Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-06-13
llberately into the barrier"

1uc NOiCc WuS SluGuidEly SWcct duu we'll modulated. A nelghboring arc lamp illuminated the girls face, with its white, unpitying radiance. It 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. T 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. T saw some red spots dancin' abaht, but thort 1t must be that larst gill O beer"
 Nevertheless the cabman extricated his horse and vehicle from their pre- dicament with singular ease for a half drunken man.
 "Goin' on, miss?' he grinned. There's nothin' extry for the steeplechlse."
 "No, not" cried the lady. T will walk. 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 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 infuriated cause of all the trouble.
 Do step into my brougham," he said civilly. Victor, just grab the e-gee's 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 a flaw in the metal, and the human voice often be- trays warped nature when to all outward seeming there is a fair ex- terior
 The man who addressed her was youthful, 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 altercation broke out between the cabman and "yictor." 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 ous 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 Ol d ullNcI.
 Really, I am at loss for words to persuade you that your only course is to use my carriage; otherwise there will be confounded row."
 The strangers voice was trifie pet ulant; she was such an unreasonable young lady. She turned to him ir- resolutely-to find Philip at her side. thrusting himself in front of her would be rescuer. f.
 You have been the victim of plot. madam" he said. Your driver is not drunk. He caused the accident pur- posely. Theac two scoundrels are in league with him. If"-
 "what the devil"- cried the other iercely. but Philip swung him bodily against the iron railings.
 "If you care to take my cab alone it is at your service. I 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- dle and backed the cab violently to- ward the excavation. The cabman dashed at him in vain and swore, too, with remarkable fiuency for one so drunk. Both wheels crunched on top of the stout barrier and became locked there.
 Then Anson ran back toward the girl, whose arm was held by the owner of the brougham.
 'Take your hands of that lady or I 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 fur!ously:
 By what right do you interfere7 I am only offering the lady some assist ance."
 Philip ignored him.
 What do you say, madamT' he in- luircd, somewhat sternly, for she | seemed loath to trust any of them. l 'Wlll you occupy my cab? It is there. Rest assured that neither of these l men shall follow you" She stood her ground, came nearer to l him. "f believe you" she murmured. -I hank you from my heart. It is mex Dllcahle that such wretches can exist | Is these two seeming gentlemen. who stopped to such artifce against a help ess woman"
 Most fortunately I saw you leaving he Regents hall" he replied. 'This