m in a moment that this was either the
Governor's New York chauffeur or some one who bore a striking
resemblance to that person. The Governor had hinted at the summoning of
many assistants to aid in his undertaking, and it was not at all
unlikely that he had drawn upon his New York establishment. But for the
child to be abducted during the progress of the riding lesson might lead
to unpleasant consequences and was not at all to Archie's taste.

The woman's attention was wholly relaxed and she scarcely glanced up as
he passed her. There could be no better opportunity for the seizure, as
the laborers were widely distributed over the farm. A stretch of
woodland opposite the Congdon gate precluded the possibility of
interruption from that quarter.

The gray-clad chauffeur passed again, this time in a more powerful car.
He made no sign but Archie caught a glimpse of the Governor busily
talking with a strange man. Convinced now that the Governor's plans were
culminating and that the car was making these circuits of the farm to
enable the occupants to get their bearings, Archie awaited anxiously the
next appearance of the machine. When at the end of a quarter of an hour
it shot into view he was at the farthest point from the gate indicated
by the woman as the range of Edith's exercise.

"That girth needs pulling up a little; let's dismount here," said
Archie, drawing up under a tree at the roadside. The woman was deeply
preoccupied with her book and apparently oblivious to the traffic on the
road. Archie pretended to be having trouble with the saddle, as he
filled in the time necessary for the car to reach him. It passed the
gate more rapidly than on previous occasions, but slowed down at once
and a familiar voice greeted him.

"Pardon me, but is this the road to Tiffin? I'm afraid we've been
running round in a circle."

"Straight ahead! And I suggest that you be in a hurry about it!" said
Archie, seeing that the woman had risen and was now moving rapidly
toward them. The Governor stepped jauntily from the running board, with
his hands thrust into the pockets of his duster. There was a twinkle in
his eyes as he noted Archie's trepidation. He glanced toward the woman
indifferently, removed his cap and addressed the little girl, who stood
beside the pony with her hand on the bridle. A second car drew up just
behind the Governor's machine. The woman was calling loudly to Edith to
come to her immediately.

"Edith--Miss Edit