way as possible, before the oncoming car should reach the scene
of strife.

As a matter of fact, the other car never reached this spot. Its
occupants were two youths and two damsels, in search of a sequestered
space of road where they might halt for a brief but delectable "petting
party," on their way to a dance in the village. They found such a
space, about a furlong on the thither side of the curve where the
runabout had stopped. And they advanced no farther.

Lad, for a few rods, gave chase to the retreating Schwartzes. Then, the
heavy exertions of the past minute or two began to exact toll on his
aging body. Also, the baby was still whimpering in a drowsy monotone,
as the paregoric sought to renew its sway on the racket awakened brain.

The dog turned pantingly back to the bundle; pawed it softly, as though
to make sure the contents were not harmed; then once more picked it up
gingerly between his reddened jaws; and continued his sedate homeward
journey.

The Mistress and the Master were sitting on the veranda. It was almost
bedtime. The Master arose, to begin his nightly task of locking the
lower windows. From somewhere on the highroad that lay two hundred
yards distant from the house, came the confused noise of shouts. Then,
as he listened, the far-off sounds ceased. He went on with his task of
locking up; and returned in a minute or two to the veranda.

As he did so, Lad came walking slowly up the porch steps. In his mouth
he carried something large and white and dusty. This he proceeded to
deposit with much care at the feet of the Mistress. Then he stood back;
tail waving, dark eyes mischievously expectant.

"Another dividend from the curve!" laughed the Master. "What is it,
this time? A pillow or--?"

He broke off in the middle of his amused query. For, even as he turned
his flashlight on the dusty and blood-streaked bundle, the baby began
once more to cry.

The local chief of police, in the village across the lake, was making
ready for bed, when a telephone summons brought him back to his lower
hallway.

"Hello!" came the Master's hail, over the wire. "Chief, has there been
any alarm sent out for--for a missing baby?"

"Baby?" echoed the Chief. "No. Have you lost one?"

"No. I've found one. At least, Laddie has. He's just brought it home.
It is dressed in unusually costly things, my wife says. There was a
white baby-blanket strapped around it. And there are dust and streaks
of fresh blood on the