to be only one way out of the
predicament, for I thought I had to deal with a madman, and I took it. I
pretended to be so alarmed that I fell over the steering wheel, and made
my car swerve again. But this time we swerved towards, instead of away
from, the stranger. I doubt whether there was light enough for him to
have read my intention in my face, but it was obvious that he
anticipated my move, for his car shot forward with such wonderful speed
that the fate I intended to force upon him befell myself. I saw his car
disappearing ahead, and the next moment I was just conscious of a shock
that sent me flying into oblivion.

"'Exactly how long I remained unconscious I do not know, but when I came
to my senses I found myself lying on the grass at the roadside, having
fortunately been thrown on the soft turf. Roberts was lying unconscious
on the road; the car was smashed to bits; our pockets had been turned
inside out, and our money, watches, and every article of value we had
about us, taken. Needless to say, the stranger had disappeared.'

"Mr. Bradshaw was not in a state to be of much assistance to his more
badly injured friend, and he was at a complete loss as to what course to
pursue, when a trap coming from Salisbury fortunately made its
appearance on the scene. Assistance was procured, and the two injured
gentlemen were conveyed to Compton, and medical attention quickly
provided. Though much shaken, and badly bruised, Mr. Bradshaw has
sustained comparatively little injury. Mr. Roberts, however, is
dangerously ill, and his relatives have been telegraphed for.

"As regards the appearance of his assailant, Mr. Bradshaw can give few
particulars, save that he was clad in a large leather motoring coat, and
his face completely hidden by a mask. The car can, on the contrary, be
easily identified. It is boat-shaped, running to a sharp, cutting edge
both in front and behind. The body is not raised more than eighteen
inches from the ground. The wheels are either within the body, or so
sheathed that they are completely hidden. It has apparently seating
accommodation for two persons, the seat being placed immediately in the
centre of the car. Mr. Bradshaw is quite convinced that petrol is not
the motive force used for its propulsion, and as he cannot imagine that
an electric motor of any kind was employed; the rapidity of motion, the
perfection of the steering, the absence of noise and vibration, are so
remarkable that he is utt