s too
risky--"

"I see what you're driving at," said Paw, suddenly. His face broke into
a smile. "There's a station further down the line--a little no-account
station, ain't there? I've seen it."

"Yes, Perryville. But the down train stops there, and it isn't just a
flag stop, either. Now, listen, Bessie. Mr. Hoover will take you there,
or nearly there, so that you can easily walk the rest of the way. And
when you get there don't get by the track until you hear the train
coming. Stay where no one is likely to see you, and then, when the train
whistles, run over and be ready to get on board. And get off at Pine
Bridge--Pine Bridge, do you hear? Will you remember that? When you get
there, just wait. I'll be there almost as soon as you are."

Paw Hoover burst into a roar of laughter as he listened.

"Bessie said you'd have a way to beat Silas Weeks, and, great Godfrey,
you sure have!" he said. "I never thought of that--but you're right. Get
her out of the state, and there ain't no way under heaven that Silas can
get hold of the girl unless she comes back of her own accord. Court
writs don't run beyond state lines, not unless they're in the Federal
court. Godfrey, but you're smart all right, young lady!"

"Thank you," said Eleanor, smiling at him in return for the compliment.
"You're sure you understand, Bessie? Here's the money for your fare. You
won't have time to buy tickets, so just give the money to the
conductor."

Then she dropped from the wagon to the road and Paw Hoover whipped up
his horses.

"You sleep, if you can, Bessie," he said. "I'll wake you up when it's
time to get down."

And Bessie, her mind relieved, was glad to obey. It seemed to her that
she had only just gone to sleep when Paw Hoover shook her gently to
arouse her.

"Here we are," he said. "Station's just over there--see, beyond the
bend. Remember what Miss Mercer told you, now, and good luck, Bessie! I
reckon we'll see you again sometime."

There were tears in Bessie's eyes as she said good-bye. She watched him
drive off, and then she and Zara sat down to wait for the coming of the
train. They sat on the grass, behind a cabin that had been abandoned,
where they could see the track while they themselves were hidden from
anyone approaching by the road they had come. And before long the rails
began to hum. Then, in the distance, there was the shriek of a whistle.

"Come on, Zara," cried Bessie, and they ran toward the station, just as
th