ned
to Grace, whose face was ghastly, while she trembled like a leaf. The
reaction had set in the moment she realized that Mabel was safe. Jessica
and Nora had both begun to cry, while the faces of the others fully
expressed their feelings.

"Grace," said Tom in a husky voice, "that was the quickest move I ever
saw any one make."

Grace drew a long breath, the color returned to her pale face and in a
measure she recovered herself.

"Some one had to do something," she said weakly. "I was the nearest to
her, that's all. Are you hurt, Mabel, dear?" she asked, turning to the
young girl, who stood by Jessica, looking white and dazed.

"It came so suddenly," she faltered, "I couldn't get up. It was awful!"
She shuddered, then burst into tears, burying her face in Jessica's
shoulder.

"There, there," soothed Jessica, wiping her own eyes. "It's all right
now. Stand up straight and let me brush your coat. You are all mud."

"Here come the would-be murderesses now," cried Hippy. "They actually
managed to stop and turn around, and now they are coming this way. One
of them is my pet abomination--Miss Wright. She used to call me 'fatty'
when I was little, and I've never forgiven her. But who is the reckless
young person playing chauffeur? She ought to be put in jail for
exceeding the speed limit."

"Hush!" said Grace. "Here she is."

The runabout had stopped and Eleanor alighted. Ignoring the four chums,
she walked up to Miriam Nesbit.

"Will you please tell me if any one is hurt?" she asked pettishly.
"I saw some one fall, but couldn't stop the machine. I supposed the
highway was for vehicles, not pedestrians four abreast."

"Miss Savell, you have just missed running over Miss Allison," said
Miriam coldly. "Had it not been for Miss Harlowe, there would have been
a serious accident. I should advise you to drive more carefully in
future, or you may not escape so easily another time."

Eleanor flushed at these words and said haughtily, "I did not ask for
advice, I asked for information."

"Very true," replied Miriam calmly, "but you see I have given you both."

"You are the most ill-bred lot of girls I have ever seen," returned
Eleanor crossly, "and I think you are making a great deal of unnecessary
fuss over a small matter. Why didn't your prize orphan get out of the
way with the rest of you? Besides, you have no right to block a public
highway, as you did. I am very sorry I came back at all."

Turning on her heel,