Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1910-06-10

remained motionless. Sharp twinges
again shot through his shoulder. Then
on q sudden he became unmindful of
physical discomfort. A plan of action
that had flashed through his brain
held him oblivious to all else. 1t offer
ed only the remotest chance of escape.
but still a chance, which he weighed.
determined to take! 1t had come to
him while listening to the merry
voices within the room near him talk
ing of the gay dinner just ended. of
the box party at the theater that was
to follow.
Already cabs were at the door. A
servant walked out and unlocked the
gate, and with light badinage the com.
pany issued forth. AS they did so
John Steele, unobserved. stepped for
ward. In the semidarkness the party
passed through the entrance into the
street. Taking his place among the
last of the laughing. dimly seen fig
ures, John Steele walked boldly on and
found himself a later on the
sidewalk of Surrey road. He was
aware that some one. a had
touched his arm as If to take it. of Il
light feminine voice and an abrupt ex-
clamation of surprise. Walking swift
ly to one of the last cabs. he sprang
in.
"a little errand first. driver he
called out. ''To'-and mentioned a
street-"as fast as you cam The man
Strengthened. touched his horse with
his whip. and. wheeling quickly. they
dashed away.
AS they did so John Steele thought
he heard EXPLANATIONS behind Look
ing through the cab window. he saw at
the gate the company gazing after
him. obviously not yet recovered from
their thrill Of surprise following his
unexpected action. He observed also
two men on the other side of the
street. who now ran across and held
a brief alteration with one of the
cabmen. As they we're about to enter
the cab several persons in tse party
apparently interviewed, expostulating
vigorously. It was not difficult to
surmise the resentment of the group
ut this attempted summary seizure of
a second one Of their cabs.
"Those men must not overtake us.
cabby. Go where you will. You I'M
derstand 2"
The man did. His fingers closed
quickly on a sovereign, and once more
he dashed his horse. For some time
they continued at a rapid pace, now
skirting the confines of the park. now
plunging into a puzZling tangle of
streets, but wherever they went the
other cab managed always to keep
them in sight. 1t even began to
creep up nearer. From his pocket
John Steele drew a weapon. His eyes
cleaned ominously. The pursuing
hanson drew closer. Casting a hur-
ried glance owe his shoulder, he again
called up to the driver.
ITS no use, guv'ner," came back
the reply. 'This 'oss as been out long
er than is"
"Then turn the first dark corner and
slow up a bit, for only a second. Aft
erward go on your very best as long
as you can"
Another sovereign changed hands.
and shortly afterward the vehicle
dashed into a side street. 1t appeared
as likely a place as any for his pur-
pose. John Steele. hardly waiting for
the man to draw rein, leaped out as
far as he might. He landed without
mishap. heard a whip snap furiously
and darted back into a doorway. He
had just reached it when the other cab
drew near. For an instant he felt
certain that he had been seen, but the
p%ursuers' eyes were pen eagerly ahead.
''This,l mean a flyer for you my
man." he heard one of them shout to
the driver. We've got him, BY A
harsh, jubilant cry cut the air; then
they were gone.
John Steele did not wait. Replacing
the weapon in his pocket, he started
| quickly around the corner. His cab
man could not lead them far; they
would soon return.
Which way should he move? His
face burned with fever; he did not
aNON R ACh63 " ihOhOAShAoAC
as he walked on had suddenly unfold
ed itself to his gaze. One side of this
highway shone respondent with the
1aring lights of numerous stands and
stalls displaying vegetables and mis-
cellaneous articles.
About to turn back from this animat-
ed scene, John Steele hesitated. The
road ran straight and sure toward the
destination be wished to reach, while
on either hand lay a network Of devi-
Gus ways.
He decided, crossed the street.
Lights cleaned in his face. He push
ed his way through the people unmo-
Tested and strobe IN, followed only by
the noise of passing vehicles and carts.
On, on John Steele moved; II, on.