The San Francisco call., 1909-03-07
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out
Opposite the door they were fortunate
enough to find hacre drawn up in
waiting at the curb. Kirkwood opened
the door for the girl TO enter
Care du Sud- he directed the driver.
Drive your fastest-dOuble fare for
quick time"
The driver awoke with a start from
profound reverie, looked Kirkwood
over and bowed with gesticulating
palms.
'M'sieu'. am desolated. but en-
gagged" he protested.
Precisely" KirkwOOd deposited the
two bags on the forward seat OF the
conveyance and stood back to convince
the man. Precisely" said he. undis-
mayed. The lady who engaged you is
remaining for a time; 1 will settle her
bill"
VERY we'll m'sieu.' The driver dis
claimed responsibility and accepted the
favor of the gods with a speaking
shrug. "M'sieu said the Care du Sud?
En- voiturer'
one away from the depot). and called
up the driver.
Don't stop Care Centrale now
and treble fsrer'
"Oui, nl'sieu'I AnonSF"
The whip cracked and the horse
swerved sharply round the corner into
the Avenue du Sud The young man.
with a huShed eXclama ton, turned In
his seat. lifting the flap over the lit
tie peephole in the back Of the car
riage.
He had not been mistaken Calendar
was standing in front of the station;
and 1t was plain to be seen, from his
pose, that the madly careering facre
interested him more than slightly. 1r
resolute. perturbed. the man took
step or two after 1t. changed his mind.
and returned to his post Of observation
Kirkwood dropped the flap and turned
back to find the girls wide eyes search
ing his face. He said nothing.
What was that?" she asked after
patient moment.
Your father. Miss Calendar" he re-
turned uncomfortably.
There fell a short pause; then: why
will you tell me--iS IL necessary to
run away from my father Mr.. Kirk
wood?' she demanded. with a moving
little break in her voice.
Kirkwood hesitated. 1t were unfeel-
ing to tell her why; yet it was essential
that she should know. however pain
full the knowledge might prove to her
And she was insistents he might not
dodge the issue.
'TWhy2" she repeated as he paused.
'I wish you wouldn't press me for
an answer just now, Miss Calendar"
Don't you think had better know"
Instinctively he inclined his head In
assent.
Then WHY"
Kirkwood bent forward and patted
the flank OF the satchel that held the
gladstone bag.
What does that mean. Mr.. Kirk
wood?"
That 1 have the jewels" he told her
terse1y. looking straight ahead.
At his shoulder he heard a low gasp
Of amazement and incredulity COM
nInZIa6
"'But-l How did you get them2 My
father deposited them in bank this
morning."
He must have taken them out again
:. got them on board the Ale
thea, where your father was conferring
The Aletheag'
You took them from those men?-
/ youl But didn't my father
, Il had to persuade him. said Kirk
wood simply.
But there were three Of them
''Mulready wasn't-ah-feeling very
well. and Stryker's coward.
They gave me no trouble. I locked
them in Stryker's room. lifted the bag
of Jewels and came away. ought
| to tell you that they were discussing
/ the advisability Of sailing away with
and without means That's why con-
sidered it my duty TO take hand.
1 don't like to tell you this so bru-
I tally, but you ought to know. and
: can't see how to tone it down." he con-
: cluded awkwardly.
II understand
. But for some moments she did not
speak. He avoided looking at her.
The iacre, rolling at top speed but
: smoothly on the broad avenues that en-
! circle the ancient city. turned into the
t, Avenue de Keyser. bringing into sight
the Care Centrale.
, You don't-k-know-" began the
: girl without warning, in a voice gusty
I with sobs.
steady on" said Kirkwood gently.
Il do know. but don't let's talk about
Il now. Well be at the station in a
= minute. and I'll get out and see what's
to be done about a train. II neither
!. Mulready nor Stryker are about. You
stay in the carriage. Nor He
changed his mind suddenly. I'll not
risk losing you again. It's RISK Wen
. have to run in company.
'.Please." she agreed brokenly.
}. The fiacre slowed up and stopped.
Are you all right, Miss Calendar 20
a kfrkwood asked.
: The girl sat up. lifting her head
o proudly Il am quite ready she said.
: steadying her voice
T window while the driver was descend
ing.
!" Care Centrale. Msieu." he said.
9 opening the door.
h NO one in sight" Kirkwood told the
r, girl Come, please"
h He got out and gave her his hand.
d then paid the driver. picked up the two
bags and hurried with Dorothy into
d the station. to find In waiting a string
g OF cars into which people were moving
: at leisurely rate. HIS inquiries at the
r ticket window developed the fact that
n 1t was the 2:2S for Brussels. the last
n train leaving the Care CentraIe that
4 night, and due to start in 10 minutes.
The information settled their plans
r. for once and all; Kirkwood promptly
n secured through tickets. also purchas-
I ing Reserve supplementary tickets
. which entitled them TO the use OF those
y modern corridor coaches which take
the place Of first class compartments
on the Belgian state railways
. . Its a pleasure" said Kirkwood
: lightly, as he followed the girl into ona
of these, ito ind ones self In a COM