuated cause OF
all the trouble.
/ do step into my brougham," he said
civilly. Victor, just grab the gee-gee's
head again, and keep that idiot quiet
until we get away. New, madam, take
my advice. You will be quite safe in
| stantly.'
Even yet she hesitated There was
perchance Il timbre in the quiet, cul-
] tured tone of the speaker that did not
ring truly. The note of bell cannot
| be perfect if there is a flaw in the
metal and the human voice often be-
trays warped nature when to all
| outward seeming there is fair eX-
terror.
The man who addressed her was
youthful, not much older than herself.
He was evidently gentleman, with
the polish and easy repose of society.
His words, his attitude, We're in the
best of taste. Yet
loud alteration broke out between
the cabman and "Victor" The latter
did not appear to be so ready to lay
hands on the reins 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 deXterous
display of skilled driver.
| Greatly, l am ut q loss for words to
persuade you that your only course is
to use my carriage; otherwise there
| will be COMPOUNDED row."
The strangers voice was trife pet
/ SilC WIS 6uCll
young lady. She turned to him IT.
rcsolutely-to find Philip at her side.
thrusting himself in front of her would
be rcscuer.
you have been the victim of plot.
madam" lie said. your driver is not
drunk. He caused the accident pur-
poscly. These two scoundrels are in
| Innn,,a Will, him,
"What the devil'- cried the other
fierccly, but Philip swung him bodily
against the iron ratings.
"If you care to take my cab alone
it is Mt your service. will look after
these catlS."
His quick eyes caught a signal from
Victor to the cabman.. He was sorry
for the horse, but this comedy must b,
stopped. He instantly caught the bri.
die and backed the cab violently to.
ward the excavation. The cabman
dashed at him in vain and swore, too.
with remarkable fluency for one so
drunk. Both wheels crunched 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 lady or
will hurt YOU" said Philip. And there
was that in his emphatic order which
brooked no delay
The stranger dropped his restraining
hand, but shouted furiously:
'.By what right do you interfere?
am only Offering the lady some assist.
ance."
Philip ignored him.
"What do You say, madame" he in.
quired, somewhat sternly, for she
seemed loath to trust any of them
"Will you occupy my cab? 1t is there
Rest assured that neither of these
men shall follow you"
She stood her ground. came nearer TO
him.
81 believe you." she murmured. 81
thank You from my heart. 1t is mex
plicable that such wretches can exist
as these two seeming gentlemen, who
/ tn, nat;