The San Francisco call., 1909-04-11
CHAPTER xIx-Continued

OF this wild driving Kirkwood reused
out OF his reverie sufhciently TO become
sensible that the speed was slackening.
Incoherent snatches OF sentences. frag-
uents OF words and phrases spoken by
Brentwick and the mechanician. were
flung back past his ears by the rush
ing wind. Shielding his eyes he could
see dimly that the mechanician was
tinkering apparently with the driv-
ing gear. Then. their pace continuing
steadily to abate. he heard Brentwick
ding at the man a sharp toned and
suerulously impatient question: What
was the trouble? His reply came IN
single word. not distinguishable.
The girl sat Up. opening her eyes.
disengaging her arm.
Kirkwood bent forward and touched
Brentwick on the shoulder: the latter
turned TO him a face lined with deep
concern.
Trouble" he announced superhu-
Ously. 7 fear we have blundered-"
What is itY" asked Dorothy in a
troubled voice.
Charles here" Che referred 10 the mech
nician) says the tank must be leaking.
Wen go as best we can and try 70
find an inn. Fortunately. most Of the
inns nowadays keep supplies OF petrol
for just such emergencies"
Are we DO you think"
~Oh. no; not q bit of danger OF that"
returned Brentwick hastily. They'll
not catch up with US this nights That
Is q very inferior car they have-tU
Charles says, at least; nothing TO COM
pare with this. II I'm not IN error,
there's the Crown and Miter just ahead;
Wen make II. I'll our tanks. and be OF
again before they can make up half
their loss"
Dorothy looked anxiously to Kirk
wood. her lips forming an unuttered
query: What did he think7
Don't worry: weIl have no trou-
BILE" he assured her stoutly; "the
chauffeur knows. undoubtedly"
None the less he was moved 20 stand
Up IN the tonneau, conscious Of the
presence OF the travelling bag. snug
at his feet. as wen as Of the weight
OF Calendars revolver IN his pocket.
while he stared back along the road
There was nothing to be seen of
their prosecutors.
The car continued 10 crawl Five
minutes dragged out tediously. Grad
usIIy they drew abreast a tavern
standing back distance from the
road. embowered IN q grove OF trees
between whose ancient boles the tap
room windows shone enticingly. aglow
with comfortable light. A cresking
sign board. much worn by weather
and age, swinging from a roadside
post confirmed the accuracy OF Brent
wick's surmise, announcing that here
stood the Crown and Anter. house Of
entertainment for man and beast.
sluggishly the car rolled up before
It and came 10 a dead and silent halt.
Charles. the mechanician, jumping out.
ran hastily up the path toward the inn
inn In the car Brentwick turned
again, his eyes curiously bright IN the
starlight. HIS forehead quantity fur
1t may take few minutes he said
undecidedly. plainly endeavoring TO
cover up his own dark doubts. NY
dear" TO the girl ST have brought
trouble upon you IN this wise. I shall
never earn my own forgiveness"
KirEwood stood Up again. watchful.
attentive 10 the sounds OF the night;
but the voice OF the pursuing motor
a car was not OF their company. Il hear
nothing" he announced
You VIII forgive me-won't you,
my dears-for causing you these few
moments Of needless anxiety2~ pleaded
the old gentleman. his tone tremulous.
"As II you could be blamedr pro-
tested the girl You mustn't think Of
Il IN that way. Fancy. what we should
have done without your
7 am afraid I have been very clum-
impulsive. Kirkwood. do you
hear anything"
Not yet. sir"
Perhaps" suggested Brentwick a
little later. perhaps we had better
alight and go up TO the Inn. II would
be more coy there. especially II the
petrol proves hard to obtain, and we
have long TO wait"
7 should like that" azsented the
girl decidedly.
Kirkwood nodded HIS approval. op-
ened the door and Jumped out 70 assist
her. then picked up the bag and fol-
lowed the pair-Brentwick leading the
way with Dorothy on his arm.
At the doorway Of the Crown and
Miter. Charles met them evidently seri-
ously disturbed. no petrol TO be had
here. sir" he announced reluctantly;
but the landlord viii send TO the next
inn. mile Up the road. for some. You
VIII have 10 be patient. I'm afraid. SIR"
Very well Get some one to help
you push the car from the road or
dered Brentwick; we win be waiting
ia one OF the private parlors."
Yes. sir; thank you, sir" The
mechanician touched the visor Of his
oaD and hurried of