ring our automobile. I wasn't jesting, when I told you it
belonged to a prince."

"It's rather small for an armored car. They usually have seven or eight
men in them."

"Yes, and it's fortunate for us that it's small. I told you luck was
running our way. But as it is, it's a pretty heavy strain on the man at
the wheel, although Carstairs there is an expert."

"I'm a pretty good chauffeur," said Weber, "and whenever Mr. Carstairs
wishes it I'll relieve him at the wheel. Besides I know the country
thoroughly, and I can take advantage of every short cut."

"I'll call on you soon," said Carstairs. "A lot of my enthusiasm for
speeding has gone out of me. My arms ache all the time, but I'm good for
another hour yet."

Weber did not insist. John understood why, as it was patent that he
needed rest. He made himself comfortable in the seat, and the others
left him in peace. The machine rolled on swiftly and smoothly. It was
one of the beautiful roads so common in France, and John felt scarcely a
jar. A full sun tinted the green country with gold.

The warmth was penetrating and soothing. John had lost so much sleep and
the nervous drain had been so great that his eyelids became heavy. They
came to a clear little brook, and decided to stop that all might have a
drink. Weber used the chance also to bathe his face and hands and get
rid entirely of blood, dirt and dust. He seemed then to John a rather
handsome man, having the touch of the scholar in his face.

John walked about a little, stretching his arms, and thumping his chest
in order to make himself more wakeful. But when he returned to the
automobile, and sat down in the cushioned seat the old sleepiness
returned. The effort to keep the eyelids from going down was painful.
Carstairs in the driver's seat also yawned prodigiously.

"All my strength has returned now, and my nerve has come with it," said
Weber. "Let me take the wheel. I see that you three are exhausted, as
well you may be after such tremendous energy and so many dangers. I
don't boast, when I say that I'm a good driver."

"Take the wheel, and welcome," said Carstairs, yawning prodigiously and
retreating to a seat in the body of the car, beside John.

It was evident that Weber understood automobiles. He handled the wheel
with a practised hand, and sent it forward with a skill and delicacy of
touch equal to that of Carstairs.

"It is, indeed, a beautiful machine," he said. "Splendid work went into
the