The San Francisco call., 1910-04-17

that the second couple had taken exactly hours
and half to the short strip between the elm
lined turn and the house.
Carter salved his conscience with regard to the
trick played upon Classan by having him around to
the Brockston country club for excellent dinner
attention that completely the beefy young man.
Before they entered the dining room Classan tele-
phoned the Sluyt home and talked with Sylvia. He
of the booth grinning.
"She gave me Ned for coming straight back"
he announced to the interested Virginan, "but
squared myself by telling her l had to chase you into
the next county
"Ah! Did she return homer"
"Sure. Went right on"
"A aone'" inquired Carter, innocently.
"Of course returned the other.
"Ah" said Carter
Il tell you, she's mighty fine girl" said Classan.
rubbing his hands with sudden effusveness.
Very. You're to be congratulated" said Carter,
absently.
They through the meal in perfect amity and the
Virgnan submitted Classans fussy dctaton in the
matter OF drinks without a murmur Classan discov-
cred that his companion really decent chap
when not intoxicated. He meditated a particular
favor
Il say, Carteret" he said 81 think I'll ride over
and see her again tonight. Will you Gomez"
And Carter, who had grown exceedingly curious,
assented. The count would surely be at safe dis
tance by
countryside in good time for short visit at the
SIuyts, retracng part OF their meandering path of
the afternoon Classan congratulated the other grufy
upon his quick recovery from bad and the Vir,
ginian replied that that of his best points
Such was the extent of their conversation up to the
time they reached the railroad crossing To the left
branched the road leading to the station short dis
tance away The crossing dimly lighted from
As they started across the tracks two cleaning
eyes shot around in the road ahead and their
horses pranced nervously. An automobile snuff
rfdT1C ed fCNrar than ordh NaI
slowly over the rails. The riders drew little to
one side. holding in their mounts to let it pass.
Say, Classan exclaimed suddenly, that's of
the Sluyts cars. Maybe Sylvia's there"
IN THE TONNEAU
They pressed their horses nearer Three figures
in the machine, at the wheel and two in the
leaned forward and peered through the vague OBJ
scurity. In the faint glow from the crossing lamps
neau The other girl The man
they could see clearly though Carter conceived
instant suspicious to his identity But the girl
Hello beloved Classan "sylvial Hold on a
momentr
There was no possibility that she had not heard
But the automobile had passed them. 1t turned to
the left with a crescendo grind of speed We'll I'm
damnedp growled Classan wheeling his horse
What the devil does that mean? I'm going to have
look"
Pique and sharp jealousy spoke in his voice. and
Carter remembered once that he could use a
whole count, but not part of one. He whirled as
quickly as his companion and bore in closely his
Before the other could get his horse in hand the
Virginan pressed his right heel into the flank of his
own mount. The nervous animal swung his quarters
into the ribs of Classans horse. At the shock Gas
sans horse SHE'D violently, stumbling off the tracks
into the ditch, which strewn with loose stones
There the animal houndered an instant and went
down with crash. 1t up almost at once Clas-
san standing at its head He had seen the rapid
trick.
Here's ness he roared.
whats wrong?" asked Carter
Slipped stihe howled Classan. He led his
useless, hobbling seed clear of the ditch and gared
down the road at the departing bulk of the automo-
bile "By heaveni don't like it. I'm going 10
follow anyway And he broke into numbering run
Carter, with reflection anent the possible
value of real live count, urged his mount into
gallop and pelted ahead after the automobile II
his purpose TO smugge De Garenne out of danger
if he had been right in his suspicion As he ao-
preached the station the evening train to the city
pulled in The automobile, its tonneau empty, was
leaving the steps he dashed up
Carter flung himself from the saddle threw his
bride rens over the htchng rail and rushed through
the station: Two figures were entering the first car
of the train and turned at his shout They were
Sylvia Sluyt and the count de Garenne The count
was carrying suitcase
"Oh, Miss Sluyt," called Carter anxiouslv as he
hurried up Mr. Classan will be here in moment"
mat IS interesting, but not important, said De
IaTenne taking the answer upon him They were
both smiling. The Virginian stared
IF he does not hurry we shall not wait for him
We are going to Jersey City" said the count
Jersey City, gasped Carter.
Yes. To be married Will you wish US good for
tune, friend Carteret? Believe me- | shall never
never forget what you have done for US"
ne was shaking hands with them again when the
the train Jared into motion. moment later he
turned, still bewidered, from staring after the van
ishing red lights to bunder into the breathless Ga
san.
'Where-where is she?" demanded the newcomer
Carter placed both hands upon his shoulders and
facing nim ABOUT marched him through the station to
the road Come on. my son." he said. "We both
need drink, and real one this time"
(Another Story Next Sunday)