fare beyond, although the sound of wheels and the hoarse
cries of hucksters were audible to him as he dropped upon one knee, and
gently raised the inert figure. Blood was upon it; he felt it and knew
that it was staining his hand. Had no one heard that dreadful,
thrilling cry but himself? It seemed not. He shouted loudly with the
full power of his lungs:

"Help, help! Murder! Here--help!"

He was heard, for, as he loudly shouted again, voices answered him; and
in a few moments a group of men and women had gathered about him,
eager, excited, questioning. Before he could answer them they made way
for a sergeant of police whom Doctor Brudenell happened to know. He
explained hastily; the knot commented; the sergeant was cool and
professional.

"Pity you weren't quick enough to nab him, sir!"

He went down upon his knee and turned the light of his lantern upon the
ghastly face.

"H'm! Young, and a spanker to look at, I should say! Wonder if it was
robbery? Is she dead, sir?"

"No." The Doctor laid her gently down, his practiced hand over the
heart. "No; she's not dead. The blow was aimed at her heart, but
something in her dress--a corset, probably--turned the weapon aside.
Call me a cab, somebody. You're off duty, I think, sergeant--can you
come with me?"

"I am, sir. Always happens so when there's anything doing," muttered
the sergeant, discontentedly. "Here's another of our people that ain't,
though," as a second sergeant forced his way through the group,
followed by a constable. "Baxter, you'd best step round and report this
little job, and not lose any time about it, either. It's attempted
murder--that's what the game is. Chap made off as if he'd got springs
in his heels."

The second officer bent down as the first had done, glanced at the
bloodless face, asked a question or two, and started off at a smart
pace, the fringe of the crowd hurrying after him.

The Doctor looked at his companion, repeating:

"Can you come with me? I may want assistance."

"With pleasure, sir! You'll take her to the hospital, I suppose?"

"No. My house is nearer; and, unless the wound is looked to at once, I
don't answer for the consequences. There is no objection, I suppose?"

The sergeant thought there could be no objection, although the hospital
was "the usual thing." The Doctor put aside that consideration
contemptuously. From what he could see of the wound, he was prepared to
state professionally that any delay would be h