The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1907-09-27

But he did nothing Of the kind. There
was sudden crash of wood, wom-
ans scream, and the horse was strug-
CLING wildly amid pile Of loose wood
enfblocks, while one wheel of the cab
dropped heavily into shallow trench.
simultaneously the brougham pulled
up, and its two occupants rushed to the
scene Of the accident
Philips driver of course obeyed in
structions. but he shouted to his fare
as he jumped into the road:
'That feller's either drunk or 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 were 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.
II 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. He
remained critical observer.
II fear he is intoxicated" was the
reply. Here, you! How came you to
make such blunder?"
Blind as an OWL" came the gurgling
answer. ~ saw some red spots dancin'
abaht, but l thort it must be that larst
gill o. beer
Nevertheless the cabman eXtricated
his horse and vehicle from their pre-
dicament with singular ease for half
drunken man.
"Goin' on, miss" he grinned. There's
nothin' extry for the steeplechise."
mo, now cried the lady. II will
walk. / 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. If you will ac-
cept a seat in my brougham"-
The cabman began to swear and
oil
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 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 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 hesitated. There was
perchance 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 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
not much older than herself.
He was evidently a gentleman, with
the polish and easy repose of society
His words, his attitude, were in the
best of taste. Yet
A 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-
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 a skilled driver.
Really, l am at 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
ulant she was such an unreasonable
young lady. She turned to him ir
resolutely-to find Philip at her side.
thrusting himself I'm front Of her would
be rescuer.
"You have been the victim of plot.
he said. "Your driver Is not
drunk. He caused the accident pur-
posely. These two scoundrels are in
league with him. If"-
"What the devi''- cried the other
fiercely, but Philip swung him bodily
against the iron ratings.
"If you care to take my cab alone
1t Is at your service. will look after
these cads"
His quick eyes caught signal from
Victor to the cabman. He was sorry
for the horse. but this comedy must be
stopped. He instantly caught the bri-
die and backed the cab violently to-
ward the excavation. The cabman
ashed at him in vain and swore, too,
with remarkable fuency for one so
drunk. Both wheels crtnched on top
Of the stout barrier and became locked |
fhere