with questions which he
answered carefully, knowing that in all the circumstances of his having
loitered in the vicinity he might not unnaturally be suspected of
complicity. When his name was asked, he answered promptly.

"John B. Wright, Boston; stopping at the Hotel Ganymede."

"Business?"

"Broker, Nanonet Building, Boston."

These items officially written down, he described truthfully how he had
first seen the woman and her children in the pavilion, the subsequent
walk, and the episode of the balloon. He pointed out just where he had
been sitting when the screams attracted his attention.

"This is a serious case and you will be wanted as a witness," said the
officer. "You didn't know these people--never saw them before?"

"No. I had come to the park to kill time until four o'clock, when I have
an engagement at the Plaza Hotel."

The officer noted carefully his description of the woman who had
assisted in the kidnaping and such meager facts as he was able to give
as to the man who had carried off the little girl under the very eyes
of her mother.

The sergeant glanced at Archie's ruddy handkerchief and grinned.

"Guess that let's you out! You didn't get the number of the taxi? That
would help a little."

"There wasn't time for that. I was trying to hang on till help came, but
this smash in the face spoiled that."

To the jostling crowd anxious to hear his story Archie was a hero, or
very nearly one. He heard their murmurs of admiration as he described
the manner in which he had attempted to board the car. There were
enormous hazards in the whole situation and every consideration of
personal security demanded that he leave the park at once, but Mrs.
Congdon was now recovering, and he was reluctant to abandon her and the
frightened boy to the mercies of the park police and staring spectators.

She had recovered sufficiently to tell her story, and to Archie's relief
corroborated his own version in a manner to dispose of any question as
to his innocence.

The woman's composure struck Archie as remarkable and her replies to the
officer's questions were brief and exact. Several times she appealed to
him for confirmation on some point, and he edged closer and stood beside
her defensively. Her inquisitor had neglected to ask her name and
address in his eagerness for information as to the appearance of the
kidnapers. Her reply gave Archie a distinct shock.

"Mrs. George W. Kendall, 117 E. Corning Street, Broo