ld college escapade, and
misjudge you. Let me think--"

He led her to a little summer-house close by, and tucked the big coat
about her as he added: "It's dark here--the wind doesn't reach you, and
I'll take you back to town in five minutes. Will that do?"

As she nodded, he hurried to the door where he yanked vigorously at the
bell. An angry head protruded from an upper story, after many encores of
the peals.

"Aw, what the dickens? Go some place else and find out!"

"Jim, Jim. It's Monty! Come down and let me in quick."

The window closed with a bang as the head was withdrawn, while a light
soon appeared in the beveled panes of the big front door.

"You poor boob," was the cheerful greeting as it swung wide, "What
brings you out here? I thought it was the usual joy party which had lost
its way. They always pick me out for an information bureau. Come on in!"

Shirley spoke rapidly, in a low tone. The girl in the dark summer-house
marveled at the rapid change of mien, as Jim suddenly ran down the steps
to gaze into the taxicab, then nodding to Shirley. The house-holder
as promptly returned through his front door, while Shirley swiftly
unmanacled the prisoner enough to let him walk, stiff and awkward from
the long ordeal in the car. The stern grip, of his captor prompted
obedience.

Friend Jim had appeared with warmer garments, carrying a lantern. At the
door of the stable Jim's stentorian yell to the groom seemed useless,
but the two men entered. Helene felt miserably weak and deserted, in
the chill night, but she was cheered by seeing the energetic Shirley
reappear, pushing open the doors of the garage, which was connected with
the stable. He hurried to the deserted taxicab, where he seemed busied
for several minutes, the glow of his pocket lamp shooting out now and
then. Through the door of the garage a long, rakish-looking racing car
was being pushed out by Jim and his sleepy groom. There was a cheery
shout from the taxi, and Helene heard a ripping sound. Shirley
reappeared, carrying an oblong box.

"I have the gas generator:--it was built in, under the seat, and
controlled by a battery wire from the front lamp, Jim. A nice little
mechanism. Well, old pal, please apologize to Mrs. Merrivale for my rude
interruption of her beauty sleep. Keep a fatherly eye on Gentleman Mike,
and the taxicab under cover. I'll communicate with you very soon. So
long."

To Helene's amazement, Shirley cranked the racer, jumped