"Permit me to introduce myself as a victim of another's man's wrongful
intentions," he said. "I hired this car this morning uptown--in fact,
in Times Square, and was driven out to Long Island. Returning, we were
halted on the bridge--and the chauffeur disappeared--ran away, leaving
me to drive for myself.

"I feared at the time it might be the man was a thief, and I am greatly
relieved to find the owner of the car so promptly. If this or any
other explanation, before an officer, or any court, will gratify you
more, I shall be glad to meet every demand you may make upon my time."

The young woman looked at him with widely blazing eyes. She believed
him, she hardly knew why. She had alighted from the hansom.

"I've been driving up and down Fifth Avenue all morning!" she said. "I
felt sure I could find it that way. It isn't mine. It was only left
in my charge. I was afraid that something might happen. I didn't want
to have it in the first place! I knew it would cause me endless
trouble. I don't know what to do with it now."

"I should be gratified," said Garrison, "if you will state that you do
not consider me guilty of a theft so stupid as this would appear."

"I didn't think you were the man," she answered. "A chauffeur my
cousin discharged undoubtedly stole it. Policemen are after him now,
with the man who runs the garage. They went to Long Island City, or
somewhere, to find him, this morning. Perhaps he saw them on the
bridge."

She was regaining color. She was a very fine-looking young woman,
despite the expression of worry on her face. She was looking Garrison
over in a less excited manner--and he knew she held no thought of guilt
against him.

"Let me suggest that you dismiss your cab and permit me to take you at
once to your garage," he said, adding to the man on the box: "Cabby,
how much is your bill?"

"Five dollars," said the man, adding substantially to his charge.

"Take ten and get out!" said Garrison, handing him a bill.

"Oh, but please----" started the pretty young woman.

Garrison interrupted.

"The man who stole your car did yeoman service for me. I promised him
five times this amount. He may never dare appear to get his money.
Kindly step in. Will you drive the car yourself?"

"No, thank you," she murmured, obeying because of his masterly manner.
"But really, I hardly know----"

"Please say nothing further about it," he once more interrupted. "I am
sorry to hav