any
unforeseen emergency.

As the buildings grew more scattered, and patches of woodland appeared
here and there, the actor began to discuss with his companion their plan
of campaign.

"The sooner we get Violet out of her prison," he said, "and leave this
confounded vehicle behind, the better."

"It's rather too well populated about here to suit me," replied
Banborough. "But the police haven't been idle since we started, and our
flight has probably been telegraphed all over the countryside. Perhaps
we'd better run the risk, for if we're caught red-handed with the Black
Maria we'll find some difficulty in proving our innocence."

"Besides which, I'm anxious to get Miss Arminster out of durance vile as
soon as possible, for I think the Leopard's been caged long enough,"
said Spotts, laughing.

"Why do you people insist on calling Miss Arminster the Leopard?" asked
Banborough.

"Oh," said his companion, "I think I'd better let you find that out for
yourself. It would hardly be fair to Violet, and besides--" Then,
breaking off suddenly as they entered a strip of woodland, he changed
the conversation abruptly, saying: "Here's as good a place as we're
likely to find--no houses in sight, and a clear view of the road in
either direction." And as Cecil drew up the horses he jumped off the
box.

"How are you going to open the confounded thing?" asked the author.

"Well," replied his companion, "I should think a key would be as good a
method as any other."

"The best, provided you've got the key."

"I imagine you'll find it in the right-hand outside pocket of the
driver's coat," said Spotts. "I thought I heard something jingle as I
was helping you on with it."

"Right you are," said the Englishman. "Here it is!" producing two
nickel-plated keys on a ring. "Now we'll have her out in no time." And
running round to the back of the vehicle, he unlocked the folding doors
and threw them wide open, crying:

"My dear Miss Arminster, accept your freedom and a thousand pardons for
such rough treatment. What the--!" And he stopped short, too surprised
to finish; for, instead of the petite form of the fascinating Violet,
there shambled out on to the road the slouching figure of a disreputable
tramp, clothed in nondescript garments of uncertain age and colour,
terminating in a pair of broken boots, out of which protruded sockless
feet. He had a rough shock of hair, surmounted by a soft hat full of
holes, and a fat German face,