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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 20:07:44 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 20:07:44 -0700 |
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diff --git a/37307-h/37307-h.htm b/37307-h/37307-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9e14f0d --- /dev/null +++ b/37307-h/37307-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,12879 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" > +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> + <meta content="The Blue Grass Seminary Girls’ Vacation Adventures" name="DC.Title"/> + <meta content="Carolyn Judson Burnett" name="DC.Creator"/> + <meta content="en" name="DC.Language"/> + <meta content="1916" name="DC.Created"/> + <meta name="generator" content="ppgen (1.20) generated Sep 03, 2011 08:15 AM" /> + <title>The Blue Grass Seminary Girls’ Vacation Adventures</title> + <style type="text/css"> + body {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%;} + p {margin-top:1ex; margin-bottom:0; text-align:justify;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size:x-small; text-align:right; text-indent:0; + position:absolute; right:2%; padding:1px 3px; font-style:normal; + font-variant:normal; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none; + background-color:inherit; border:1px solid #eee;} + .pncolor {color:silver;} + h1 {text-align:center; font-weight:normal; + font-size:1.4em; margin-top:4em; margin-bottom:2em;} + h2 {text-align:left; font-weight:normal; + font-size:1.2em; margin-top:4em; margin-bottom:2em;} + h3 {text-align:center; font-weight:bold; + font-size:0.9em; margin-top:1.5em; margin-bottom:1em;} + hr.pb {margin:30px 0; width:100%; border:none; border-top:thin dashed silver; clear:both;} + .sc {font-variant: small-caps;} + .center {margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; text-align:center;} + .larger {font-size:larger;} + .smaller {font-size:smaller;} + .sc {font-variant:small-caps} + .caption {font-size: 80%;} + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + div.center>:first-child {margin: .5em auto 0 auto;text-align:center;} + div.center p {margin: 0 auto; text-align:center;} + hr.tb {border:none; border-bottom: 1px solid black; margin: 20px auto; width:35%} + </style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Blue Grass Seminary Girls' Vacation +Adventures, by Carolyn Judson Burnett + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Blue Grass Seminary Girls' Vacation Adventures + Shirley Willing to the Rescue + +Author: Carolyn Judson Burnett + +Release Date: September 3, 2011 [EBook #37307] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY *** + + + + +Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + +<div><a name='illus-fpc' id='illus-fpc'></a></div> +<div class='figcenter' style='padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em'> +<a name='i001' id='i001'></a> +<img src="images/illus-fpc.jpg" alt="“THE DAM IS GONE!” CRIED THE GIRL. “FLY FOR YOUR LIVES!” Page 7." title=""/><br /> +<span class='caption'>“THE DAM IS GONE!” CRIED THE GIRL. “FLY FOR YOUR LIVES!” <em>Page 7.</em></span> +</div> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<div class='center'> +<p><span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>The</span></p> +<p><span style='font-size:1.6em;font-weight:bold;'>Blue Grass Seminary Girls’</span></p> +<p><span style='font-size:1.6em;font-weight:bold;'>Vacation Adventures</span></p> +<p> </p> +<p>OR</p> +<p> </p> +<p><span style='font-size:1.2em;'>Shirley Willing to the Rescue</span></p> +<p> </p> +<p><span class='sc'>By Carolyn Judson Burnett</span></p> +<p> </p> +<p>AUTHOR OF</p> +<p> </p> +<p><span style='font-size:smaller;'>“The Blue Grass Seminary Girls’ Christmas Holidays,”</span></p> +<p><span style='font-size:smaller;'>“The Blue Grass Seminary Girls in the Mountains,”</span></p> +<p><span style='font-size:smaller;'>“The Blue Grass Seminary</span></p> +<p><span style='font-size:smaller;'>Girls on the Water.”</span></p> +<p> </p> +<p>A. L. BURT COMPANY</p> +<p> </p> +<p>PUBLISHERS NEW YORK</p> +</div> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<div class='center'> +<p>Copyright, 1916</p> +<p><span class='sc'>By A. L. Burt Company</span></p> +<p> </p> +<p><span style='font-size:smaller;'>THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS’ VACATION ADVENTURES</span></p> +</div> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<h1>THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS’ VACATION ADVENTURES</h1> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_3'></a>3</span><a name='chI' id='chI'></a>CHAPTER I.—THE BROKEN DAM.</h2> +<p> +“The dam! The dam! The dam has broken!” +</p> +<p> +Shirley Willing, with flaming eyes and tightly-clenched +hands, jumped quickly forward, and with +her right hand seized the bridle of a horse that was +bearing a strange boy along the road, which ran +near the river. +</p> +<p> +The horse reared back on its haunches, frightened +at the sudden halting. +</p> +<p> +“The dam!” cried the young girl again. +“Quick! The people must be warned!” +</p> +<p> +The face of the rider turned white. +</p> +<p> +“What do you mean?” he shouted, fear stamped +on every feature. +</p> +<p> +Shirley’s excitement fell from her like a cloak. +She became quiet. +</p> +<p> +“The Darret dam has been washed away,” she +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_4'></a>4</span> +answered, “and unless the people in the valley are +warned immediately they will perish. There is +one chance to save them. You are mounted. You +can outrun the oncoming wall of water and save +them. Away with you, quick! There is not a +second to spare!” +</p> +<p> +“But,” protested the boy, “the water may overtake +me and I shall drown. We can climb to higher +ground here and be safe.” +</p> +<p> +He tried to turn his horse’s head to the east. +But Shirley clung to the rein. +</p> +<p> +“And leave those people to drown, without warning?” +she cried. “You coward! You are afraid!” +</p> +<p> +“I——” the boy began, but Shirley cut his protest +short. +</p> +<p> +Releasing the bridle of the horse, she sprang +quickly to the side of the animal, seized the rider +by the leg with both her strong, young hands and +pulled quickly and vigorously. Unprepared for +such action, the boy came tumbling to the ground +in a sprawling heap. +</p> +<p> +Quick as a flash Shirley leaped to the saddle and +turned the horse’s head toward the valley. As she +dug her heels into the animal’s ribs, sending him +forward with a jump, she called over her shoulder +to the boy, who sat still dazed at the sudden +danger: +</p> +<p> +“Get to safety the best way you can, you coward!” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_5'></a>5</span> +</p> +<p> +Under the firm touch of the girl’s hand on the +rein the horse sped on down the valley. +</p> +<p> +It was a mad race with death and Shirley knew +it. But she realized that human lives were at stake +and she did not hesitate. +</p> +<p> +To the left of the road down which she sped lay +high ground and safety, while coming down the +valley, perhaps a mile in the rear, poured a dense +wall of water, coming as swift as the wind. +</p> +<p> +For days the Mississippi and its tributaries had +been rising rapidly and steadily. Along the lowlands +in that part of the state of Illinois, just +south of Cairo, where Shirley Willing had been +visiting friends, fears that the Darret dam, three +miles up one of these tributary streams, would give +way, had been entertained. +</p> +<p> +Some families, therefore, had moved their perishable +belongings to higher ground, where they +would be beyond the sweep of the waters should +the dam break. +</p> +<p> +Then suddenly, without warning, the dam had +gone. +</p> +<p> +The home where Shirley had been visiting was +a farmhouse, and the cry of danger had been received +by telephone. Those in the house had been +asked to repeat the warning to families further +down the valley. But the fierce wind that was raging +had, at almost that very moment, blown down +all wires. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_6'></a>6</span> +</p> +<p> +Shirley, in spite of the fact that she, with the +others, could easily have reached the safety afforded +by higher ground a short distance away, had +thought only of those whose lives would be snuffed +out if they were not warned. +</p> +<p> +She had decided that she would warn them herself. +She ran from the house to the stable, where +one single horse had been left. +</p> +<p> +But the seriousness of the situation seemed to +have been carried to the animal, and when Shirley +had attempted to slip a bridle over his head he +struck out violently with his fore feet. As the girl +sprang back, he dashed from the stable. +</p> +<p> +Shirley ran after him and followed him into the +road. There she encountered a rider; and the conversation +with which this story begins took place. +</p> +<p> +As the girl sped down the road, she could hear +from far behind, the roar of the waters as they came +tumbling after her. +</p> +<p> +A farmhouse came into sight. A man, a woman +and several children came out, attracted by the +galloping hoofbeats. Without checking the speed +of her mount a single instant, Shirley guided the +horse close to them. +</p> +<p> +“The dam! The dam!” she shouted, as she +flashed by. +</p> +<p> +No other words were necessary. Without stopping +to gather up any of their effects, they all turned +their faces and rushed for higher ground. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_7'></a>7</span> +</p> +<p> +A second, a third, and a fourth farmhouse came +into view, and as she flashed by, the girl hurled +her warning at each. +</p> +<p> +Half a mile below lay the little town of Stanley. +It was for this that Shirley was headed, in her race +with the rushing water. +</p> +<p> +The roar behind her became louder, and Shirley, +leaning over her horse’s neck, urged him to further +efforts with soft and coaxing words. +</p> +<p> +The noble animal, seeming to realize that he was +upon a message of life or death, responded, and it +seemed that he must have winged feet, so lightly +and swiftly did he fly over the ground. +</p> +<p> +But the roaring wall of water came closer. +</p> +<p> +Shirley uttered a cry of relief. Before her she +made out the first house in the little town. The +sounds of the clattering hoofs on the hard macadamized +road drew the residents from their homes. +Several had gathered in a little knot as Shirley +approached. Evidently they had not heard the +sound of the roaring waters. +</p> +<p> +“The dam has gone!” cried the girl, as she came +up to them, and rode by without checking the speed +of her horse. “<em>Fly</em> for your lives!” +</p> +<p> +Instantly all became bustle and confusion. The +word was passed like a flash and almost as one man +the town poured from its homes and dashed for +safety. +</p> +<p> +Clear through the town the young girl rode, calling +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_8'></a>8</span> +out her warning. Then, and not until then, did +she check her horse and turn his head toward the +safety that lay in the east. +</p> +<p> +A man ran up to her. +</p> +<p> +“The Hendersons!” he cried. “They left here +not five minutes ago in their buggy. The water +will catch them on the road!” +</p> +<p> +Without a word, Shirley turned her horse and +would have dashed forward had not the man caught +the bridle. +</p> +<p> +“It’s death to you!” he cried. +</p> +<p> +“It’s death to them if I don’t make it!” cried +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +She dug her heels into the animal’s flanks and the +horse shook off the detaining hand with a quick +twitch of his head. Evidently he, as well as the +girl, realized his responsibility. +</p> +<p> +Once more, under the guiding hand, he dashed +forward as if it were wings that carried him so +lightly and swiftly over the ground. And as he +flew on, Shirley patted him softly on the neck and +spoke low words of encouragement. +</p> +<p> +The noble animal’s ears stood straight and there +was fire in his eyes. He seemed to say: “We will +save them if it is possible.” +</p> +<p> +Rounding a sudden turn in the road, Shirley +made out a buggy going leisurely along. At the +same moment the roar of the water came more +plainly to her ears. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_9'></a>9</span> +</p> +<p> +She raised her voice in a shout that rose above +the sound of roaring water behind—rose above the +sounds of clattering hoofs and above the voices +of the occupants of the buggy themselves. +</p> +<p> +The buggy stopped, the man’s face peered out. +As he saw Shirley dashing along the road after him, +a sudden understanding of what was wrong came +to him. Raising an arm, he waved it as a signal +that the girl’s warning had been understood, and +started his horse on a run. +</p> +<p> +Shirley breathed a great sigh of relief and dashed +on after the buggy, which was now going at terrific +speed, rocking crazily and threatening every +moment to turn over in the road. +</p> +<p> +Coming suddenly to an open field at the left side +of the road, the man sent the buggy dashing across +it, and made, as fast as his horse could go, for a +point where the ground rose sheer for perhaps a +hundred feet. +</p> +<p> +Shirley sped after the buggy. +</p> +<p> +Coming to this abrupt rise, they were forced to +search for a means of clambering up it. The +woman in the buggy, at the man’s command, sprang +from the seat and dashed hurriedly up the steep +hill. The man in the meantime stopped to unhitch +his horse, that the animal might have a chance for +its life. +</p> +<p> +Turning in her saddle, Shirley cried out in sudden +fear. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_10'></a>10</span> +</p> +<p> +Behind, so close that it seemed to be right upon +her and bearing down with tremendous speed, came +a solid wall of water, many feet high. +</p> +<p> +With a cry to her horse, the girl turned his head +squarely to the hill. With his nostrils extended +and his eyes dilated with fear, the animal sprang +at it. With his light burden he gained a foothold +and dashed up as fast as his weary limbs could +carry him. Once he came to a place that seemed +too much for him; but the noble steed made a last +desperate effort and succeeded in getting his forefeet +on top of the level ground above. +</p> +<p> +With a single movement, Shirley flung herself +from the saddle to the safety of the high ground, +and in another moment seized the bridle of the +horse, just as he would have slipped back into the +raging flood that now swept by below. +</p> +<p> +Exerting her utmost strength—and it was by no +means slight—she succeeded in helping the animal +to scramble to the summit. +</p> +<p> +The occupants of the buggy had also succeeded +in climbing to safety, but the second horse had +been carried away by the sweeping waters. Henderson +had been unable to loosen the animal, as he +was forced to hurry to the support of Mrs. Henderson, +who, almost in safety, had fainted and +would have fallen back, had her husband’s arm not +caught her. +</p> +<p> +From this refuge, the three watched the waters +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_11'></a>11</span> +as they swirled by with tremendous force. Kicking +animals, sheds, barns and small houses, together +with ruins and débris, swept past them, and more +than once the young girl cried out in despair, as she +realized the damage that had been done by the +water. +</p> +<p> +The three had climbed to the very top of the +hill, as the water surrounded them on all sides. +Gradually it rose, climbing closer and closer to them. +Shirley became alarmed and turned to Henderson, +who stood near her, still supporting his wife. +</p> +<p> +“Will it come this high, do you think, Mr. Henderson?” +</p> +<p> +Henderson shook his head. +</p> +<p> +“There is no telling,” he replied quietly. “All +we can do is to hope for the best.” +</p> +<p> +All became silent, but their eyes were riveted +upon the water as it closed in on them. +</p> +<p> +Now there was but perhaps twenty yards of dry +ground, then fifteen, and still the water rose. The +rise continued until all stood in water, and then it +rose no higher. +</p> +<p> +“Thank God!” said Henderson, calmly, looking +at his wife. “We are saved!” +</p> +<p> +“Thank God, indeed,” said Shirley softly, and she +turned and stroked the horse, who thrust his cold +muzzle into her hand. “But for you,” she added, +patting him gently, “hundreds would have been +drowned!” +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_12'></a>12</span><a name='chII' id='chII'></a>CHAPTER II.—A DARING ACT.</h2> +<p> +Night came on, and still the three—a man, a +woman and a young girl—stood ankle deep in the +cold water, which showed no sign of receding. +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Henderson was completely worn out. At +Shirley’s suggestion, Henderson placed her upon +the back of the horse, where she was at least dry. +</p> +<p> +“There is no telling how long we may have to +remain here,” said Henderson. “The water may +not go down before morning.” +</p> +<p> +“But,” said Shirley, “we cannot remain here that +long. We must do something.” +</p> +<p> +“What?” asked Henderson briefly. +</p> +<p> +“Well, we might try shouting,” said Shirley. +“Some one might hear us.” +</p> +<p> +They both raised their voices to their loudest +and shouted long and often. But no reply came. +</p> +<p> +Shirley glanced carefully about her in the dim +light. They stood on the very top of the little +hill, and all about them was water. Perhaps a +quarter of a mile to the right, however, was another +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_13'></a>13</span> +elevation, and this Shirley knew was not +merely a similar hill, but high ground that ran back +for miles—the land upon which all those in the +flooded valley had sought safety. +</p> +<p> +“I have a plan,” she said quietly to Henderson. +</p> +<p> +“What is it?” he asked eagerly. +</p> +<p> +“It’s very simple,” was the reply. “I shall mount +the horse, and we shall try and swim through the +short expanse of water to the dry ground over +there,” and she pointed across the flood. +</p> +<p> +Henderson started back aghast at the boldness of +this plan. Beneath them the water still swished +angrily, although it had lost much of its force. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll not hear of it,” he said shortly. “You shall +not risk your life.” +</p> +<p> +“But,” protested the girl, “we are all likely to +become numbed and perish here.” +</p> +<p> +She shivered slightly as she spoke, for the night +air was damp, cold and penetrating. +</p> +<p> +“I think it is the best way,” she added quietly. +“Besides, what danger is there? Hero,” she named +the horse in that moment, “can make it all right. +All I shall have to do is cling to him tightly.” +</p> +<p> +“But the current may be very strong,” protested +Henderson. +</p> +<p> +“Not too strong for us, is it, Hero?” she asked +the horse, and patted him gently again. +</p> +<p> +Hero whinnied in reply, and seemed as eager +as the girl to make the trial. He seemed to understand +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_14'></a>14</span> +the conversation, and besides, he was +anxious to reach a place where there was warmth, +dry straw and good oats. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, it is the best way,” said Shirley decisively. +</p> +<p> +Henderson looked at her closely, then turned +away with a sigh, for that one glance was enough +to tell him that the young girl would have her way. +</p> +<p> +He lifted his wife from Hero’s back, and Shirley +immediately climbed into the saddle. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll send a boat for you,” Shirley called over +her shoulder, as, with a tug of the reins, she headed +Hero into the water. +</p> +<p> +“Good luck!” called Henderson. “Keep your +head, and hold tight. Don’t be swept off the horse’s +back.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley did not reply, but kept her eyes straight +ahead. +</p> +<p> +Gradually Hero sank lower and lower into the +water, and then went under suddenly. His feet no +longer touched the bottom. +</p> +<p> +Henderson and his wife cried out in alarm as +horse and girl sank beneath the water; but they +rose again in a moment, and, shaking the water +from his eyes with an angry snort, Hero struck out +boldly for the distant shore. +</p> +<p> +The current was still strong and gradually bore +them down the valley. But Hero made headway, +and every stroke of his mighty legs bore them much +nearer safety. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_15'></a>15</span> +</p> +<p> +Now darkness, thick and intense, descended over +the valley, and neither horse nor rider could see +five yards ahead. But neither lost heart, Hero +plunging straight ahead and Shirley clinging +tightly to his neck and uttering low words of encouragement. +</p> +<p> +For a long, long time, as it seemed to both horse +and rider, they continued their cold and wet journey; +then, abruptly, Hero’s feet struck the rising +ground of the high land. A moment later he stood +on all feet, the water up to his knees, but with solid +ground beneath him. Quickly he drew himself free +of the water, and Shirley, soaking wet, and cramped +from the one position she had been forced to maintain, +jumped stiffly to the ground. +</p> +<p> +She threw her arms around the horse’s neck, and +gave him a great hug. +</p> +<p> +“Good old Hero!” she exclaimed. “I knew you +would bring us over safely. Now to find some +one and send them after the Hendersons.” +</p> +<p> +She walked quickly along in the darkness, Hero +following her like a dog. +</p> +<p> +At last, in the distance, she made out a dim light +and hurried on toward it. Soon she was close +enough to make out that she was approaching a +little house, through a window of which the light +twinkled. She broke into a run, and without stopping +to knock, dashed inside. +</p> +<p> +A man and a woman rose to their feet, and Shirley +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_16'></a>16</span> +was also conscious of other figures in the room. +</p> +<p> +A pain shot through her head, she reeled dizzily +and toppled over in a dead faint; but before she +lost consciousness she heard a voice that sounded +many miles away exclaim: +</p> +<p> +“Why, Shirley Willing! What are you doing +here, and in this condition?” +</p> +<p> +When Shirley recovered consciousness she lay +upon a little bed, and several figures were bending +over her. One she recognized in a moment, and +addressed it in a low voice and with a smile on her +face. +</p> +<p> +“Mabel!” she exclaimed. “Where am I and what +is the matter with me?” +</p> +<p> +But before the other could reply, the thrilling +experience she had been through came back to her +like a flash; and springing from the bed, unmindful +of the sharp pain that shot through her head, she +exclaimed: +</p> +<p> +“The Hendersons! Quick! Have you a boat?” +</p> +<p> +“There, there,” said the girl whom she had addressed +as Mabel. “You are a little overwrought. +Lie down again, dearie.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley shook off the other’s hand. +</p> +<p> +“The Hendersons,” she explained, “are marooned +on a little hill in the midst of the raging flood. +They must be helped quickly. Mrs. Henderson is +ill and unless she is given shelter at once may die +from exposure.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_17'></a>17</span> +</p> +<p> +Immediately all in the room began to ask questions, +but Shirley, raising a hand, stopped them. +Then, briefly, she explained the situation. +</p> +<p> +The men in the room leaped to their feet and +dashed out of the house. Shirley ran after them. +</p> +<p> +“You may not be able to find the place in the +dark,” she said, “but I think I can show you the +way. My sense of direction has always been good.” +</p> +<p> +In spite of the protests of the others, she went +with the men while they hauled a large rowboat out +of a nearby shed and dragged it to the water’s +edge. +</p> +<p> +Here, launching it, they all climbed in. Shirley +would have followed, but one man objected. +</p> +<p> +“You are worn out now,” he said. “You had +better get to bed.” +</p> +<p> +But Shirley was not to be denied. +</p> +<p> +“This is my adventure,” she said warmly, “and +besides, I can probably help you locate the Hendersons. +My eyes are unusually sharp.” +</p> +<p> +She stepped into the boat in spite of all protests, +and soon, under the strong arms of the men, the +little craft leaped out over the water. +</p> +<p> +It was pitch dark, and almost impossible for the +occupants of the boat to see their hands before +them. A lantern in the prow of the boat only +seemed to make the darkness more intense. +</p> +<p> +After half an hour’s rowing the men rested on +their oars and listened. There was no sound. They +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_18'></a>18</span> +rowed for perhaps another quarter of an hour, and +again paused to listen. Just as they were about to +go on again, Shirley’s ears caught the sound of a +distant hail. +</p> +<p> +“Listen!” she cried, and all sat silently. +</p> +<p> +The hail came again, but at first those in the boat +were unable to tell from what direction. They +listened and it came again. +</p> +<p> +“Back and to the right,” said Shirley. “We must +have passed them in the darkness.” +</p> +<p> +The boat was brought about and headed in the +direction Shirley indicated; and still there was no +sign of the Hendersons. But the next hail was +clearer, and much closer. +</p> +<p> +“Come straight ahead!” came the cry over the +flood. +</p> +<p> +The rowers now followed the directions shouted +across the water, and after what seemed a very +long time, made out, directly ahead, the figure of a +man and a woman, huddled close together to keep +warm. It was Henderson and his wife. +</p> +<p> +Once inside the boat, Mrs. Henderson promptly +fainted. Shirley lifted the unconscious woman’s +head into her lap and bathed her face with water, +and she soon revived. +</p> +<p> +The boat made rapid progress on the return +journey and soon all were in the warm enclosure +of the little house. Mrs. Henderson was promptly +put to bed, but Shirley had something else to do. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_19'></a>19</span> +</p> +<p> +Calling one of the men to follow her, she left +the house and, after some searching, came upon +what she sought. +</p> +<p> +This was Hero standing at the door of the little +stable, nosing it and trying his best to get in. Shirley +turned to her companions. +</p> +<p> +“This,” she said, stroking the animal’s wet mane, +“is the one you all have to thank for your +escape from the flood. Had it not been for Hero, +I would have been unable to give the warning, and +now it seems to me he is entitled to a nice warm +stall and some nice fresh oats. Would you like +them, Hero?” +</p> +<p> +The horse whinnied in joy, and one of the men +said: +</p> +<p> +“He certainly shall have both.” +</p> +<p> +He approached and took the animal by the bridle, +but Hero drew back. +</p> +<p> +“Maybe you can lead him,” said the man. “He +won’t come for me.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley laughed. “Come, Hero!” she called and +without leading he followed her into the stable, +where he was escorted to a clean stall. +</p> +<p> +“And now you go to bed,” said one of the men +to Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll stay and see him fed first,” replied the girl. +</p> +<p> +“All right, have your own way!” +</p> +<p> +He produced the oats, and soon Hero was nosing +and eating them contentedly. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_20'></a>20</span> +</p> +<p> +Then, and not until then, did Shirley return to +the house. Throwing off her wet garments, she +crept into bed when, tired and worn out, she closed +her eyes and slept. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_21'></a>21</span><a name='chIII' id='chIII'></a>CHAPTER III.—THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY.</h2> +<p> +Shirley Willing was a typical product of the +little town of Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky; and +at the time this story opens had just passed her fifteenth +year. She was the one child of Christopher +Willing, a prosperous farmer and horseman, who +owned an extensive place on the Bethlehem pike +some three or four miles from the little city. +</p> +<p> +Being an only daughter, she was naturally somewhat +spoiled, although she and her father would +have resented such an implication. Nevertheless, +spoiled she was, as all were aware except these two. +Shirley was slight and slender, with a wealth of +auburn hair and cheeks like roses. All her life she +had been athletically inclined, and for the past two +years—ever since she had been attending the Blue +Grass Seminary—she had indulged in outdoor +sports continually. +</p> +<p> +The Blue Grass Seminary was one of those +schools in which the chief object was to produce +not only cultured and educated young women, but +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_22'></a>22</span> +physically perfect ones as well. While the course +of study was on a par with all first-class schools, +the management did not believe that the students +should spend all their time over their books. +</p> +<p> +“Give the girls a practical education,” was the +theory of the principal, and both he and his assistants +endeavored in every way to enable the girls +under their care to practice in the open the theories +taught in the schoolroom. +</p> +<p> +Much time was also devoted to athletics in the +Blue Grass Seminary, but there were no hard and +fast rules as to what branch of athletics each pupil +should take up. Shirley Willing’s great hobby and +chief diversion was horseback riding. She was +an expert horse-woman at fifteen and could ride +anything, as she had proved more than once. +</p> +<p> +Besides having a well-kept farm, Mr. Willing +also owned a good “string” of blooded race horses, +and there was no novelty in one of them being +winner in many exciting races. It was this kind +of horse that Shirley most enjoyed riding. +</p> +<p> +Shirley’s particular chum and bosom friend was +Mabel Ashton, likewise the daughter of a prosperous +Kentuckian. Colonel Ashton was easily the +most prominent man in many respects in Bourbon +County. Mabel, who was a few months older than +Shirley, was equally well known among the younger +set. The girls had been friends almost since they +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_23'></a>23</span> +were babies, which was only natural because of the +close relationship between their families. +</p> +<p> +Another bond of sympathy between the girls was +that both had lost their mothers when a few months +old. +</p> +<p> +When Shirley made up her mind that she would +attend the Blue Grass Seminary—located in a +neighboring town some twenty miles away—there +was nothing more natural than that Mabel should +decide to go also. At first their fathers both opposed +the plan, but after Mr. Willing and Colonel +Ashton had spent a day at the Seminary and had +seen what an excellent school it was, they were +quite willing to let the girls attend. +</p> +<p> +At the Seminary the girls had been roommates. +Their closest friend was Lois Geddis, the daughter +of an Illinois farmer. Several times she had gone +home with Shirley to spend Sunday and had likewise +spent her Christmas vacation in Paris, upon +the promise that the two girls should visit her during +the summer. Thus it was that we find these +three Blue Grass Seminary girls in such close proximity +to the great Father of Waters. +</p> +<p> +The Kentucky girls had been visiting in Illinois +some two weeks when this story opens, and it was +now the latter part of June. They had only intended +to remain a week, but they had been having such +a good time that they had overstayed the stated +period. Finally they had selected a date upon +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_24'></a>24</span> +which they should return and in spite of all influence +that could be brought to bear, they were not +to be shaken in their purpose. +</p> +<p> +Then the flood came. +</p> +<p> +To account for Mabel’s presence in the little house +in which Shirley is now sleeping, it is necessary +to go back a little in our story. +</p> +<p> +It was about the time that the girls had set a +date to go home that heavy rains set in. The +summer had been dry so far and the rain was very +welcome. But for days, now, the downpour had +continued without any sign of abating. From further +up the river news was received of still heavier +rain, and these added to the regular June rise from +the Missouri caused the Mississippi at Cairo to +spread until it threatened to leave its bank. +</p> +<p> +A short distance above the home of Mr. Geddis, +where the girls were visiting, was a small tributary +of the Mississippi on which was built a great +dam, forming an immense reservoir. This was +known as the Darret dam. At this point also, the +river broadened into what seemed almost a small +bay in which the water was very deep, so that +the volume back of the dam was something enormous. +</p> +<p> +When it became apparent that there was to be +no let-up in the steady rains, and as the waters of +the Mississippi continued to rise, Mr. Geddis, as +well as other farmers in the vicinity, moved all their +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_25'></a>25</span> +livestock and household effects to higher ground +that they might be safe should the dam give way; +for it was a well-known fact that if the dam burst, +the valley would be flooded and everything carried +away. +</p> +<p> +Guards were posted near the dam to give the +warning, should it threaten to burst. Vigil was +kept day and night, while the residents of the countryside +were prepared to flee at the first warning of +imminent disaster. +</p> +<p> +But the dam had finally burst so suddenly that +the warning came almost too late. Shirley, Mabel, +Lois, her father and mother were at supper when +the telephone jangled furiously. Lois, who was +nearest, quickly put the receiver to her ear, and +then turned to the others with a cry: +</p> +<p> +“The dam is gone!” +</p> +<p> +Then it was that those in the farmhouse attempted +to repeat the warning down the valley, +and it was discovered that the wires were down. +As has been told, it was then that Shirley made her +wild dash, that might have resulted fatally. +</p> +<p> +When Shirley had disappeared, the others, after +seeking in vain for her, had finally given it up as +hopeless. +</p> +<p> +“She is probably safe some place,” said Mr. +Geddis. “Come, we must hurry.” +</p> +<p> +They started for the highlands, which they +reached safely, and from there watched the mountains +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_26'></a>26</span> +of water as they swept down, flooding the +valley. +</p> +<p> +“I believe I know what has happened to Shirley,” +said Mabel quietly. +</p> +<p> +“What?” asked Lois, eagerly. +</p> +<p> +“I believe she went down the valley to warn the +people.” +</p> +<p> +Lois gave a startled cry. +</p> +<p> +“She will be drowned!” she cried. +</p> +<p> +“I’m not sure about that,” said Mabel quietly. +“You see, I know Shirley a little better than you +do. If there is one way by which she can reach +safety, Shirley is sure to find it.” +</p> +<p> +“I do hope she will not be harmed,” said Lois, +beginning to cry. +</p> +<p> +Refugees fled to the highlands in droves, leaving +everything behind. Mr. Geddis and his party +advanced, just on the edge of the high ground, +down the valley. Here they came upon others who +had been forced to flee for safety. +</p> +<p> +“How did the warning reach you?” asked Mr. +Geddis of one of the men. +</p> +<p> +“Girl on horseback,” was the reply. “She came +dashing down the road like wind. If it hadn’t been +for her, hundreds would have perished.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel, who overheard this conversation, cried +out in alarm: +</p> +<p> +“Where is she?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_27'></a>27</span> +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know,” was the reply. “She was headed +straight for the village.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel seized Lois by the arm. +</p> +<p> +“Come,” she cried, “let’s go farther. Perhaps +we can find Shirley.” +</p> +<p> +With a word to her father, Lois followed her +friend. They came, at last, to a part of the ground +directly behind the little village of Stanley, now +lying beneath the water. Here they plied the refugees +with question after question, and finally came +upon the man who had seen the girl wheel her horse +and dash down the road after the Hendersons. +</p> +<p> +“There is not one chance in a thousand that she +escaped,” he said slowly; “nor the Hendersons, +either, for that matter.” +</p> +<p> +The girls left him and continued on down the +course of the raging water, for they believed that +Shirley might possibly have reached safety in that +direction. +</p> +<p> +It grew dusk, and still they walked on, scanning +the nearby waters and the ground closely. Night +fell. +</p> +<p> +“Well, we might as well go back,” said Mabel +quietly. “I am afraid we shall never see her again.” +</p> +<p> +“I know we won’t,” said Lois, and fell to weeping. +</p> +<p> +“Come, come,” said Mabel, throwing her arm +about her friend’s shoulders. “Crying will do no +good.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_28'></a>28</span> +</p> +<p> +“But—but,” sobbed Lois, “if it hadn’t been for +me she would be alive.” +</p> +<p> +“How do you make that out?” asked Mabel, in +some surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Why, she would not have come to this part of +the country.” +</p> +<p> +“Never mind,” said Mabel. “Shirley wouldn’t +want you to feel badly about it. I know that.” +</p> +<p> +They turned and began to retrace their steps. +It was then that Lois made a startling discovery. +They had unconsciously walked further and further +away from the water’s edge, in among a grove of +trees. +</p> +<p> +“We are lost!” cried Lois. +</p> +<p> +“Lost!” echoed Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Yes. I don’t know where we are. I have never +been in these woods before.” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, I guess we’ll get out all right,” said Mabel +confidently. +</p> +<p> +She moved forward, but in the darkness she had +no means of telling whether she was going in the +right direction. The girls walked quickly this way +and that, but they could find no exit from the +grove of trees. +</p> +<p> +Mabel raised her young voice in a cry for help, +and Lois added hers to it. +</p> +<p> +From the distance came a faint response. +</p> +<p> +Encouraged, the girls renewed their efforts, and +keeping it up, were finally rewarded by the sounds +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_29'></a>29</span> +of footsteps coming toward them. A moment later +the figure of a man appeared before them. +</p> +<p> +“What on earth are you two girls doing here?” +he asked in amazement. +</p> +<p> +“We are lost,” stammered Lois, beginning to cry +again, now that she felt she was safe once more. +</p> +<p> +“Who are you?” asked the man. +</p> +<p> +The girls told him. +</p> +<p> +“And we want to get back to father,” moaned +Lois. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said the man, “you can’t get back to-night. +You have come farther than you realize. +My name is Thompson, and I have a shack nearby. +You shall both spend the night with us. Mrs. +Thompson will make you at home.” +</p> +<p> +In spite of repeated requests by both girls that +they be set on the road home and assurances that +they were not afraid to go alone, Thompson shook +his head negatively. +</p> +<p> +“You’ll do as I say,” he said. “I wouldn’t allow +a daughter of mine to go prowling through the +woods at this time of night. Come with me.” +</p> +<p> +The girls were forced to obey, for they had no +desire to be left in the woods alone. +</p> +<p> +Mrs. Thompson made the girls comfortable, and +showed them a bed in a room at the rear of the +house, on the ground floor. +</p> +<p> +It was while they were sitting talking, that they +became aware of clattering of hoofs. A moment +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_30'></a>30</span> +later the door flew open and Shirley staggered into +the room. Both girls were on their feet in an instant. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley!” they cried, and rushed forward. +</p> +<p> +It was then that Shirley had fainted. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_31'></a>31</span><a name='chIV' id='chIV'></a>CHAPTER IV.—A RAILROAD ACCIDENT.</h2> +<p> +“How long are we likely to be delayed, conductor?” +</p> +<p> +The speaker was Shirley, and the date was one +week from the day on which the girl, by her daring +ride, had saved scores in the Illinois town and +in the valley from perishing in the flood. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and her friend Mabel had left their chum’s +home the day before. In the morning they caught +a train out of St. Louis, and now, in the afternoon, +they had learned that their train would be held +indefinitely in Indianapolis because of a serious +wreck ahead. +</p> +<p> +“There is no telling, miss,” was the conductor’s +answer to Shirley’s question. “The wreck is a +bad one, and it is impossible to say just when the +track will be cleared. If we wait for that, it is likely +to be hours. We may, however, be routed over +some other line. I shall know within a quarter of +an hour.” +</p> +<p> +“Thank you,” replied Shirley, and the two girls +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_32'></a>32</span> +continued to pace up and down alongside their car. +</p> +<p> +Half an hour later the conductor approached +them. +</p> +<p> +“The wreck is more serious than at first reported,” +he said, “and because of some unknown +reason we cannot be routed over another line. +Therefore, it will be at least six hours before we +will leave.” +</p> +<p> +“My gracious,” said Shirley, “we can make better +time than that by taking the Interurban.” +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” said the conductor, “and in that way you +can reach Cincinnati in time to catch the 6 o’clock +L. & N., which will put you in Paris at ten. If +you wait for us you will have to remain all night +in Cincinnati.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley turned to Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Let’s get our things and hurry and catch the +trolley car,” she said. +</p> +<p> +The two girls boarded the delayed train and +hastily collected their belongings. The conductor +was courteous enough to see them to a taxicab, +which soon whirled them across the city. Here they +found that they could get an electric car in fifteen +minutes, which, barring accidents, would get them +in Cincinnati in ample time for the six o’clock train +south. +</p> +<p> +The girls climbed aboard the car, settled themselves +comfortably, and fell to talking. At last +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_33'></a>33</span> +the car started, and soon they were beyond the +city and whirling along rapidly. +</p> +<p> +For an hour they rode, the car stopping occasionally +to take on or to discharge passengers; and +then, suddenly, slackening slightly to round rather +a sharp curve, the car dashed forward again; and +there came a sharp cry from passengers in the front +seats. +</p> +<p> +At the same instant the motorman reversed his +power, and there was a terrific jolt. Prompt as the +motorman’s action had been it had not been prompt +enough. +</p> +<p> +A terrible shock followed as the car dashed into +another coming along the single track from the opposite +direction. There was a crash of splintering +wood and then cries of pain and terror from the +passengers. +</p> +<p> +The first outcry had told all on the car that a +disaster was about to occur, and the passengers had +sprung to their feet even before the crash—all but +Mabel and Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Glancing quickly out the window, Mabel had perceived +the other car bearing down on them, and +started to rise. But Shirley saw it at the same +moment, and throwing out her hand quickly, she +grasped her friend by the arm and pulled her back +into her seat. +</p> +<p> +“Sit still!” she commanded. +</p> +<p> +When the shock came, Shirley, sitting next to the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_34'></a>34</span> +window, was hurled back over her seat with terrible +force, while broken glass was showered upon +her. Then, as the car crumpled, in some unaccountable +manner both girls were hurled through +the air some distance away, where they both lay +for a moment, stunned. +</p> +<p> +Shirley was the first to come to herself, and +her thought was of her friend. Although she reeled +dizzily, she succeeded in pulling herself (unconsciously) +to her feet, and at a first glance about her +saw Mabel lying near. Shirley staggered to the +side of her chum and bent down. +</p> +<p> +She raised the girl’s head to her knee and rubbed +the cold face with her hand. +</p> +<p> +“Mabel! Mabel!” she called anxiously. +</p> +<p> +There was no reply, and again Shirley gave her +attention to trying to revive her friend. At last +her efforts were rewarded. +</p> +<p> +Mabel’s head moved slightly, and Shirley, bending +closer, saw a faint color come into her face. At +last she opened her eyes, and said feebly: +</p> +<p> +“What is it? What has happened?” +</p> +<p> +“Wreck,” was the brief reply, “and we are both +lucky not to have been killed. How do you feel? +Where are you hurt?” +</p> +<p> +“I feel a little dizzy,” said Mabel, making an attempt +to get to her feet, but falling back. “I +don’t believe I am hurt very much, though.” +</p> +<p> +A second time she tried to get to her feet and +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_35'></a>35</span> +this time she succeeded. She took one look at +Shirley’s face and then seized her friend in her +arms. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley!” she exclaimed. “Why didn’t you tell +me you were hurt?” +</p> +<p> +“Hurt?” repeated Shirley, starting back. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, your face is covered with blood.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley passed her hand over her face and it came +away red. +</p> +<p> +“I—I—didn’t know I was hurt,” she said in surprise. +</p> +<p> +Looking about, Mabel saw a pool of water nearby. +Quickly she ran to it and wet her handkerchief. +Then she ran back and proceeded to wash her +friend’s face. +</p> +<p> +“It’s not bad,” she said, after an examination. +“Looks like a piece of glass had cut you. It’s +stopped bleeding, though.” +</p> +<p> +“Good,” laughed Shirley, and would have said +more, but that her attention was attracted by a +shout from behind. +</p> +<p> +Turning, she beheld a terrible sight. +</p> +<p> +There, not twenty yards away, in a tangled heap, +lay the two cars, and even as Shirley turned a small +tongue of flame crept from the wreckage. +</p> +<p> +“Fire!” cried Shirley and, turning quickly, she +ran toward the cars. Mabel followed her. +</p> +<p> +Beside the cars men were rushing hurriedly +about, grim-faced and silent. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_36'></a>36</span> +</p> +<p> +“Half a dozen women are pinioned beneath the +wreck,” replied one man briefly to Shirley’s questioning. +</p> +<p> +Shirley shuddered, as did Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Horrible,” said the latter. +</p> +<p> +The girls drew closer; then stopped to watch +the work of rescue. +</p> +<p> +The flame had now grown from the size of a +man’s hand to something large, and it was plain +even to the girls’ inexperienced eyes that it was only +a question of minutes until those buried beneath +the wreckage would be burned alive, did not help +come at once. +</p> +<p> +A sudden cry of anguish came not twenty feet +from where the girls stood and, glancing in the +direction of the cry, Shirley beheld the head of a +little girl of perhaps ten years protruding from beneath +the débris. +</p> +<p> +“Poor thing,” she cried, and dashed forward. +</p> +<p> +Mabel followed. +</p> +<p> +In vain did the tot struggle to extricate herself +from beneath the wreckage. Crying and screaming, +she continued her futile efforts. +</p> +<p> +At sight of the two girls dashing toward her she +cried even more piteously than before. +</p> +<p> +Shirley caught hold of one arm that was extended, +and pulled. Again and again she tried, but +in vain; and the harder she pulled the harder the +child cried. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_37'></a>37</span> +</p> +<p> +Mabel stooped close and made an examination. +</p> +<p> +“There seems to be a wheel on her foot,” she +said, “and she is not strong enough to pull herself +from under it.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley let loose of the tot’s arm, and stooped +over the child. Then she rose swiftly, determination +written upon her face. +</p> +<p> +“You pull the child by the arm when I say, +‘Ready!’” she called. +</p> +<p> +“What are you going to do?” asked Mabel anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“Never mind,” was the reply. “Just do as I say, +and hurry.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel said no more but, according to Shirley’s +instructions, took the little one by the arm and stood +ready to pull when Shirley gave the word. +</p> +<p> +Stooping so that her head was under the edge of +the wreck, Shirley poked forth a dainty foot and by +burrowing a bit with her toe, at last found the child’s +foot beneath the wheel. Then, leaning forward and +straining every muscle of arms and limbs, the heavy +iron wheel was raised from the ground. +</p> +<p> +“Ready!” she called to Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Mabel pulled, and the little girl, still crying and +screaming, came from under the wreck. +</p> +<p> +But the strain upon Shirley had been terrible, and +no sooner had the child been dragged to safety, than +Shirley’s strength gave out, and the wheel settled +down upon her own foot. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_38'></a>38</span> +</p> +<p> +She did not cry out, but Mabel’s quick eyes detected +her friend’s plight. She uttered an exclamation +of dismay and hurried to her aid. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley!” was all she could say. +</p> +<p> +With her foot pinned beneath the wheel, Shirley +smiled at her. +</p> +<p> +“I’m caught,” she said simply. “How is the little +girl?” +</p> +<p> +Mabel bent over, and examined her chum’s predicament. +Then she laid hold of the wheel and attempted +to lift it. +</p> +<p> +“I can’t move it,” she said, and continued to tug +desperately at the wheel and heavy axle. +</p> +<p> +“You had better call some one to help you,” said +Shirley calmly. +</p> +<p> +Mabel gave up her attempt to lift the wheel and +hurried to the opposite side of the tangled wreckage, +where she could hear men at work trying to +pull other victims from beneath the heap. +</p> +<p> +The heat from the flames that now almost enveloped +the wreck was becoming more intense. It +was almost unbearable, and Shirley, imprisoned as +she was, stretched as far as possible from the fire. +</p> +<p> +At Mabel’s call for aid, one of the men gave +up his position with the others and followed her to +where Shirley lay. It was but the work of a moment +for him to lift the wheel sufficiently for Mabel +to help Shirley from beneath it. +</p> +<p> +Shirley arose and tried her foot. It pained her, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_39'></a>39</span> +but hasty examination showed that it was simply +bruised. Painfully, assisted by Mabel, she limped +after the man, who had raised the wheel, to the +opposite side of the wreck, where rescuers were +even at that moment pulling the last of the victims +from under the cars, away from the tongues of +flame. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_40'></a>40</span><a name='chV' id='chV'></a>CHAPTER V.—HOME AGAIN.</h2> +<p> +As she walked along, the pain in Shirley’s foot +became less and less, until finally she was not conscious +of it. The girls soon sat down upon the +grass, where they watched the men fighting the +flames, that the cars might not be entirely consumed. +</p> +<p> +Shirley suddenly jumped to her feet. +</p> +<p> +“Where is the girl we pulled from under the +car?” she asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Mabel also sprung up. +</p> +<p> +“I had forgotten all about her,” she exclaimed. +</p> +<p> +They walked to where the little one lay, still +moaning with pain. Shirley picked her up gently, +and bade Mabel bring some water. This the latter +did, and the two girls at length succeeded in soothing +the child, until she lay still in Shirley’s arms. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly there was a fluttering of skirts, a glad +cry in a woman’s voice and the tot was snatched +from Shirley’s arms. +</p> +<p> +“Agnes, Agnes!” said the voice. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_41'></a>41</span> +</p> +<p> +Shirley arose and faced the woman who had taken +the child from her. +</p> +<p> +“I am Mrs. Johnson,” the woman said, “and this +is my daughter Agnes. The men told me you saved +her from the flames. I don’t know how to thank +you.” +</p> +<p> +“Never mind the thanks,” said Shirley. “We +simply pulled her away. That is all.” +</p> +<p> +“Why, Shirley,” exclaimed Mabel, “you almost +lost your own life.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley frowned at her friend. +</p> +<p> +“It was nothing,” she said. +</p> +<p> +The little girl’s mother looked first at one and +then at the other. +</p> +<p> +“I didn’t know you endangered your own life,” +she said. “I wish I could thank you properly.” +</p> +<p> +“Just say no more about it then,” said Shirley, +somewhat embarrassed by this conversation. +</p> +<p> +The woman smiled. +</p> +<p> +“As modest as you are brave,” she said. “Well, +then, I shall say no more about it. But remember, +if you ever need a friend, just call on me.” +</p> +<p> +“Thank you. I shall remember,” said Shirley, +and the woman walked away, carrying her daughter +in her arms. +</p> +<p> +From down the track at this moment came the +buzz of an approaching car. It was the wrecking +train bringing a crew to clear the track, also physicians +and nurses. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_42'></a>42</span> +</p> +<p> +Fortunately, the services of none of the latter +were needed, for it was found, that besides the little +girl Shirley had rescued, none of the passengers had +been severely injured. +</p> +<p> +Half an hour later a car approached from the +other direction, and came to a stop a few yards from +the scene of the wreck. Passengers disembarked +and, upon the instructions of an official, the car +made ready to return toward Cincinnati. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel climbed aboard with the other +passengers and soon were on their way once more. +They did not wait to find their hand baggage, nor +did any of the other passengers. It was hopelessly +lost in the wreckage. Their trunks, they knew, +would reach Cincinnati, and eventually home, without +trouble. +</p> +<p> +The wreck had delayed the car for nearly two +hours; so when they finally reached Cincinnati, it +was too late to catch their train to Paris. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel had been in the Ohio city too +many times to feel frightened, however. So, after +sending a telegram to Mr. Willing explaining their +reasons for not being home on time, the two girls +made their way from the station to the Sinton +Hotel, where they spent the night. +</p> +<p> +They were up bright and early the next morning, +and caught their train soon after eight o’clock. +Shortly before eleven they reached Paris. +</p> +<p> +Shirley, the first to descend the steps, was caught +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_43'></a>43</span> +in the arms of a dignified, white-haired old gentleman, +who squeezed her until she cried out: +</p> +<p> +“Stop, Dad, or you will squeeze the life out of +me.” +</p> +<p> +The old gentleman laughed and, putting a hand +on both of her shoulders, held her off at arms’ +length and looked at her intently. +</p> +<p> +“Well, well,” he said, “so I have you back again. +How glad I am to see you, daughter. It seems as +though you had been gone ten years.” +</p> +<p> +Again he regarded her earnestly. +</p> +<p> +“Come, Dad,” said Shirley, “you are blocking +the way. The people want to get off.” +</p> +<p> +“I’d like to know,” said Mr. Willing, looking +about fiercely, “who is going to tell me to move.” +</p> +<p> +“I’ll tell you, Dad,” replied Shirley, smiling. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, well,” said her father, “that is a different +matter. You and your mother are alike, both +tyrants.” +</p> +<p> +He stepped aside, and thus allowed the first of +the passengers who had been held back by this +conversation to descend; and as the next one was +Mabel, he caught her in his arms and held her +also for a moment. +</p> +<p> +“Where is father?” asked Mabel gently, freeing +herself from the elderly man’s caresses. +</p> +<p> +“He’s waiting at home for you,” replied Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Why didn’t he come to meet me?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_44'></a>44</span> +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Mr. Willing, “I reckon he wasn’t +feeling quite as well as he might, so he asked me +to do the honors.” +</p> +<p> +“Is he sick?” asked Mabel anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“I reckon you might call it sick.” +</p> +<p> +“How sick?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, now, he’s not so sick; but if he pays much +attention to some of these doctors he soon will be.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel was growing more and more anxious. +</p> +<p> +“Do let us hurry and get home,” she said. +</p> +<p> +“Now, now, dear, don’t excite yourself,” said +Mr. Willing. “I reckon he will soon be all right +again.” +</p> +<p> +On the opposite side of the station a large touring +car waited. Mr. Willing pushed the two girls +into the back seat and then took his place by the +negro chauffeur. +</p> +<p> +“Home, Frank,” he said. +</p> +<p> +“Yessah,” replied the old darky, and started the +car on its way. +</p> +<p> +Mabel leaned forward and spoke to Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“You will take me home first, won’t you?” she +asked. +</p> +<p> +“Your father,” was the reply, “has been staying +with me for the last week. He is there now. +You see, he was kind o’ lonely without his girl, so +I just had him come to me.” +</p> +<p> +The automobile quickly covered the three miles +to the Willing farm, and stopped before a broad +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_45'></a>45</span> +wooden gate. This opened upon a broad blue-grass +field on which a fine herd of cattle were grazing. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll open the first,” called Shirley, and jumped +out of the car. +</p> +<p> +She threw it wide, and the car passed through. +Mabel opened the second one into the paddock, and +Shirley the third. +</p> +<p> +“There,” she said, when she was back in the car +rolling through the long yard. “I’m always glad +when that is done, although I don’t believe I mind +opening gates now.” +</p> +<p> +“Nor I,” said Mabel. “I remember that is one +reason I hated to come here sometimes, there were +so many gates to open.” +</p> +<p> +“The older you get,” said Mr. Willing, who had +overheard this conversation, “the less you will mind +a little work.” +</p> +<p> +The car now drew up before a big red brick house, +surrounded by many shade trees. The two girls +jumped out lightly, and Mr. Willing followed +slowly. +</p> +<p> +Mabel needed no directions as to where to find +her father and, running into the house, she ran up +the stairs and into the front bedroom. +</p> +<p> +She opened the door with a quick jerk, and +then paused. The quiet figure in the bed caught +her eye. It was her father, and he was sleeping. +</p> +<p> +Mabel tip-toed toward the bed, and bent over. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_46'></a>46</span> +Her father’s face was pale, but he seemed to be +resting easily. +</p> +<p> +“Poor father,” said Mabel. “I won’t disturb +him now.” +</p> +<p> +She turned and made her way toward the door. +As she laid her hand upon the knob and was about +to turn it, a voice called: +</p> +<p> +“Mabel!” +</p> +<p> +The girl turned. Her father was sitting up. +</p> +<p> +“Mabel!” he called again. Gladly the girl ran +to him and was at once clasped in his arms. +</p> +<p> +“I didn’t want to wake you,” she said. +</p> +<p> +“You know very well,” was the reply, “that, after +such a long absence, your very presence was bound +to awaken me. I was asleep, but I must have felt +that you had returned.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel sat down on the edge of the bed. +</p> +<p> +“Now tell me all about yourself,” she said. +“How long have you been sick?” +</p> +<p> +“About a month,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +“Why didn’t you write and tell me about it?” +</p> +<p> +“I didn’t want to spoil your vacation.” +</p> +<p> +“The idea! I would have come home at once to +care for you.” +</p> +<p> +“That is the reason I didn’t write.” +</p> +<p> +“What does the doctor say is the matter?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, he has not diagnosed the case satisfactorily, +but he says I have some sort of lung trouble.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel sprang to her feet. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_47'></a>47</span> +</p> +<p> +“You don’t mean——” she exclaimed. +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” interrupted her father. “I am afraid that +is what it is. He says that I must go away from +here at once.” +</p> +<p> +For a moment Mabel was too stunned to speak. +She sat down upon the edge of the bed again. +</p> +<p> +“Run away now,” said her father. “I’ll try and +sleep some more.” +</p> +<p> +She kissed her father gently, and made her way +from the room. +</p> +<p> +On the porch she met Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Why didn’t you tell me Father was so very +sick?” she demanded. +</p> +<p> +“Pshaw!” he replied. “I don’t think it amounts +to anything.” +</p> +<p> +“You know what the doctor believes is the matter +with him?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes.” +</p> +<p> +“Consumption?” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing bowed his head in assent. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_48'></a>48</span><a name='chVI' id='chVI'></a>CHAPTER VI.—A PLOT DISCOVERED.</h2> +<p> +At this moment Mabel heard Shirley calling. +Accompanied by Mr. Willing, she made her way +around the house, where her friend stood awaiting +her. +</p> +<p> +“Let’s go and look at the horses, Mabel,” said +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +In spite of a certain sadness caused by her father’s +condition, Mabel agreed, and the two girls made +their way to the large stable a quarter of a mile +from the farmhouse. +</p> +<p> +Shirley flung open the door and dashed inside. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll call on Gabriel first,” she called back over +her shoulder. +</p> +<p> +Mabel followed her. +</p> +<p> +Straight to the stall of the young animal of splendid +pedigree Shirley led the way. It had been +months since she had last seen this horse, but the +noble creature recognized her footsteps and whinnied +in delight at her approach. +</p> +<p> +Unmindful of the possibility that the horse might +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_49'></a>49</span> +step upon her, Shirley ran into the stall and, reaching +up, threw both arms around his glossy black +neck. Gabriel trembled with happiness, and then +thrust his nose into her hand. +</p> +<p> +“See,” laughed Shirley, “he wants his lump of +sugar. Did you think I had forgotten you?” she +asked. +</p> +<p> +Again Gabriel whinnied. +</p> +<p> +Gabriel took the lump of sugar from the girl’s +hand and munched it contentedly. Then he +pleaded for more. +</p> +<p> +“No, sir,” said Shirley, stepping back. “One +lump is all you get; you should know better than +to ask for more. If Dad knew I had given you +even one, he wouldn’t like it.” +</p> +<p> +She stepped farther back and surveyed the animal +with a critical eye. +</p> +<p> +“And so,” she said, speaking to Gabriel, “you +are going to win the Derby for Dad and me this +year.” +</p> +<p> +She patted him affectionately upon the head and +stroked his mane. Gabriel rubbed his head up and +down against her arm. +</p> +<p> +“Come, Shirley,” said Mabel at this juncture, +“don’t stand there talking to Gabriel all day. We +must pay our respects to some of the other horses.” +</p> +<p> +“All right,” her friend agreed and, giving Gabriel +a parting pat, she followed her friend from +the stall. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_50'></a>50</span> +</p> +<p> +All along the length of the stable the heads of +other horses appeared above their stall doors as +the two girls passed along, and everywhere they +were greeted with whinnies of welcome and delight; +for there was not a horse there who did not +love the two girls. +</p> +<p> +But of all the horses in her father’s “string,” +Shirley loved Gabriel most, for he was her own +personal property. Descended from a long line of +distinguished and powerful racehorses, Gabriel had +been presented to Shirley by Mr. Willing when the +horse was nothing but a colt. His pedigree was of +the best, and now, in the approaching Derby to be +run in Louisville the following month, Shirley and +Mr. Willing both looked to him to maintain the +supremacy of the Willing stable. +</p> +<p> +Besides Jimmy Smith, Mr. Willing’s diminutive +sixteen-year-old jockey, none but Shirley had ever +sat upon Gabriel’s back. Many had tried, but the +result had always been the same. A quick leap to +the saddle, a few stiff bucks and jumps by Gabriel, +and the would-be rider was rolling on the ground. +</p> +<p> +But now when Shirley decided upon a little run, +Gabriel always received her with joy and was as +gentle as a kitten while she rode him. They often +had long gallops together, and were the best of +friends. +</p> +<p> +Gabriel was now three years old, and had been +entered for the Derby. There was no doubt in +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_51'></a>51</span> +Shirley’s mind that he would be the first under +the wire at the end of the mile-and-a-quarter run +in Louisville, when the great day, August 31st, arrived. +</p> +<p> +The two girls spent perhaps an hour in the stable, +and as they were about to leave, Shirley decided to +see Gabriel once more, and so approached his stall. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly she halted in her tracks and laid a +warning finger to her lips. Mabel also stopped. +</p> +<p> +“What is it?” she whispered. +</p> +<p> +“I thought I heard strange voices in there,” said +Shirley, pointing to Gabriel’s stall. +</p> +<p> +“Impossible,” returned Mabel in a low voice. +“Gabriel wouldn’t allow a stranger in there. He +would kick him to pieces.” +</p> +<p> +Silently she approached closer, and stood still, +listening intently. +</p> +<p> +Then only the two girls heard a voice they recognized. +</p> +<p> +“Jimmy,” said Mabel. “You were mistaken, Shirley.” +</p> +<p> +She started to go closer, but Shirley stopped her +with a whispered word of caution. +</p> +<p> +“There is some one else there, too! Listen.” +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” came the voice of Jimmy Smith, “he is +in fine shape, as you see. He will be in perfect condition +for the Derby. He is sure to win.” +</p> +<p> +“Yes, he’ll win, all right,” was the answer, in a +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_52'></a>52</span> +voice that neither Shirley nor Mabel recognized. +“He’ll win unless something happens.” +</p> +<p> +“But what can happen to him?” inquired Jimmy. +“He is being nursed carefully. I am attending to +him myself. No other hand but mine touches him, +unless it is that of Miss Shirley; and I have promised +to have him perfectly fit for the big race.” +</p> +<p> +“That,” said the stranger in a hoarse whisper, “is +what I have come to see you about.” +</p> +<p> +“What do you mean?” asked Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said the stranger, “I represent a syndicate +of bookmakers. You know what bookmakers +are, don’t you?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes: a bookmaker is a man who lives by betting +on the races.” +</p> +<p> +“Almost that. He is a man who lives by allowing +others to bet with him. Now, after looking over +all the horses entered for the Derby, we have come +to the conclusion that Gabriel is bound to win if +the race is absolutely straight.” +</p> +<p> +“Straight,” repeated Jimmy. “What do you +mean?” +</p> +<p> +“Just what I say. If Gabriel is allowed to win, we +stand to lose considerable money. But if he should +lose——” the stranger paused. +</p> +<p> +“But he won’t lose,” said Jimmy confidently. +</p> +<p> +“He will if you will help us,” said the stranger. +</p> +<p> +“Why should I help you?” asked Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +“Because,” said the stranger, “there will be money +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_53'></a>53</span> +in it for you. What would you say to five hundred +dollars?” +</p> +<p> +Both girls heard Jimmy give a slight gasp. +</p> +<p> +“Five hundred dollars,” he repeated slowly. +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” was the reply, “then your sister, who is +so ill, may receive the proper medical attention.” +</p> +<p> +“How do you know of my sick sister?” asked +Jimmy in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, we know many things,” was the reply. “For +instance, we know that your employer is paying you +very little, because he hasn’t anything to pay you +with. He has lost practically everything playing the +races.” +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” said Jimmy, “that is true. He told me +that everything depended upon Gabriel’s winning +the Derby.” +</p> +<p> +“But if Gabriel did win,” protested the stranger, +“what would you get? Not much; and here I am +offering you five hundred dollars!” +</p> +<p> +“But you are asking me to be a traitor to my +trust,” said Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +“Not at all. I am simply showing you how to +make the money you so badly need. Come, what +do you say?” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know,” said Jimmy slowly. “I don’t +know.” +</p> +<p> +“Here,” said the strange voice after a pause, “is +my card. I shall give you a week to consider. +Write me at this address, and I will tell you where +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_54'></a>54</span> +you can meet me, and we will have another talk. +You will surely do that, won’t you?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” said Jimmy. “I will do that.” +</p> +<p> +“Good. Now I am going up to see your boss.” +</p> +<p> +There was a sound of persons moving and, taking +Mabel by the arm, Shirley quickly drew her +into the nearest stall, where they stooped down to +be out of sight. +</p> +<p> +Footsteps passed along the outside, and a moment +later the girls heard the voices of Jimmy and +the stranger outside the stable. +</p> +<p> +“Quick,” whispered Shirley, “we must get out +of here without being seen.” +</p> +<p> +Making sure that there was no one near, they +emerged from the stall and, running the length of +the stable, came out at the other end. +</p> +<p> +Hurrying to the shelter of a magnificent oak tree +a hundred yards away, they sat down. For some +minutes Shirley was silent, and Mabel did not interrupt +her meditations. But at last Shirley spoke. +</p> +<p> +“And to think that Jimmy Smith would even consider +a thing like that,” she said slowly. +</p> +<p> +“It does seem impossible, doesn’t it?” replied +Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“After all Dad has done for him,” continued Shirley. +“Why, I remember the day Dad found him +lying beside the pike. He was ragged and dirty, +and had fallen from exhaustion. He had not eaten +for two days, he said. And it was true. Dad +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_55'></a>55</span> +brought him home with us, and when he became +stronger, offered him work, although Dad did not +need him. That was two years ago, and he has +been with us ever since. We have had entire confidence +in him. +</p> +<p> +“I remember how pleased Dad was when he found +Jimmy loved horses, and that horses loved him. +He has carried our colors to victory more than +once. And now to think that he would even consider +selling Dad out. What shall we do?” +</p> +<p> +“I would tell your father immediately,” said +Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“It would seem best, wouldn’t it?” said Shirley. +“But he is so fond of Jimmy that I hate to do it.” +</p> +<p> +She was silent for some moments. +</p> +<p> +“My gracious!” she exclaimed at length. “I +have it.” +</p> +<p> +“Have what?” +</p> +<p> +“A plan.” +</p> +<p> +“What is it?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I haven’t had time to work it out yet, but +when I do, I shall tell you. Now I want you to +promise you will say nothing of what we have +overheard to any one.” +</p> +<p> +“I promise, of course,” said Mabel, “but I wonder +if I should.” +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_56'></a>56</span><a name='chVII' id='chVII'></a>CHAPTER VII.—MR. WILLING PROMISES.</h2> +<p> +The girls were still sitting there half an hour +later, when Jimmy Smith ran into them. +</p> +<p> +“Miss Shirley!” he cried eagerly, and approached +with outstretched hand. “Mr. Willing told me you +were back, and I have been hunting all over the +place for you.” +</p> +<p> +He turned to Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“And how are you, Miss Mabel?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +Both girls returned his greeting cordially, not +showing in any way that they knew of his talk +with the stranger. +</p> +<p> +“We are so glad to be back, Jimmy,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Have you seen Gabriel yet?” asked Jimmy. “He +has been wanting to see you.” +</p> +<p> +“How do you know that?” asked Mabel with a +slight smile. +</p> +<p> +“Why, he told me so.” +</p> +<p> +“Told you?” laughed Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“To be sure,” said Jimmy quietly. “Gabriel and +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_57'></a>57</span> +I have a language of our own, and when I told him +Miss Shirley was coming back he just told me how +anxious he had been to see you ever since you went +away.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I’m glad he missed me,” said Shirley. +“Come, Mabel, I want to have a long talk with +Dad.” +</p> +<p> +They left Jimmy and sought Mr. Willing. They +found him a few minutes later, seated on the big +front porch, deep in conversation with a stranger. +Both girls felt sure that he was the man who tried +to bribe Jimmy only a short time before. +</p> +<p> +They would have gone into the house but Mr. +Willing called them. +</p> +<p> +“I want you to know my daughter, Mr. Jones,” +he said to his visitor; “and also Miss Mabel Ashton, +the daughter of my old friend, Colonel Ashton, +whom you know.” +</p> +<p> +The man called Mr. Jones arose, and extended his +hand, but the girls, pretending not to see it, acknowledged +the introductions with the briefest of +nods. +</p> +<p> +Jones noticed the unmistakable hostility in their +manner, and withdrew his hand quickly. Mr. Willing +also noticed it, and scowled slightly. The girls +said nothing, and a moment later Mr. Willing said: +“You girls run along now.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel accepted their dismissal with +gladness, and went into the house. Mr. Willing, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_58'></a>58</span> +having disposed of his visitor half an hour later, +followed them. He turned to Shirley sharply. +</p> +<p> +“In the future,” he said, “you will treat your +father’s friends with more respect than you did Mr. +Jones.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t like him,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing stepped back in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“You don’t like him?” he said in some amazement. +“And because you don’t like one of my +friends, is that any reason you should not treat him +with respect?” +</p> +<p> +“I wasn’t disrespectful,” said Shirley, with something +like a pout. +</p> +<p> +“You weren’t, eh? I’d like to know what you call +it.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I don’t like him,” said Shirley again, +</p> +<p> +“Why don’t you like him?” demanded Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +Shirley, mindful of the task she had set for herself, +found it difficult to answer this question without +arousing suspicion in her father’s mind, and for +Jimmy’s sake she did not wish to do this. So she +answered: “I just don’t.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing threw up his hands in a gesture of +dismay. +</p> +<p> +“Girls and women are too much for me,” he exclaimed. +</p> +<p> +He would have walked away, but Shirley stayed +him. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_59'></a>59</span> +</p> +<p> +“I want to have a private talk with you, Dad,” +she said. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing looked at his daughter in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Well, well,” he said finally, “you are getting to +be quite a young lady, aren’t you? Want to have a +private talk with me, eh? All right. Come into +my sitting room.” +</p> +<p> +He led the way, and Shirley followed, after motioning +to Mabel to await her return. +</p> +<p> +Seated in his big arm chair, with Shirley on the +floor at his feet, Mr. Willing drew a cigar from his +pocket, lighted it, fell back in the chair and puffed +luxuriously. +</p> +<p> +“Now fire away,” he said. +</p> +<p> +“Dad,” said Shirley, coming to the point at +once, “is it true that you have lost all your money?” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing came out of his chair with a bound. +</p> +<p> +“Who has been putting such notions into my little +girl’s head?” he asked, but his voice was slightly +strained. +</p> +<p> +Shirley was not deceived. +</p> +<p> +“Is it true that you have lost large sums on horse +races?” she demanded. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing looked at his only daughter long and +earnestly. +</p> +<p> +“Would it please you very much if I gave up +gambling?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, indeed it would, Dad,” said Shirley, rising +to her feet. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_60'></a>60</span> +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing considered. +</p> +<p> +“Then here is what I will do,” he said at length. +“I promise that after this one time, I will never bet +a cent again.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley shook her head. +</p> +<p> +“No,” she said. +</p> +<p> +“You mean,” demanded her father, “that you +even want me to let this sure thing go by?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes.” +</p> +<p> +“But after the comforts you have been used to, +think how hard that will make it.” +</p> +<p> +“I can do with less,” said Shirley quietly. +</p> +<p> +“Do you realize,” said Mr. Willing, “that if I do +as you say, and Gabriel wins, and he must, all we +shall have is the prize, when we might have four +times that much?” +</p> +<p> +“Is the farm clear?” demanded Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, but I was figuring on raising some money +on it to recoup my earlier losses.” +</p> +<p> +“Then,” said Shirley, “if the farm is clear, and +Gabriel wins, we shall have enough. What more do +we need?” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing hesitated, and Shirley continued. +</p> +<p> +“Come, Dad, promise me before it is too late. +Mother would wish it, were she alive. You know +that. We’ll get along some way. Come, Dad, will +you promise?” +</p> +<p> +She stood tip and threw her arms around her +father’s neck. Mr. Willing held her in a close +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_61'></a>61</span> +embrace for several moments, and as he looked over +her head he saw, in memory, another face that also +seemed to plead with him. +</p> +<p> +He stepped back and held Shirley off at arms’ +length, and for a long time gazed at her in silence. +</p> +<p> +“You are so like your mother,” he said quietly, +“I can refuse you nothing.” +</p> +<p> +“Then you will promise?” asked Shirley eagerly. +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” said Mr. Willing slowly, “I promise.” +</p> +<p> +“There never was a better Daddy,” exclaimed +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Laughing happily, she threw both arms around +him and squeezed him tightly. +</p> +<p> +“Stop, stop,” laughed Mr. Willing, “or you will +make me sorry I promised.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley released him, and he patted her on the +back affectionately. +</p> +<p> +“Run away now,” he said, “and leave your old +Daddy here to think.” +</p> +<p> +With a parting kiss, Shirley left him, and rejoined +Mabel on the porch. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_62'></a>62</span><a name='chVIII' id='chVIII'></a>CHAPTER VIII.—A ROAD ADVENTURE.</h2> +<p> +The morning following the girls’ arrival, Mr. +Willing and Mr. Ashton, who was feeling much +better, were seated with the girls around the breakfast +table. +</p> +<p> +“Mabel and I are going to town this morning,” +said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“All right,” said Mr. Willing. “I’ll tell Frank +to hitch up. What time will you be ready?” +</p> +<p> +“Ten o’clock will be early enough, I reckon,” said +Shirley. “We probably won’t be home until late +this afternoon.” +</p> +<p> +It was the first time the girls had been in the +little town of Paris, except for a few minutes on +their way back from Illinois, since school had closed +for the summer vacation. Therefore, they called +on some of their girl friends, and spent a very +pleasant day. +</p> +<p> +They did some shopping and it was after five +o’clock when they started for home. +</p> +<p> +“It looks as though there was going to be a +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_63'></a>63</span> +storm,” said the livery-stable keeper, where they +had left their horse. +</p> +<p> +Mabel glanced at the sky. Huge clouds were +gathering in the west. +</p> +<p> +“They look like wind clouds,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“You had better wait,” said the stableman. “You +will be caught in the storm.” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, I think we’ll make it,” said Shirley. “Besides, +Dad expects us in time for supper.” +</p> +<p> +“Telephone him,” said the man. +</p> +<p> +“No,” said Shirley, “we’ll run the risk.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, all right,” was the reply, “but you had +better hurry.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley shook out the reins, and touched the horse +lightly with her whip. The animal started off at +a rapid trot. +</p> +<p> +It was a good three miles home, and Mabel, glancing +once more at the sky, urged Shirley to hurry. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll get a good soaking,” she said. +</p> +<p> +“It won’t hurt us any,” said Shirley. “I’m sure +I won’t melt, and I don’t think you will.” +</p> +<p> +They continued up Main Street, and finally +reached the outskirts of the town. +</p> +<p> +“Guess we can go a little faster now,” said Shirley, +and touched the horse with her whip. +</p> +<p> +At that moment there came a brilliant flash of +lightning, followed by a terrific peal of thunder. +The horse shied and broke into a gallop. +</p> +<p> +Shirley tightened her hold on the reins, and, with +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_64'></a>64</span> +an effort, succeeded in pulling him down to a trot +again. +</p> +<p> +“Well, here’s where we turn off, anyhow,” said +Shirley. “If the rain will hold off for twenty minutes +we will be all right.” +</p> +<p> +“And then, just as they turned onto the Bethlehem +pike, darkness enveloped them, shutting out the +sight of the road ahead. It descended so suddenly +and unexpectedly that Mabel cried out in alarm. +</p> +<p> +“Don’t be frightened,” said Shirley in a low +voice. “I know the road and can drive just as well +in the dark.” +</p> +<p> +Nevertheless she was forced to check the horse +slightly, and this required great effort, for the animal, +badly frightened, was trying to bolt. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly Shirley’s hat went flying from her head, +as the wind was blowing a gale. Mabel, her hands +free, caught hers as it left her head. +</p> +<p> +“Mine’s gone,” cried Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Shall we stop and get it?” asked Mabel, raising +her voice to make herself heard above the roaring +wind. +</p> +<p> +“I should say not,” was the reply. “We’ll get +home just as quick as we can.” +</p> +<p> +Their horse, at this moment, was puffing up a +steep hill. The wind was blowing fiercely. The +girls felt a few drops of rain upon their faces. +</p> +<p> +And then, above the roaring of the wind, came +another sound—the sound of a horse coming rapidly +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_65'></a>65</span> +toward them. Mabel heard it first, and called to +Shirley. Shirley pulled as far to the right as she +felt was safe, being absolutely unable to see in the +darkness. +</p> +<p> +A sudden flash of lightning lit the scene before +them, and Mabel uttered an involuntary cry of fear. +</p> +<p> +Not fifty yards away, and bearing down on them, +came a galloping horse. The one flash had permitted +the girls to see that he was running wild. +There was no one in the buggy. +</p> +<p> +Shirley pulled desperately upon the right rein, +turning her horse sharply from the road. Her action +undoubtedly saved them from serious injury, +but it was not quick enough to entirely avert disaster. +</p> +<p> +There was a sudden crash, and both girls felt +the left side of the buggy sink and then crash to +the ground. The wheel of the other and heavier +vehicle had smashed the two left-hand wheels and +carried them away. The other buggy had been damaged +in the same manner, but the frightened horse +did not pause in his wild race, and dashed on +down the road, dragging the broken buggy after +him. In spite of the accident, Shirley maintained +a firm grip on the reins, and when the left side of +the buggy went down to the ground she managed +to bring her horse to a stop almost at once. +</p> +<p> +But Mabel was not so fortunate. When the +buggy had collapsed she was thrown out, and badly +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_66'></a>66</span> +shaken when she came in contact with the hard +ground. +</p> +<p> +She pulled herself to her feet dizzily and stood +still. Some distance down the road she could hear +the bumping of Shirley’s buggy, and she heard it +finally come to a stop. She could not see a foot +in front of her, but started slowly in the direction +she knew Shirley must be. +</p> +<p> +As soon as the horse stopped, Shirley called to +Mabel not to be frightened. Receiving no response, +she felt along the seat beside her. Mabel was not +there. +</p> +<p> +Jumping quickly from the damaged buggy, unmindful +of the horse, Shirley turned and hurried in +the direction from which she had come. Twice she +called and received no response. The third time +she thought she heard Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Here I am,” screamed Mabel, trying to make +herself heard above the howling wind. +</p> +<p> +A moment later they found each other. +</p> +<p> +“Are you much hurt?” Shirley asked her friend +anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“No,” said Mabel. “I am pretty well shaken +up, but I am all right. And you?” +</p> +<p> +“Perfectly safe,” replied Shirley. “The question +now is what to do.” +</p> +<p> +Still the rain held off, only a few drops falling +occasionally but the wind blew violently. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_67'></a>67</span> +</p> +<p> +“We had better climb up on Cato and ride home +that way,” said Mabel. (Cato was their horse.) +</p> +<p> +“A good idea,” spoke Shirley. “Come!” +</p> +<p> +She led the way to where she thought Cato would +be standing, but she could not find him. +</p> +<p> +“Strange,” she told herself. “I am sure it was +here that I stopped him.” +</p> +<p> +Just then there came another flash of lightning, +and far down the road, they saw Cato and the broken +buggy making rapidly for home. +</p> +<p> +In spite of the serious situation, Shirley laughed. +</p> +<p> +“What do you think of that?” she exclaimed. +“Cato has run away and left us. I’ll speak to him +about it when we get home.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, we must not stand here,” said Mabel impatiently. +“We can walk home in half an hour. +Let’s start.” +</p> +<p> +“I suppose that is the best way,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +They started down the road, walking rapidly. +</p> +<p> +And now it began to rain. Lightning flashed +and terrific peals of thunder reverberated through +the air. By no means of timid dispositions, both +girls, nevertheless, became nervous. +</p> +<p> +“Hadn’t we better stop under one of these trees?” +asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“No,” Shirley decided instantly. “I have heard +it is dangerous in an electric storm. Lightning may +strike the tree. We are safer in the middle of the +pike, even if we do get soaking wet.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_68'></a>68</span> +</p> +<p> +The rain fell in torrents, and both girls by this +time were drenched to the skin. +</p> +<p> +They hurried down a steep declivity in the road. +There was one more hill to climb, and then the long +walk from the pike to the house. +</p> +<p> +They reached the top of the hill ten minutes later +and turned in at the first gate. +</p> +<p> +“I thought Cato would be here,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +But there was no sign of horse or buggy. +</p> +<p> +The two girls hurried down the road, now muddy +from the downpour. It was hard walking, and they +made slow progress. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll bet the creek has overflowed,” said Shirley. +“If so, we will wade part of the way.” +</p> +<p> +“I am very much afraid you are right,” said +Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Now they came to the second gate, and passed +through it. They descended the little hill toward +the creek slowly, for there was no telling how high +the water might be. +</p> +<p> +It was good they had been so cautious. They +had hardly walked ten paces when Shirley drew +back suddenly. She had come upon water. +</p> +<p> +“My gracious,” she exclaimed. “I had no idea +the water could rise so high in such a short time.” +</p> +<p> +“I doubt if we can get across,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Shirley took Mabel by the hand. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll try,” she said briefly. +</p> +<p> +Very slowly they continued their way. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_69'></a>69</span> +</p> +<p> +The water rose to their shoe tops, then to their +knees, and still they went on. +</p> +<p> +“It can’t be much deeper,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know,” said Shirley. “I have never seen +it this high, but I have heard Dad say that forty +years ago it rose until it was impossible to cross +for two days.” +</p> +<p> +The water had now reached their waists, and was +still rising. Fortunately there was no current to +speak of, so there was little danger so long as they +kept their heads above water. +</p> +<p> +But when the water reached their armpits and +continued to rise, Shirley turned back. +</p> +<p> +“It’s no use,” she said. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_70'></a>70</span><a name='chIX' id='chIX'></a>CHAPTER IX.—SHIRLEY GETS BUSY.</h2> +<p> +“No,” Mabel agreed, “it’s no use. But what are +we going to do now?” +</p> +<p> +“We’ll have to wait, that’s all,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +Shivering and cold, Mabel turned her face to the +sky and the rain fell upon it. +</p> +<p> +“Wait here in this rain?” she demanded. +</p> +<p> +“What else is there to do?” asked Shirley. “I +am just as anxious to get in as you are, and if you +will suggest a plan we will act upon it.” +</p> +<p> +“I haven’t any plan,” replied Mabel mournfully. +</p> +<p> +In spite of her discomfort, Shirley was forced to +smile to herself. Her friend’s tone amused her. +</p> +<p> +“I’m going to sit down,” said Shirley, and suited +the action to the word. +</p> +<p> +Mabel also sat down in the mud. +</p> +<p> +“We can’t get any wetter nor any dirtier,” said +Shirley, “so we may as well make ourselves as comfortable +as possible.” +</p> +<p> +“How long do you suppose we shall have to stay +here?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_71'></a>71</span> +</p> +<p> +“I haven’t any idea. Perhaps all night.” +</p> +<p> +“All night?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes. Of course, it is possible that Dad will have +telephoned to town inquiring about us. If he called +up the stable and learns that we have started, he +may come looking for us. That’s the only thing that +will save us an all-night stay in the rain.” +</p> +<p> +“But how would he get across the creek?” +</p> +<p> +“If Dad starts looking for me,” said Shirley, “it +will take more than this to stop him.” +</p> +<p> +The two girls became silent, and huddled as close +together as they could, for in their wet garments +they were chilled to the bone, and the air was very +cool, in spite of the season. +</p> +<p> +How long they sat there they did not know, but +they jumped at the sound of a horse’s hoofs on the +opposite side of the stream. +</p> +<p> +“Who’s there?” cried Shirley, rising to her feet +and pulling her chum up after her. +</p> +<p> +“Is that you, Shirley?” came a shout. +</p> +<p> +“Dad!” cried Shirley. “Yes, Mabel and I are +here.” +</p> +<p> +“I’ll be across in a jiffy,” called the father. +</p> +<p> +“Be careful, Dad,” called Shirley, “the water is +very deep. We tried to get across and couldn’t.” +</p> +<p> +There was no reply from the opposite side, but +a moment later the splashing of water gave evidence +that a horse was floundering into it. A few +minutes later, dripping wet, Mr. Willing pulled up +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_72'></a>72</span> +in front of the two girls, who had advanced to the +edge of the water to meet him. +</p> +<p> +He dismounted quickly, and caught Shirley in his +arms. +</p> +<p> +“Where is Cato?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +In a few words Shirley explained. +</p> +<p> +“You are both soaked,” exclaimed Mr. Willing. +“You must get home to bed at once.” +</p> +<p> +He turned to Shirley and would have lifted her +to the saddle, but she protested. +</p> +<p> +“Take Mabel first,” she said. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing knew his daughter, and therefore he +did not question her decision. Without a word he +turned to Mabel and lifted her gently to the saddle. +Then he swung himself up in front of her. +</p> +<p> +The horse plunged again into the creek, and in +a few moments Mabel was safe on the other side. +</p> +<p> +“Now you run to the house as quick as you can +get there,” said Mr. Willing as he handed her +down. +</p> +<p> +Mabel wasted no time, and set out for the house +on a run, while Mr. Willing turned his horse’s face +toward the stream, and went after his daughter. +</p> +<p> +The second trip was made without incident, and +Shirley found herself being borne toward the house +in her father’s arms. Wet and bedraggled, she +snuggled close to him, and though the trip to the +house took but a few minutes, she was half asleep +when he called to her to jump down. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_73'></a>73</span> +</p> +<p> +“Go to bed at once,” he commanded. “If you +are not careful you will be sick. You are not strong +enough for such experiences.” +</p> +<p> +But Shirley must stop and kiss him first, and then +she left him with a word of caution. +</p> +<p> +“I am just as strong as you are, Dad. You, too, +are soaking. Mind, you change your clothes at +once.” +</p> +<p> +“Good night,” said her father, and Shirley ran +into the house. There, at the foot of the steps stood +Mabel, waiting for her. +</p> +<p> +The two girls ran quickly to their room. Later, +when Mr. Willing looked in to see them, they were +sleeping soundly. +</p> +<p> +“Poor children,” he said softly. “They have had +a hard night. I shall let them sleep late to-morrow.” +</p> +<p> +But Shirley and Mabel, in spite of the hardships +of the night before, were up bright and early, and +down in the kitchen talking to “Aunt” Charlotte, +the old colored cook, while she prepared breakfast. +</p> +<p> +Shortly after breakfast, Shirley, with an air of +great importance, drew Mabel back to their room. +</p> +<p> +“Now,” she said, “I shall explain the plan I have +formed to save Jimmy Smith.” +</p> +<p> +“What is it?” asked Mabel eagerly. +</p> +<p> +Shirley seated herself comfortably before she +spoke and told Mabel to do the same. Her reply +was a question. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_74'></a>74</span> +</p> +<p> +“Have you ever noticed,” she asked, “how closely +Jimmy Smith and I resemble each other?” +</p> +<p> +“Of course,” said Mabel. “Father and I have +often spoken of it. Others also have noticed the +resemblance. Why?” +</p> +<p> +“Because,” said Shirley, slowly and distinctly, “in +that resemblance lies the success of my plan.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel looked at her friend in astonishment. +</p> +<p> +“What do you mean?” she demanded. +</p> +<p> +Shirley smiled a little at her chum’s very evident +surprise. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll tell you,” she replied, and settled herself +to explain. “You remember, of course, that Mr. +Jones,”—she spoke the “Mr.” with a touch of sarcasm—“told +Jimmy Smith to communicate with +him if he considered his proposition favorably?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, the first thing I want to do is to get the +address he gave Jimmy. Then I—not Jimmy—shall +communicate with him. I’ll tell him I have +decided to accept his offer, and that I should like +to have another talk with him; and I’ll sign the +letter ‘Jimmy Smith.’” +</p> +<p> +“But what good will that do?” +</p> +<p> +“It will do a whole lot of good.” +</p> +<p> +“But I can’t see——” +</p> +<p> +“It will do a whole lot of good,” explained Shirley +quietly, “because when Mr. Jones has an interview with +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_75'></a>75</span> +Jimmy Smith, he will have an interview +with me, disguised as Jimmy Smith.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel jumped to her feet in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“You mean that you—” she began. +</p> +<p> +“Exactly,” interrupted Shirley. “Jimmy Smith +will know nothing about the matter.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley sat back in her chair and beamed at her +friend. +</p> +<p> +“Now what do you think of my plan?” she +asked. +</p> +<p> +“I think it’s foolish,” was Mabel’s prompt response. +“You are sure to get yourself in trouble. +Suppose your identity should be discovered?” +</p> +<p> +“But it won’t. Jimmy and I look too much alike +for that. Besides, the very boldness of the plan +will work in my favor. In any event, I am going +to try it, and I need your help.” +</p> +<p> +“Of course I shall help,” said Mabel, “but just +the same I think you would do a whole lot better +to tell your father the whole business.” +</p> +<p> +“And have Jimmy Smith thrown off the place? +I should say not.” +</p> +<p> +“But if he considers doing a thing like that, he +should be thrown off the place.” +</p> +<p> +“No,” said Shirley gravely. “It is his first temptation, +and we should do what we can to save him.” +</p> +<p> +“But,” said Mabel, “if you write to Mr. Jones, +and he answers, he will naturally address his reply +to ‘Jimmy Smith,’ and Jimmy will get it.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_76'></a>76</span> +</p> +<p> +“Goodness gracious,” ejaculated Shirley. “I +hadn’t thought of that.” +</p> +<p> +She was silent some moments and then continued: +</p> +<p> +“Well, then, when I find the address, I’ll simply +write and tell him to meet me in a certain place.” +</p> +<p> +“That will be much better,” agreed Mabel. “But, +honestly, Shirley, I don’t think much of the plan. +You are sure to get into trouble of some kind.” +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps,” said Shirley with a shrug of her shoulders, +“but I’ll get out all right. Besides, I shall +be saving Jimmy; and, after all, the saving of one +boy’s honor is surely worth the risk.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel was struck with a new thought. +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps Jimmy has already written.” +</p> +<p> +“I hardly think so,” was the reply. “It is too +soon.” +</p> +<p> +“But he may write after you do, and thus lead to +your discovery.” +</p> +<p> +“I had thought of that,” said Shirley, “and for +that reason we must manage to get the address +away from him at once. He is hardly likely to +remember it, and when he cannot find the card he +probably will forget all about the matter.” +</p> +<p> +“But——” began Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Shirley waved her right hand impatiently. +</p> +<p> +“My gracious,” she exclaimed, “don’t be looking +for trouble all the time. I know there is a risk, +but we shall have to take it. Now the first thing +to do is to get the card from Jimmy.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_77'></a>77</span> +</p> +<p> +“And how do you expect to manage that?” +</p> +<p> +“Just leave that to me,” said Shirley, airily. “I’ll +get it, and he won’t know anything about it.” +</p> +<p> +“All right,” said Mabel, doubtfully, “but——” +</p> +<p> +Shirley cut short these protests. +</p> +<p> +“Come with me,” she said, and led the way from +the room. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_78'></a>78</span><a name='chX' id='chX'></a>CHAPTER X.—SETTING THE TRAP.</h2> +<p> +They found Jimmy Smith in the stable leaning +over Gabriel’s stall and talking to him in low tones. +The lad stepped back and lifted his cap from his +head as the two girls approached. +</p> +<p> +“Are you telling Gabriel that he must win the +Derby, Jimmy?” asked Shirley with a bright smile. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, Miss,” was the reply. “Gabriel and I have +many talks, and he always promises me that he +will win.” +</p> +<p> +“But, suppose he should lose?” +</p> +<p> +“He can’t lose,” said Jimmy decisively. +</p> +<p> +“Are you sure?” asked Shirley sharply. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy looked at her queerly. +</p> +<p> +“Why—I—yes—of course he can’t,” he stammered. +</p> +<p> +“But suppose something should happen?” persisted +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“What do you mean?” asked Jimmy, plainly startled. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, nothing,” said Shirley, and changed the +subject abruptly. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_79'></a>79</span> +</p> +<p> +“Jimmy,” she said a few moments later, “I wish +you would go up in the loft and see how much +hay there is up there.” +</p> +<p> +“All right, Miss,” said the boy, and reached for +his coat, which hung over the stall door. +</p> +<p> +“You don’t need the coat,” said Shirley. “Hurry +up, please. Dad is anxious to know right away.” +</p> +<p> +Without another word, but with a sidelong glance +at the coat, Jimmy hastened to obey. He clambered +up the ladder quickly. +</p> +<p> +Hardly had his hand disappeared when Shirley +stepped quickly forward and took up the coat. Rapidly +she explored the pockets, one after another, +and, at last, drawing forth a small piece of paste-board, +she gave a little cry of triumph. +</p> +<p> +“I have it,” she whispered to Mabel. +</p> +<p> +She slipped the card into her dress, and hastily +put the coat back where she had found it. She +was leaning over the stall door talking to Gabriel +when Jimmy came down the ladder. +</p> +<p> +“Plenty of hay for two weeks, Miss Shirley,” +said Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +He reached out cautiously and picked up his coat, +which he donned with an audible sigh of relief. +</p> +<p> +“All right, then,” said Shirley. “Come, Mabel, +we may as well go.” +</p> +<p> +She gave Gabriel another little pat, and led the +way from the stable. +</p> +<p> +“I feel like I had picked somebody’s pocket,” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_80'></a>80</span> +Shirley confided to Mabel, as they made their way +back toward the house. +</p> +<p> +“You have,” replied her friend, “and I don’t know +whether you were right or not.” +</p> +<p> +“The end will justify the means,” said Shirley +quietly. “It’s for Jimmy’s own good, for my +father’s good, and for the good of others. I am +sure I did no wrong.” +</p> +<p> +They sat down on the porch and talked for some +moments. +</p> +<p> +“Look,” said Mabel suddenly, “here comes Jimmy. +I wonder what is the matter with him. He +seems to be looking for something.” +</p> +<p> +In truth, he did seem to be looking for something. +The boy seemed greatly excited, and his +eyes roved about the ground as he approached. +</p> +<p> +“It’s the card he misses,” said Shirley. “He +thinks he has lost it.” +</p> +<p> +“You don’t suppose he suspects us, do you?” +</p> +<p> +“I hope not.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy was close to them now, and Shirley called +out: “What’s the matter, Jimmy? Lost something?” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy, unaware of their presence until then, +looked up in confusion. +</p> +<p> +“No—no, Miss Shirley,” he stammered, and disappeared. +</p> +<p> +“Poor Jimmy,” said Shirley. “One evil leads to +another. He was forced to lie, you see. Come, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_81'></a>81</span> +Mabel, let’s go upstairs and have a look at this +card, and figure out a letter to Mr. Jones that will +do the work.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel followed her friend up the stairs, where +both sat down, and Shirley produced the card. +</p> +<p> +“Mr. A. B. Jones,” she read, “Fifth Avenue Hotel, +Louisville, Ky.” +</p> +<p> +“Very well, Mr. Jones,” she said, “we shall attend +to your case.” +</p> +<p> +She turned to Mabel. “What do you think?” +she asked. “Would it be better to ask him to meet +me in Paris, Lexington, or where?” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know,” replied Mabel. “But it seems +to me that Paris is pretty close to your home. Besides, +Jimmy is well known in Lexington also.” +</p> +<p> +“True,” said Shirley. “I think I shall select Cincinnati.” +</p> +<p> +“Goodness,” said Mabel, “that is a long ways.” +</p> +<p> +“So it is,” said Shirley, “but I can make an excuse +to go there. I can tell father we are going +to spend a couple of days with Clara Morton. He +will not object.” +</p> +<p> +“Suit yourself,” said Mabel. “I reckon it might +as well be there as any place else. It probably will +be safer too. We can stay with Clara while there.” +</p> +<p> +“My idea exactly,” said Shirley. “Now let’s see +if I can write the proper kind of a letter.” +</p> +<p> +She drew forth some paper—and wrote long and +earnestly. Sheet after sheet she tore up, but at +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_82'></a>82</span> +last, with a little cry of satisfaction, she took the +last sheet, upon which she had just written, and +passed it to Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“I think that will do very well.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel read: +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +“Mr. <span class='sc'>A. B. Jones</span>:—Dear Sir:—I have considered +your offer. I shall be in Cincinnati, Palace +Hotel, Friday. If offer is still open, meet me in +the lobby at 6 o’clock Friday night. I am going +to Cincinnati on an errand for Miss Willing. +</p> +<p style='text-align:right; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; margin-right:2em;;'>“<span class='sc'>Jimmy Smith.</span>”</p> +<p> +Mabel read the letter over several times. +</p> +<p> +“I guess it is all right,” she said at last. “There +is only one thing I would suggest.” +</p> +<p> +“What is it?” +</p> +<p> +“I would add a line and say, ‘Under no circumstances +write me!’” +</p> +<p> +“Good,” said Shirley. “I’ll do it.” +</p> +<p> +She did, and then addressing an envelope, the +two girls walked up to the mail box at the pike +and waited the passing of the rural mail carrier. +They did not wish the letter to remain in the box +unguarded, because some one might see it. +</p> +<p> +But with the letter in the mailman’s hands, Shirley +felt more comfortable. The two girls walked +back to the house. +</p> +<p> +“With good luck,” said Shirley, “that is, if Dad +doesn’t object, we should be able to leave here +Thursday morning. We will send Clara a telegram +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_83'></a>83</span> +from town telling her to meet us. Now we’ll go +and see what Dad has to say.” +</p> +<p> +“So you want to go away again, eh?” said Mr. +Willing, after Shirley had suggested the trip. “And +how long do you want to be gone?” +</p> +<p> +“Until Sunday or Monday, Dad,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Mr. Willing, after a long pause, “I +can see no reason why you cannot go if Mr. Ashton +doesn’t object.” +</p> +<p> +“I am sure he won’t,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Better go and ask him then,” said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +Mabel hurried to obey, and returned in a few +moments with her father’s consent. +</p> +<p> +“You want to go Thursday?” asked Mr. Willing. +“Why, that’s day after to-morrow.” +</p> +<p> +“I know that,” said Shirley with a smile. +</p> +<p> +“All right,” said Mr. Willing. “I am going to +town this afternoon. I’ll send Clara a telegram +myself to meet you.” +</p> +<p> +The matter settled, Shirley and Mabel began +their preparations for the trip. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t anticipate much trouble,” said Shirley. +“Of course you never can tell just what will happen, +and for that reason I am going to take my +little pocket revolver.” +</p> +<p> +“Then I shall take mine, too,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“That is hardly necessary,” said Shirley, “for, +of course, I shall see Mr. Jones alone.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_84'></a>84</span> +</p> +<p> +“Aren’t you going to let me go with you?” demanded +Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“No,” said Shirley, “that might spoil everything. +Mr. Jones might suspect something even if he didn’t +recognize either of us.” +</p> +<p> +“But I can’t let you face the danger alone,” protested +Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Who said anything about danger?” demanded +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Why, didn’t you?” asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“No.” +</p> +<p> +“Then why do you take your revolver?” +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Shirley with a smile, “it is always +best to be prepared for the unexpected.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I suppose you will have it your own +way,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Shirley smiled. +</p> +<p> +“In this, yes,” she replied. +</p> +<p> +The two days passed slowly for both girls, but +at length the time came to go. The first thing in +the morning, making sure that Jimmy was in the +stable, Shirley made her way to his room and appropriated +one of his old suits—one that she was +sure he would not miss. This she packed in her +suitcase. +</p> +<p> +“I shall have to buy a wig in Cincinnati,” she +told Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Clara met the girls at the train, and they were +soon whirled to her Walnut Hills home in a large +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_85'></a>85</span> +automobile. There they were to remain until the +following afternoon, when Mabel would accompany +Shirley downtown. +</p> +<p> +The next day, shortly before five o’clock, Shirley +slipped her dress on over her suit of boy’s +clothes, and leaving Clara behind in spite of many +protests, the two girls took the street car down +town. On Fourth Street they found a little store +where Shirley was fortunate enough to find a wig +of the right shade. +</p> +<p> +In a secluded corner in the railroad station, when +there was no one near, Shirley quickly stripped off +her dress and stood revealed in her boy’s clothing. +Donning wig and cap, she handed Mabel the discarded +dress to put into the satchel brought for +that purpose. +</p> +<p> +“Now,” said Shirley, “go back to Clara’s and, +under some pretext or other, wait on the porch for +me after every one has gone to bed. I’ll not come +until I am sure they have all retired.” +</p> +<p> +“All right,” Mabel agreed, “and, Shirley, be very +careful.” +</p> +<p> +“I shall be, never fear,” was the reply, and the +young girl bade her friend good-bye and started for +the rendezvous. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_86'></a>86</span><a name='chXI' id='chXI'></a>CHAPTER XI.—THE MEETING.</h2> +<p> +It was fifteen minutes to six when Shirley reached +the hotel. At the Vine Street entrance she hesitated +a few moments, for now that the time for +action was at hand, she grew nervous. It took +her but an instant to shake off this uneasy feeling, +however, and she entered the hotel boldly. +</p> +<p> +She took a seat in a far corner of the lobby, +where she could see all who came and went without +being too exposed, and then she waited. Six o’clock +came, but there was no sign of Jones. +</p> +<p> +“I reckon he is a little late,” said Shirley to herself. +</p> +<p> +A quarter after six; half-past six and still no +Jones. +</p> +<p> +Shirley arose to go. +</p> +<p> +“I guess he didn’t get my letter in time,” she +said. +</p> +<p> +She made her way to the door. But just as she +would have passed out a hurrying figure bumped +into her. Shirley drew back to let the man pass, +and cried out suddenly: +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_87'></a>87</span> +</p> +<p> +“Mr. Jones.” +</p> +<p> +Jones, for it was indeed he, drew back sharply, +and looked closely at Shirley. Then he smiled +slightly. +</p> +<p> +“Smith?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” said Shirley briefly. +</p> +<p> +“Good. Come with me.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley followed the man back into the hotel. +At the far side of the lobby was a door leading to +the dining-room. Jones led the way inside, Shirley +following close at his heels. +</p> +<p> +He selected a small table at the far end of the +dining-room, and the two sat down. +</p> +<p> +“We can talk here undisturbed,” said Jones. +</p> +<p> +Their orders given, Jones leaned back in his +chair. +</p> +<p> +“I wouldn’t have recognized you,” he said, looking +at Shirley sharply. +</p> +<p> +“I was beginning to think you would not come,” +said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“My train was late,” Jones responded. “I had +to hustle to get here as soon as I did.” +</p> +<p> +He was silent for some moments. Shirley said +nothing, waiting for Jones to open the conversation. +</p> +<p> +“So,” said the man after the food had been set +before them, “you have decided to accept my offer, +eh?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_88'></a>88</span> +</p> +<p> +Shirley thought it good policy not to appear too +anxious. +</p> +<p> +“It all depends upon what you want me to do,” +she replied. +</p> +<p> +Jones looked at her long and carefully. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” he said at length, “I’ll tell you. You +understand, of course, that it will not be healthy +for you to repeat anything I may say?” +</p> +<p> +Shirley nodded assent. +</p> +<p> +“And that if you play me false, you will get +the worst of it?” +</p> +<p> +Again Shirley nodded. +</p> +<p> +“Good. I don’t need to go into details, but what +I want is this: I want you to see that Gabriel does +not win the Derby. In other words, I want you to +‘pull’ him.” +</p> +<p> +“Pull him!” echoed Shirley. +</p> +<p> +This was a language she did not understand. +</p> +<p> +“Yes. Surely you know what pulling means?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, no, not exactly,” replied Shirley hesitatingly. +</p> +<p> +“What kind of a jockey do you call yourself?” +sneered Jones. “By pulling I mean holding Gabriel +back so that some other horse may finish ahead +of him.” +</p> +<p> +“I see,” said Shirley. “And have you selected +the horse that is to win the race?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes. Jupiter, owned by the bookmakers.” +</p> +<p> +“And that is all you want me to do?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_89'></a>89</span> +</p> +<p> +“That is all.” +</p> +<p> +“And you are willing to pay me $500 for that?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley was silent, apparently considering. Jones +waited perhaps five minutes for her to speak, and +then said: +</p> +<p> +“Well, what do you say?” +</p> +<p> +Shirley rose from her chair. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll do it,” she said quietly. “When do I get the +money?” +</p> +<p> +“After the Derby.” +</p> +<p> +“Very well,” said Shirley, “you may count upon +me to do my best.” +</p> +<p> +“That’s all, then,” said Jones, also rising. “I +will make it a point to see you just before the race +starts.” +</p> +<p> +He walked to the door with the supposed traitorous +jockey. There Shirley stopped for another +word. +</p> +<p> +“One thing,” she said. “Send me no messages +and do not come to see me. It would be too risky.” +</p> +<p> +“Right you are,” said Jones. “Good-bye.” +</p> +<p> +He turned on his heel and left without another +word. Shirley also made her way from the hotel. +Her eyes fell upon a clock in a window. +</p> +<p> +“Eight o’clock,” she said. “I can’t go to Clara’s +yet. They will all see me. What shall I do to pass +the time?” +</p> +<p> +She debated the point at length. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_90'></a>90</span> +</p> +<p> +“I’ll stop in this drug store and have an ice cream +soda, anyhow,” she finally decided. +</p> +<p> +This refreshment disposed of, Shirley reached +for her purse. For the moment she forgot she was +dressed in boys’ clothes, but in an instant she remembered, +and thrust her hand in her pocket; and +she drew it out with a cry of dismay. +</p> +<p> +She had forgotten to put her purse in her pocket, +and she had no money, and there was the ice cream +soda to be paid for. +</p> +<p> +The man at the cashier’s desk was looking at her +suspiciously. Shirley, glancing up, caught the look. +Again she made a desperate search of her pockets, +but the search was futile. There was no money +there. +</p> +<p> +Shirley turned to the cashier. +</p> +<p> +“I’m sorry,” she said quietly, “but I have misplaced +my money. I’ll have to ask you to wait till +to-morrow.” +</p> +<p> +“Misplaced your money, eh,” sneered the man, +looking at Shirley’s shabby attire. “I suppose, when +you came in here, you were sure you had money, +were you?” +</p> +<p> +“Of course I was,” said Shirley indignantly. +</p> +<p> +“Well, I’m not so sure. I’ve seen your kind before. +I guess I had better call an officer.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley became greatly frightened. +</p> +<p> +“Please don’t do that,” she said, in great alarm. +“I’ll pay you to-morrow sure. Honestly I will.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_91'></a>91</span> +</p> +<p> +“That’s an old one,” said the cashier. “Either +you will dig up ten cents right now or I shall call +a policeman.” +</p> +<p> +“But I haven’t ten cents,” said Shirley tearfully. +</p> +<p> +“Then I shall call the officer,” said the cashier, +and reached for the desk telephone. +</p> +<p> +Shirley, badly frightened, did not know what +to do. She did not know that the cashier, thinking +she was trying to defraud him, would not have +called the police, but was simply trying to frighten +her into paying. +</p> +<p> +But help came from an unexpected source. +</p> +<p> +A young man who had been an interested listener +to this conversation suddenly stepped forward, +and laid a dime on the counter. +</p> +<p> +“There is your ten cents,” he said quietly to the +cashier. “Let the boy alone. Can’t you see he is +honest?” +</p> +<p> +“About as honest as the rest of ’em,” sneered the +cashier, picking up the dime. +</p> +<p> +Shirley turned to her benefactor. +</p> +<p> +“Thank you, sir,” she said earnestly. “I’ll see +that you get it back.” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, all right,” said the young man with a laugh, +“but I guess it won’t break me if I don’t.” +</p> +<p> +It was plain to Shirley that he never expected to +have it returned, and upon that instant she decided +that he should. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_92'></a>92</span> +</p> +<p> +“If you will give me your card,” she said, “I +shall see that you get it back to-morrow.” +</p> +<p> +The young man smiled at her. +</p> +<p> +“Well, if you insist,” he said, with a smile, and +extracted a card from his pocket, and handed it +to Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Shirley stuffed it into her pocket. +</p> +<p> +“Thank you very much,” she said quietly. “Good-bye.” +</p> +<p> +She left the store and walked down the street. +It was now half-past eight, as Shirley saw by the +street clock. +</p> +<p> +“I guess I might as well go home and risk being +seen,” she told herself. +</p> +<p> +She stopped at the next corner and hailed an approaching +car. She was just about to step aboard, +when she suddenly remembered she did not have +carfare. She stepped back abruptly. The conductor +rang the bell angrily, and the car went on. +</p> +<p> +“My gracious,” said Shirley to herself, “it’s a +long way to Walnut Hills but I guess I shall have +to walk it. I wonder if I can find the way?” +</p> +<p> +She stood still for several minutes. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” she said at last, “I might as well start. +There is no use standing here. I’ll just have to follow +the car line, and ask if I lose my way.” +</p> +<p> +First she made her way to Fourth and Walnut +Streets, and then she started off in the direction +taken by a Walnut Hills car. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_93'></a>93</span> +</p> +<p> +She was forced to ask directions several times +before she got very far, but nevertheless she made +fair progress. She was just congratulating herself +upon her good fortune in getting out of so serious +a predicament so easily, when something else happened. +</p> +<p> +Around the corner, suddenly, came a crowd of +boys, their ages ranging from twelve to fifteen. +This part of the city was by no means the best, +and Shirley thanked her stars that she was attired +in boy’s clothes. +</p> +<p> +But her attire was not to stand her in good stead +now. +</p> +<p> +The crowd of boys came on at a run, and when +directly in front of Shirley the leaders stopped. +</p> +<p> +“Look here, fellows,” said one of them. “Here +is a poor kid all by himself. He looks big enough +to fight. Shall we take him along?” +</p> +<p> +“Sure,” came from the rest. +</p> +<p> +The boy who had first spoken grabbed Shirley +by the arm, and shook him. +</p> +<p> +“Can you fight?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +Shirley again was almost in tears. +</p> +<p> +“No,” she quavered. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” came the reply, “you’ll have to fight. We +are going after the Eighteenth Street gang and we +need reinforcements. You will help. But if you +don’t fight, well, you’ll get the worst of it anyhow. +Come on.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_94'></a>94</span> +</p> +<p> +Shirley hung back, but it was no use. A boy +grabbed her by either arm, and she found herself +being hurried along. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll fix ’em this time,” was the cry of the +boys. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_95'></a>95</span><a name='chXII' id='chXII'></a>CHAPTER XII.—SHIRLEY FINDS A CHAMPION.</h2> +<p> +Shirley realized that she was in a serious predicament. +Guarded as she was, she had no hope +of escape, and she realized that the situation was +rapidly growing worse. Every step forward took +her that much nearer danger. Still she did not wish +to betray that she was a girl, so she wiped the tears +from her eyes with a quick brush of her sleeve +and moved along with the rest without resistance. +</p> +<p> +Two blocks further on the gang came to an abrupt +stop, and the two who seemed to be the leaders conferred. +Then, at an order from one, the gang divided +into two parts. Shirley found herself under +the direction of a boy whom his companions called +Dick. +</p> +<p> +“You go around that way with your fellows, +Tom,” said Dick, waving his arm to the left, “and +I’ll go this way. We’ll catch ’em between us and +pay ’em back for what they did to Ed and Joe yesterday.” +</p> +<p> +The boys moved off in two different directions. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_96'></a>96</span> +Shirley found herself right behind Dick and she +eyed him curiously. Young though he was, the +girl saw that he was strong and powerful. An +athlete herself, she could not but admire the easy +swing of his shoulders as he trotted on ahead, his +calm assurance and the confidence with which he +gave his orders. Shirley decided to stay as close +to him as possible. +</p> +<p> +And now turning another corner, Dick shouted: +</p> +<p> +“There they are, fellows! At ’em!” +</p> +<p> +There was a loud cheer, and from far down the +street came its echo, as Tom and his crowd attacked +the enemy from the rear. +</p> +<p> +And now Shirley caught her first view of the +enemy. +</p> +<p> +Halfway down the block, caught between two +fires as they were, the enemy, perhaps twenty of +them, was preparing to give battle. Shirley could +see that they had picked up whatever they could +lay hands upon, and were awaiting the attackers +to come within range. +</p> +<p> +Shirley shuddered, but kept close behind Dick. +</p> +<p> +“Look out!” cried Dick, and darted to one side. +</p> +<p> +Shirley did likewise, and a rock skimmed past +her. There was a howl of pain from further back, +and Shirley knew that one of the crowd had been +hit. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll make ’em pay for that,” cried Dick, and +in spite of the fusillade of missiles being hurled at +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_97'></a>97</span> +them, he bore down upon the enemy at top speed. +</p> +<p> +For an instant Shirley hesitated. Here, she +thought, might be a chance for her to make her +escape. She turned, but as she did so the others +surrounded her and she was forced to go on whether +or not she wished it. +</p> +<p> +The two factions came together with great force. +They were too closely entwined to permit of the +hurling of rocks now. It was hard to distinguish +friend from foe. +</p> +<p> +Shirley found herself in the midst of a struggling, +striking mass. Wherever she turned she saw nothing +but flying fists. One of the enemy struck her +a glancing blow on the arm. Shirley became angry. +</p> +<p> +Stepping quickly forward she struck the boy a +resounding smack with her open hand. +</p> +<p> +Dick, who happened to be close to her at that +moment, noted this with a grin. +</p> +<p> +“Hit ’em with your fist,” he called. “It won’t +do any good to slap ’em.” +</p> +<p> +But this Shirley could not do. So there she +stood while the struggling mass fought around +her. How long the street fight continued, Shirley +did not know, but it came to an end suddenly. +</p> +<p> +From far down the street came the single sharp +blast of a whistle. Immediately the struggling combatants +dropped their fists and took to their heels. +</p> +<p> +“Police,” was the cry that went up. +</p> +<p> +Three minutes later the street was deserted. Both +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_98'></a>98</span> +factions had fled, and when the guardians of the +law appeared upon the scene there was nothing to +give evidence of the struggle that had raged a few +moments before. +</p> +<p> +Shirley had fled with the others, still keeping as +close to Dick as possible. Round corner after corner +she followed him, for she was keen enough to +know that in this way lay safety, while, should +she go her own way, she was likely to fall into +the hands of the law; and, in her present attire, she +had no desire to do this. +</p> +<p> +But finally the half a dozen who had fled in +the same direction as Dick and Shirley came to a +halt. They stood panting and gasping. +</p> +<p> +Then one boy suddenly came up to Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I told you to fight,” he said. “You didn’t do +it. I watched you. Now I am going to make you +fight.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley shrank back. +</p> +<p> +“Put up your fists,” called the boy. +</p> +<p> +The others gathered round to see the fun. +</p> +<p> +“He’s a coward,” they said. “He’s afraid to +fight. Hit him anyhow.” +</p> +<p> +They surrounded Shirley with angry gestures. +</p> +<p> +It was at this moment that Dick interfered. +</p> +<p> +“Let the kid alone,” he said quietly, moving into +the midst of the others. “If he doesn’t want to +fight, he doesn’t have to. Maybe he’s not the fighting +kind. Let him alone.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_99'></a>99</span> +</p> +<p> +There was an angry growl from the others. +</p> +<p> +“I say he has got to fight,” said one. +</p> +<p> +“And I say he hasn’t,” cried Dick. “Who is the +leader of this crowd, anyhow?” +</p> +<p> +“We wouldn’t have much trouble finding a better +one,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +“Right you are, Ned,” said several voices at once. +</p> +<p> +“Pick on me if you want to,” said Dick, “but let +the kid alone.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley shrank close to him, for she knew that +in him lay her hope of safety. Dick put a hand +on her shoulder. +</p> +<p> +“It’s all right, kid,” he said. “They won’t bother +you.” +</p> +<p> +“Won’t we?” exclaimed one. +</p> +<p> +He stepped suddenly forward, and before Dick +could prevent him, aimed a blow at Shirley. Unconsciously +the girl ducked, and the blow barely +grazed her head, carrying away her hat, and worst +of all, her boy’s wig. +</p> +<p> +Her long hair came tumbling down. +</p> +<p> +The boy who had struck at her started back in +surprise. +</p> +<p> +“A girl!” he exclaimed. +</p> +<p> +Shirley broke into tears. +</p> +<p> +Dick had taken in the situation at a glance. He +stepped quickly forward and with a single blow of +his left fist knocked the boy who had struck Shirley +to the ground. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_100'></a>100</span> +</p> +<p> +Then the others jumped upon him. +</p> +<p> +Shirley’s tears stopped instantly and she watched +the fight in wide-eyed amazement. Dick, bigger +and stronger than the rest, was giving a good account +of himself, but it was plain to Shirley that +the weight of numbers must tell in the end. +</p> +<p> +Two boys went down before their leader’s fists, +but they were up again in an instant and fighting +back desperately. One attacked him from behind, +but with a quick kick Dick shook himself free. +Picking his nearest opponent up bodily, he hurled +him full in the faces of the others; and they gave +ground. +</p> +<p> +But only for a minute. Then they sprang forward +again. Dick found himself hard pressed on +all sides. He reeled under a blow that caught him +on the point of the chin, and before he could recover, +two stinging blows struck him in the jaw. +</p> +<p> +He made one last desperate effort, throwing +himself upon his opponents, but the effort was vain. +</p> +<p> +Stooping, one of the boys picked up a rock, and +waiting an opportunity jumped in quickly and struck +him in the back of the head. +</p> +<p> +Dick uttered a slight groan, stumbled and fell +almost at Shirley’s feet. +</p> +<p> +The girl uttered a cry of horror. The other boys, +startled for the moment at the outcome, hung back, +then advanced toward their fallen leader. Believing +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_101'></a>101</span> +that they were about to do him further harm, +Shirley took the responsibility upon herself. +</p> +<p> +Her nervousness, fright and indecision left her +instantly. She reached quickly in her coat pocket +and whipped forth her little revolver, which she +aimed at the crowd of young ruffians with steady +hand. +</p> +<p> +“Stand back!” she cried. +</p> +<p> +The ruffians hesitated. +</p> +<p> +“Look here,” began one, advancing a step. +</p> +<p> +“Take my advice and stay where you are,” said +Shirley quietly. “I don’t want to hurt you, but if +any one of you come a single step nearer I’ll shoot.” +</p> +<p> +The crowd drew back, and stood silently watching +her. +</p> +<p> +Laying the revolver upon the sidewalk close beside +her, Shirley raised Dick’s head to her knee. +Then she sought to stop the flow of blood from the +wound with her handkerchief. +</p> +<p> +Dick stirred slightly, and a faint breath shivered +through his lips. +</p> +<p> +“What’s happened?” he gasped. +</p> +<p> +“Lie still!” commanded Shirley. “Your head is +badly cut.” +</p> +<p> +Dick shook off her detaining hand, and rose slowly. +He felt his wound, and then said: +</p> +<p> +“Which one of you fellows hit me with a rock?” +</p> +<p> +Not a sound came from the crowd. Dick stepped +forward. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_102'></a>102</span> +</p> +<p> +“Better tell me now,” he said, “for I’ll find out +sometime, and when I do somebody will be well +thrashed.” +</p> +<p> +A boy stepped forward. +</p> +<p> +“I did it,” he said. “But now I’m sorry!” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I’ll attend to you later,” said Dick. +</p> +<p> +He turned to Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“What are you doing out at this hour, and dressed +this way?” +</p> +<p> +In a few words Shirley told him enough of her +trouble to satisfy his curiosity. +</p> +<p> +“The best thing you can do is to get home at +once,” he said. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know the way now,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Where do you live?” +</p> +<p> +Shirley told him. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll take you home,” said Dick quietly, “if you +don’t mind my walking along with you.” +</p> +<p> +“Thank you,” said Shirley. “Of course I don’t +mind.” +</p> +<p> +Dick turned to his friends. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll see you fellows later,” he said significantly. +“We’ll talk this matter over when there are no +girls around. Get out of here now.” +</p> +<p> +With a crestfallen air they obeyed. +</p> +<p> +Dick turned once more to Shirley. “Come,” he +said. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_103'></a>103</span><a name='chXIII' id='chXIII'></a>CHAPTER XIII.—MR. WILLING IS PUZZLED.</h2> +<p> +It was late when they neared Clara Morton’s +home. As they approached quietly, a figure ran +from the porch to meet them. It was Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley,” she cried, “I was so afraid that something +had happened to you. I have been waiting +here for more than an hour.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, something did happen,” said Shirley. “I’ll +tell you about it when we get upstairs.” +</p> +<p> +“Come on, then,” said Mabel, “but be careful. +I told Clara you probably wouldn’t be home until +in the morning, and no one here must see you in +that costume.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley turned to say good-bye to Dick, but there +was no Dick. His duty done, he had not waited +for thanks. +</p> +<p> +Shirley was disappointed. +</p> +<p> +“I would like to have said good-bye to him,” she +told herself. +</p> +<p> +Silently the two girls made their way up the +stairs, and reached their room without being discovered. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_104'></a>104</span> +</p> +<p> +Mabel insisted upon an immediate account of +Shirley’s adventures and the latter gave full details. +</p> +<p> +“You see,” she concluded, “it was all your fault. +Why didn’t you remind me of my purse?” +</p> +<p> +“That’s right, blame me,” said Mabel. “I think +you’ve had some jolly fun.” +</p> +<p> +“It depends on how you look at it,” drawled +Shirley. “Oh, but I’m tired. Let’s get to sleep.” +</p> +<p> +The next two days, Saturday and Sunday, the +girls spent quietly in their friend’s home, only going +out twice. One trip was to the theater, and +the other to church on Sunday morning. +</p> +<p> +Early Monday morning found them on the train. +</p> +<p> +A young man boarded the train at Cynthiana, +who attracted Shirley’s attention at once. There +was something familiar about him, but for the moment +she could not place him. Looking in her +handbag for her ticket, she accidentally drew forth +a card, which she glanced at in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Mr. Leonard Wolfe,” it read. +</p> +<p> +“I wonder,” she murmured, and then it all came +to her in a flash. +</p> +<p> +“The card of the young man who came to my +aid in the drugstore,” she said, passing it to Mabel. +“That reminds me, I forgot to send the ten +cents.” +</p> +<p> +“I reckon he won’t miss it,” said Mabel, as she +returned the card. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_105'></a>105</span> +</p> +<p> +The young man who had just gotten on the train, +came through the aisle. He dropped his suitcase +in the seat across from the girls, and sat down. +</p> +<p> +Shirley noticed that from time to time he glanced +at her. To herself she said, “His face is familiar. +Where have I seen him before?” +</p> +<p> +And then she remembered. +</p> +<p> +“Mr. Wolfe!” she exclaimed to herself. +</p> +<p> +She whispered to Mabel, and the latter, of course, +glanced across. As she did so she encountered +the young man’s smiling eyes. +</p> +<p> +The young man arose directly and spoke to Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Surely I have met you somewhere,” he said. +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps it’s my twin brother you met,” said +Shirley, with a faint smile. “We look very much +alike.” +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps that’s it,” returned the young man. +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” continued Shirley, “my twin brother is +often getting into scrapes, and I have to help him +out. He told me that the other day he almost fell +into the hands of the police, because he didn’t have +money to pay for a soda he bought in a drugstore +in Cincinnati. Some stranger came to his aid and +paid the dime. I don’t believe he returned it, +either.” +</p> +<p> +The young man had looked at Shirley in surprise +during this recital, and then he said quietly: +</p> +<p> +“No, he didn’t!” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_106'></a>106</span> +</p> +<p> +“How do you know?” queried Shirley in well +simulated surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Because I happen to be the fellow who paid it.” +</p> +<p> +Before answering Shirley reached for her handbag +and took out a card. She gazed at it long and +earnestly. +</p> +<p> +“Is your name Mr. Wolfe?” she asked finally. +</p> +<p> +“Why, yes,” exclaimed the young man. “Why?” +</p> +<p> +“Nothing, only my brother, in telling me of the +trouble, showed me your card and I didn’t give +it back.” +</p> +<p> +She drew a dime from her purse and extended +it to the young man. +</p> +<p> +“Here is your ten cents,” she said. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Wolfe protested. +</p> +<p> +“Let your brother pay his own debts,” he said. +</p> +<p> +“No,” said Shirley, “I insist. You see, my +brother and I are such close relations that I almost +feel I owe you this myself.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, if you insist,” said the young man. +</p> +<p> +He took the dime and dropped it in his pocket. +</p> +<p> +“May I ask where you are going?” +</p> +<p> +“Home,” said Shirley briefly, for she wished to +end the conversation, considering now that she had +repaid her debt. +</p> +<p> +“I see,” smiled Mr. Wolfe; “and would you mind +telling me just about where that is.” +</p> +<p> +“I’ll tell you this much,” said Shirley. “It’s about +three miles from Paris, on the Bethlehem pike.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_107'></a>107</span> +</p> +<p> +The young man uttered an exclamation of surprise. +</p> +<p> +“I wonder if you know a Mr. Willing, who must +live near you?” +</p> +<p> +“He is my father,” returned Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“You don’t say so! I am in luck, for I am going +now to Willing’s place.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley felt frightened. +</p> +<p> +“You are?” she exclaimed. +</p> +<p> +“Yes.” +</p> +<p> +“On business?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, no, not exactly. You see, Mr. Willing and +my father are old friends. Your father has often +asked my father to stop and see him, and as I was +near, I felt anxious to call.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley held out her hand. +</p> +<p> +“I know you now,” she said. “At first I didn’t +associate you with the Mr. Wolfe of whom father +speaks so often, his old college friend.” +</p> +<p> +“I am the son of his old friend,” said Mr. Wolfe. +</p> +<p> +“You will be very welcome,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +She introduced him to Mabel, who had been much +interested in their talk. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Wolfe said after a few minutes, “I knew, +of course, that Mr. Willing had a daughter, but +I had never heard of twins.” +</p> +<p> +“Twins!” repeated Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Yes; this troublesome brother of yours.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley blushed. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_108'></a>108</span> +</p> +<p> +“I—we—he,” she stammered. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Wolfe looked at her for a few moments, +then a smile spread over his face. +</p> +<p> +“I see,” he said. +</p> +<p> +“You see what?” demanded Shirley anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“The joke,” replied young Wolfe drily. +</p> +<p> +Shirley blushed, and hid her head in her hands. +</p> +<p> +“Have no fear,” said the young man, “I shall +say nothing about it. If you care to tell me why +you masqueraded, I shall be honored, but I shall +not press you for an explanation; and I will never +mention it.” +</p> +<p> +“Thank you,” said Shirley. “There is no reason +why I cannot tell you, if you will promise to +keep the secret.” +</p> +<p> +“I promise,” said he. +</p> +<p> +Shirley then gave him an account of her adventures +and their cause. When she finished, young +Wolfe looked at her in undisguised admiration. +</p> +<p> +“By Jove!” he exclaimed. “You are plucky. +And you are doing all this for the boy you call +Jimmy Smith?” +</p> +<p> +“And my father too,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” said Wolfe, “you are indeed a brave +girl, and I am proud to know you.” +</p> +<p> +The train was now whistling for Paris. +</p> +<p> +“You will, of course, ride out with us,” said +Shirley. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_109'></a>109</span> +</p> +<p> +“I shall be pleased,” returned the young man, with +a bow. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing met them as they stepped from the +train. +</p> +<p> +Then he saw the young man. He looked at him +long and earnestly, and then before either of the +girls could speak, he said: +</p> +<p> +“Surely this is Leonard Wolfe?” +</p> +<p> +“I am,” said the young man, smiling and extending +his hand. +</p> +<p> +“I thought I could not be mistaken,” said Mr. +Willing. “You are your father all over again.” +</p> +<p> +He turned to Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Mr. Wolfe,” he said, “allow me to introduce +you to my daughter.” He turned to Mabel, +“and——” +</p> +<p> +“We have already met, Daddy,” laughed Shirley. +“Mr. Wolfe made himself known to us on +the train.” +</p> +<p> +“But how——” began Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Never mind now, Daddy,” said Shirley. “It’s +a long story.” +</p> +<p> +“Well,” muttered Mr. Willing to himself, “all +right, but the young people now-a-days aren’t like +they were in my day.” +</p> +<p> +Then he climbed into the large automobile and +Frank started it. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_110'></a>110</span><a name='chXIV' id='chXIV'></a>CHAPTER XIV.—JIMMY DECIDES.</h2> +<p> +“Somebody’s coming, Dad.” +</p> +<p> +It was Shirley who spoke. Mr. Willing looked +up from his morning paper and turned his eyes +toward the distant pike. Between the fields of tall +hemp, a quarter of a mile away, a solitary horseman +was approaching. +</p> +<p> +“Can’t make him out from here,” said Mr. Willing, +shading his eyes. “I wonder who he is?” +</p> +<p> +“You’ll know soon enough, Dad,” laughed Shirley. +“What’s the use of wondering?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, set out a box of cigars,” said Mr. Willing, +“and make a pitcher of lemonade. He’ll be thirsty +after his ride.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley went towards the pantry, and returned +with the lemonade just as the rider dismounted. +After a glance she started back in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Jones,” she exclaimed. +</p> +<p> +For the rider was indeed Mr. Jones, the man +whom Shirley had travelled to Cincinnati to see. +</p> +<p> +Shirley ran around the house to where Mabel and +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_111'></a>111</span> +young Wolfe were swinging in the hammock, in +the shade of a giant elm. +</p> +<p> +“Jones is here,” she cried breathlessly, “what shall +we do?” +</p> +<p> +“There is nothing to worry about,” said Wolfe. +“He will try no foolishness here, I’m sure.” +</p> +<p> +“It’s not that I am afraid of,” returned Shirley, +“but if he should talk to Jimmy he is likely to find +out that he has been fooled.” +</p> +<p> +“We must prevent their meeting,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“But how?” demanded Shirley, in excited tones. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll see what can be done,” said Wolfe. +</p> +<p> +He arose and went quickly to the stable, where +he engaged Jimmy in conversation. Jimmy should +not leave his sight until Jones had taken his departure, +Wolfe said to himself. +</p> +<p> +Meantime Mr. Willing and Jones were holding a +friendly conversation on the front porch. Shirley +and Mabel strolled into the parlor, where, through +the open window, they could hear all that was being +said. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, sir,” said Jones, “it is regarded as a forgone +conclusion that Gabriel will win the Derby. +I’m backing him myself. Jupiter is the only other +entry that has a chance.” +</p> +<p> +“I’m glad to hear you say that,” returned Mr. +Willing. “I am counting on Gabriel winning. If +he loses—well, I don’t mind telling you, it will +hurt.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_112'></a>112</span> +</p> +<p> +“I suppose you are backing him strong?” +</p> +<p> +“No,” said Mr. Willing, “I’m not. To tell the +truth, I am through betting.” +</p> +<p> +“Through betting?” asked Jones, in greatest surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, I have promised my daughter.” +</p> +<p> +“I see,” said Jones, and changed the subject. “I +wonder if I could get a look at Gabriel?” +</p> +<p> +“Why, certainly. I’ll have some one call Jimmy, +and he will show you the horse.” +</p> +<p> +“Thanks,” said Jones, and sat back to wait. +</p> +<p> +In response to the message delivered to an old +negro, Jimmy came to the house. He started a +little at sight of Jones, but recovered quickly. Wolfe +followed him. +</p> +<p> +“Jimmy,” said Mr. Willing, “Mr. Jones would +like to have a look at the winner of the coming +Derby. Take him to Gabriel.” +</p> +<p> +“Yes, sir,” said Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +He walked away, Jones following him. Wolfe +would have accompanied him, but Mr. Willing +hailed him. +</p> +<p> +“Young man,” he said, “I wish you would walk +up to the pike and see if there is any mail in the +box. I am expecting an important letter.” +</p> +<p> +Wolfe was at a loss what to do. To leave Jimmy +and Jones alone might work mischief, but Mr. +Willing was not a man who could be put off. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_113'></a>113</span> +</p> +<p> +“There’s no hope for it,” said Wolfe to himself, +and set off toward the pike. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel had overheard the conversation. +</p> +<p> +“Come,” said the former, “we must at least find +out what Jones says to Jimmy.” +</p> +<p> +They left the house silently, and as silently followed +the two to the stable. They managed to +crawl into the stall next to Gabriel’s without being +discovered. +</p> +<p> +“Well, how is everything?” asked Jones. +</p> +<p> +“All right, sir,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +“How’s Gabriel, in condition?” +</p> +<p> +“Perfectly fit, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“Good; and do you think you can ‘pull’ him without +causing talk? It must be neatly done, you know, +for should the judges suspect anything they will +disqualify the winner.” +</p> +<p> +“What do you mean?” +</p> +<p> +“Just what I say. Surely you haven’t forgotten +our conversation in Cincinnati?” +</p> +<p> +“Cincinnati?” and Jimmy’s blank look showed +surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Yes; the little talk we had about letting Jupiter +win.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know what you are talking about,” protested +Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +Jones stepped back and looked at Jimmy sternly. +</p> +<p> +“What are you trying to do, make a fool of +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_114'></a>114</span> +me?” he asked. “I suppose you’ll tell me in a minute +you didn’t see me in Cincinnati.” +</p> +<p> +“I didn’t,” replied Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +Jones gave a long and expressive whistle. +</p> +<p> +“I see,” he said. “Your conscience has troubled +you, eh? You are going back on your bargain.” +</p> +<p> +“I made no bargain with you,” said Jimmy angrily. +</p> +<p> +“You didn’t? I suppose you didn’t write me to +meet you in Cincinnati? And I suppose that while +there you didn’t accept an offer of $500 to pull Gabriel +in the Derby?” +</p> +<p> +“I did not.” +</p> +<p> +Jones took a step forward and laid an angry hand +on Jimmy’s shoulder. +</p> +<p> +“Don’t you lie to me, you little shrimp,” he +snarled. “You have made the bargain, and you’ll +live up to it or I’ll know the reason why.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy jerked away angrily. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know what you are talking about,” he +exclaimed. “I made no bargain with you. I never +saw you but once before. Now you had better get +out of this stable or I shall call Mr. Willing and +tell him all I know about you.” +</p> +<p> +Jones tried to temporize. He could not disbelieve +the evidence of his own eyes, and he naturally +concluded that Jimmy was feigning ignorance for a +purpose. +</p> +<p> +“I see,” he exclaimed. “You are a shrewd little +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_115'></a>115</span> +chap. Holding out for more money, eh? Well, I’ll +tell you what I’ll do. I’ll make it $750. What do +you say to that, eh? See that Gabriel loses the race +and I’ll give you $750. Come, what do you say?” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy hesitated. +</p> +<p> +“That’s a whole lot of money,” persisted Jones. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy brought his hands together suddenly. +</p> +<p> +“Not for a million!” he declared stoutly. +</p> +<p> +Again Jones became angry and, stretching forth +a strong hand suddenly, took Jimmy by the shoulder +and shook him. +</p> +<p> +“You little whipper-snapper!” he said. “What do +you mean by trifling with me like that? I’ll show +you.” +</p> +<p> +He drew back a huge fist, and in another second +would have sent it crashing into Jimmy’s face. +</p> +<p> +But, at that, Shirley sprang from the stall. Her +eyes flashed, and anger crimsoned her cheeks. In +her hand she carried a short whip she had picked +up in the stall. +</p> +<p> +She rushed upon Jones. +</p> +<p> +“You great big coward!” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Jones, startled, turned just in time to catch the +whip across his face. Shirley swung it with all her +strength. Jones clapped his hands to his face and +uttered a moan of pain. +</p> +<p> +Then he turned slowly and, as he removed his +hand, a huge welt showed where the whip had found +its mark. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_116'></a>116</span> +</p> +<p> +“You shall answer for that blow,” he said through +his teeth. “You and your father both. I’ll break +him, if it takes every cent I have.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley eyed him scornfully. +</p> +<p> +“Leave here at once,” she commanded, “or I shall +tell my father and he will have the niggers drive +you off the place.” +</p> +<p> +Jones took a sudden step toward her. Shirley +leaped back and again raised the whip. +</p> +<p> +“One step nearer,” she said quietly, “and I’ll use +the whip again.” +</p> +<p> +She drew herself up, and, extending a hand +toward the door, cried: +</p> +<p> +“Go!” +</p> +<p> +With an evil smile on his lips, Jones bowed to +her scornfully, and backed through the door. Then +Shirley dropped the whip, and walked over to Jimmy, +who was sitting upon the floor, his face in his +hands. +</p> +<p> +“Never mind, Jimmy,” she said. “It was a great +temptation and you are noble to refuse it.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy raised his head. +</p> +<p> +“Then it was you whom Jones saw in Cincinnati?” +he asked. +</p> +<p> +Shirley nodded. +</p> +<p> +“I knew it,” replied Jimmy. “When he was so +persistent, I knew that he was not lying. Now I +understand. Then you must have overheard our +first conversation?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_117'></a>117</span> +</p> +<p> +“Yes, I did.” +</p> +<p> +“And why didn’t you tell your father?” +</p> +<p> +“Because,” said Shirley slowly, “I knew that I +could save you from yourself. I was sure that +you would not fail me, no matter how great the +temptation; but I knew father would not believe +that, if he once learned you had even considered +the offer.” +</p> +<p> +“Miss Shirley,” said Jimmy brokenly, “I can +never thank you enough. Never will I be tempted +again. Never!” +</p> +<p> +“I am sure of it,” replied Shirley, “and for that +reason I shall say nothing about it to Dad.” +</p> +<p> +“You will find in the future that I am to be trusted,” +said Jimmy simply. +</p> +<p> +“I am sure of it, Jimmy,” Shirley answered +quietly. +</p> +<p> +She held out her hand to him. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_118'></a>118</span><a name='chXV' id='chXV'></a>CHAPTER XV.—DANGEROUS DAYS.</h2> +<p> +“Jimmy,” said Shirley after supper that evening, +calling the boy to one side, “do you think there is +any danger of any one tampering with Gabriel?” +</p> +<p> +“I hadn’t thought of that, Miss Shirley,” replied +Jimmy in some surprise. “What made you think of +such a thing?” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know,” returned Shirley. “I just happened +to think of it.” +</p> +<p> +“It’s certain,” said Mabel, who came up at that +moment, “that Jones and his friends will take every +means in their power to keep Gabriel from winning +the race.” +</p> +<p> +“That’s just my idea,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Then, in the future,” said Jimmy, “I shall sleep +in the stable.” +</p> +<p> +“But what good will that do?” asked Mabel. +“You are nothing but a boy. You would be no +match for them.” +</p> +<p> +“He shall have my revolver,” suggested Shirley. +She turned to Jimmy. “Can you use it?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_119'></a>119</span> +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” replied the lad. +</p> +<p> +“Good; then I shall get it for you at once.” +</p> +<p> +She left them, and, returning a few moments +later, placed the weapon in Jimmy’s hands. +</p> +<p> +“You will sleep in the stable to-night?” she asked. +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” replied Jimmy. “Jones has not returned +to Louisville, and I believe he might come back +here in the middle of the night.” +</p> +<p> +“So do I,” agreed Shirley. +</p> +<p> +A clock in the house struck eight. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll go to my room and get a few things, and +then return to the stable,” said Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +Coming downstairs, he bade the girls good-night +and went away to his unusual quarters. +</p> +<p> +He went straight to Gabriel’s stall. +</p> +<p> +“I’m going to stay with you to-night, old fellow,” +he said, patting the horse’s head. +</p> +<p> +He climbed up into the loft and threw down an +extra quantity of hay, which he strewed about the +far corner of the stall. On this he spread a blanket +he had brought with him from the house. Then +he extinguished his lantern, and lay down. +</p> +<p> +He did not know how long he had been sleeping +when he was awakened by the sound of the +stall door rattling. Jimmy was a light sleeper. He +sat up quickly and groped for the revolver he had +placed beside him. With the weapon in his hand +he felt more secure. +</p> +<p> +Again the door rattled. Jimmy sat perfectly still. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_120'></a>120</span> +Then there came the sound of low voices outside. +</p> +<p> +Gabriel, awakened at this hour of the night, +whinnied uneasily. Jimmy rose, and slowly and +quietly made his way to the animal’s side, judging +his position by the horse’s breathing. +</p> +<p> +He laid a hand upon the animal’s back, and +Gabriel grew still. +</p> +<p> +Again the door rattled. +</p> +<p> +“Sounds like they were trying to find the lock,” +muttered Jimmy beneath his breath. +</p> +<p> +Still he made no sound. +</p> +<p> +At first he had thought of lighting his lantern, +but second thought had shown him the utter foolishness +of such action. It might frighten away the +men on the outside, or else it would make him an +easy target should they be bent upon serious mischief. +</p> +<p> +“They’ll get the door open in a minute,” the boy +muttered to himself, and he determined to be ready +for them. +</p> +<p> +There was a click, and Jimmy knew that the intruders +had succeeded in forcing the lock. A moment +later the top of the stall door swung inward. +</p> +<p> +The light from a lantern flashed into Jimmy’s +face, and he saw a hand stretched forth to open the +catch of the bottom door. He saw two faces, one +of which he recognized as that of Jones. The +other man he had never seen before. +</p> +<p> +Without stopping to think, Jimmy raised his revolver +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_121'></a>121</span> +and fired, even as Jones, having caught sight +of the lad, uttered an exclamation of dismay. +</p> +<p> +A groan followed the shot and then Jimmy heard +Jones cry: +</p> +<p> +“Quick, Dick! He is armed. Put out the light!” +</p> +<p> +A moment more and complete darkness enveloped +the stable. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy dropped to the ground, keeping as close to +the wall as he could, for he did not want to get +in the way of Gabriel’s hoofs. Frightened by the +shot, Gabriel was rearing and plunging about. +Several times his forefeet came down close to +Jimmy’s head, but fortunately the lad was untouched. +</p> +<p> +Then, as Gabriel became more quiet, Jimmy again +heard a hand fumbling at the catch, and caught a +muttered voice: +</p> +<p> +“If we can get in we’ll soon settle him!” +</p> +<p> +Quickly the lad raised the revolver and fired +twice. There came a howl of anguish, and a voice +cried: +</p> +<p> +“I’m hit.” +</p> +<p> +And then in Jones’ voice: +</p> +<p> +“Some one is coming! Run!” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy heard the two men racing toward the +stable door. +</p> +<p> +Taking care to avoid Gabriel’s hoofs, the lad +leaped to the door and in a moment was on the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_122'></a>122</span> +outside. He paused, however, to shut and lock +the door of the stall. +</p> +<p> +As he reached the other door, he saw two dark +figures spring into the saddles of waiting horses +and go galloping toward the pike. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy sent another shot after them, and turned +as he felt a hand upon his arm. +</p> +<p> +“Here, here, what is the meaning of this?” came +Mr. Willing’s voice. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy turned to face his employer. +</p> +<p> +“Two men just tried to get into Gabriel’s stall,” +he replied. +</p> +<p> +“What!” exclaimed Mr. Willing, starting back +in great surprise. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy repeated his statement. +</p> +<p> +“It’s true, sir,” he added. “I frightened them +away before they could do any damage, and I think +I hit one of them.” +</p> +<p> +“Did you recognize them?” +</p> +<p> +“One of them,” was the lad’s reply. +</p> +<p> +“Who was he?” +</p> +<p> +“Mr. Jones, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“You mean the man who was here to see me to-day?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“Come to the house with me,” said Mr. Willing +sternly. “There is more to this matter than appears +on the surface. How did you happen to be +sleeping in the stable?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_123'></a>123</span> +</p> +<p> +“It was Miss Shirley, sir, who first thought that +Gabriel might come to harm.” +</p> +<p> +“And what does she know about this matter?” +</p> +<p> +“She knows all about it, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“I’ll wake her now and find out,” declared Mr. +Willing. +</p> +<p> +But there was no need to call Shirley, nor Mabel, +either, for that matter. Both girls had heard the +sound of the shots, and had immediately arisen +from bed and begun to dress. Mabel’s father also +had been aroused and now came from the house +with them. As Jimmy and Mr. Willing approached, +Mr. Ashton called out: +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter, Willing?” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing explained in a few quick sentences. +Then he turned to his daughter. +</p> +<p> +“Come to my room,” he said. “I want to ask +you some questions.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley, Mabel, and Mr. Ashton followed Mr. +Willing and Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +“Now, Shirley,” said Mr. Willing, sternly, “tell +me all that you know about this matter.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley hesitated, but knew well it was useless. +So, starting with the first conversation she had +overheard between Jones and Jimmy, she told it +all. At the conclusion of her story, Mr. Willing +turned a grave look upon Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +“So you thought of selling me out, eh?” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy hung his head but made no reply. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_124'></a>124</span> +</p> +<p> +“Daddy,” interrupted Shirley, “he did no such +thing. He was just tempted; that’s all.” +</p> +<p> +“That he should even listen to the voice of the +tempter is enough for me,” said Mr. Willing. +“Smith, you may pack your clothes and leave the +first thing in the morning.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy bowed his head, and started to leave the +room. +</p> +<p> +But Shirley ran across the room and stopped +him. Standing between him and the door through +which he would have left, she turned flashing eyes +upon her father. +</p> +<p> +“Shame upon you,” she said, pointing an accusing +finger at him. “But for Jimmy, there is no +telling what might have happened to Gabriel this +night. You know as well as I do that Jimmy is +perfectly honest. You shan’t drive him away.” +</p> +<p> +“This is my business,” said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“And it is mine, too, when I see you doing an +injustice,” replied Shirley. “You would be terribly +sorry in the morning, and I don’t want you to +have any such regrets.” +</p> +<p> +“Thank you, Miss Shirley,” said Jimmy quietly, +“but it is best that I go.” +</p> +<p> +He moved toward the door. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing’s manner underwent a sudden +change. He turned sharply to Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +“Didn’t you just hear my daughter tell you to +stay?” he demanded. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_125'></a>125</span> +</p> +<p> +“Why—why——” began Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +“Don’t stand there and stutter at me,” said Mr. +Willing. “My daughter’s wishes must be obeyed. +What do you mean by trying to run away?” +</p> +<p> +In spite of herself, Shirley was forced to smile. +Mr. Willing noticed this smile, and his face grew +red. He turned again to Jimmy, held out his hand, +and with an effort that was apparent, said: +</p> +<p> +“Jimmy, I beg your pardon. I should have +known better. And forgive my last outburst, too. +If you know how hard it is for me to admit that +I was wrong——” +</p> +<p> +Shirley cut short the rest of the apology by +throwing her arms tightly about her father’s neck. +</p> +<p> +“You are just the best Daddy in the world,” +she said, and gave him a resounding kiss. “I knew +you didn’t mean it.” +</p> +<p> +“I wouldn’t lose Jimmy for the world,” said Mr. +Willing. +</p> +<p> +At this moment a voice was heard in the hall. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter?” came Leonard Wolfe’s +voice. “I thought I heard a shot.” +</p> +<p> +“The shot,” said Shirley, trying not to smile, +“was fired half an hour ago. You must have +been some distance away if it took this long for +the sound of it to reach you.” +</p> +<p> +Wolfe’s face grew scarlet. +</p> +<p> +“I——” he began, but Shirley interrupted him. +</p> +<p> +“It amounts to nothing,” she said. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_126'></a>126</span><a name='chXVI' id='chXVI'></a>CHAPTER XVI.—MORE TROUBLES FOR JIMMY.</h2> +<p> +Jimmy returned to the stable and the rest went +to bed. The night passed without further incident. +</p> +<p> +“Jimmy,” said Mr. Willing the following morning, +“I want you to go to town and buy a new +strong lock, one that cannot be opened from the +outside. We will take no further chances with +Jones and his crowd.” +</p> +<p> +“Very well, sir,” replied the boy, and a half hour +later started on his way, riding one of the horses. +</p> +<p> +The lock purchased, Jimmy, in an unfrequented +part of town, was just preparing to mount for +his homeward journey, when a rude hand was +suddenly laid on his shoulder. Jimmy turned about +quickly and looked into the smiling face of Jones. +</p> +<p> +“You listen to me, son,” said Jones. “We +haven’t been able to get together so far, but I still +think I can make it worth your while to do what +I ask.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t want anything to do with you,” replied +Jimmy. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_127'></a>127</span> +</p> +<p> +“Come, now,” said Jones, “don’t be stubborn. +Come with me to where we can talk without fear +of being overheard.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy hesitated. +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps I can learn something,” he told himself. +Aloud he said: “All right.” +</p> +<p> +Jones smiled and led the way down the street. +He turned in the door of what appeared to be a +small hotel, and walked up the steps, Jimmy following. +</p> +<p> +Jones went into a little room, and drew two +chairs up to the table that stood in the center. +</p> +<p> +“Now we can get down to business,” he said. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy sat down, and at that moment the door +opened again and a newcomer appeared upon the +scene. He was young, but large and apparently +very strong. He took a seat at the table without +a word. Then Jimmy noticed for the first time +that his hand was tightly bandaged. +</p> +<p> +“This, Dick,” said Jones to the newcomer and +indicating Jimmy, “is the youngster who put the bullet +through your hand.” +</p> +<p> +Dick jumped up. +</p> +<p> +“Is that so,” he cried. “Then I have a score +to settle with him.” +</p> +<p> +He advanced toward Jimmy, but Jones stopped +him. +</p> +<p> +“Not now,” he said; “at any rate, not if he will +do my bidding.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_128'></a>128</span> +</p> +<p> +Dick sat down again. +</p> +<p> +“Now,” said Jones to Jimmy, “I am going to +give you one last chance to do as I have asked. I +am willing yet to pay the stipulated amount. However, +in case you refuse, I might as well tell you +that I shall use other means. Gabriel must not +win the Derby. In offering you the chance I have, +I am simply taking the easiest way. If you refuse +or I think you will play me false, I shall take other +steps. What do you say?” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy got slowly to his feet. +</p> +<p> +“What other means could you use?” he said. +</p> +<p> +“Plenty,” was the reply. “I might dope the horse, +or shoot him in the leg, or I might even burn the +stable.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy shuddered. +</p> +<p> +“You wouldn’t do that,” he said. +</p> +<p> +“Wouldn’t I?” exclaimed Jones. “Don’t try me. +I will go the limit to make sure that Gabriel doesn’t +win. Now, what is your answer?” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy drew himself up. +</p> +<p> +“The same as it was yesterday,” he said quietly. +“You can’t buy me.” +</p> +<p> +“I can’t, eh?” exclaimed Jones, springing to his +feet. “Let me ask you something. Suppose you +should disappear; who would ride Gabriel in the +Derby?” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy was frightened. +</p> +<p> +“Why, I don’t know,” he replied. “Nobody but +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_129'></a>129</span> +me can ride Gabriel. But why do you ask that?” +</p> +<p> +“Because,” said Jones slowly, “you are about to +disappear.” +</p> +<p> +“Disappear?” repeated Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +“Exactly. I am going to keep you out of sight +until after the race.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy had surmised what Jones meant at the +other’s first words, but he had feigned ignorance, +playing for time. He had been edging closer and +closer toward the door. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly he darted toward it and laid his hand +on the knob. Jones and his companion were after +him with a shout. Unfortunately for Jimmy, the +door opened inward, and he was forced to step back +to let it swing wide. This caused his undoing. +</p> +<p> +“You would, would you,” exclaimed the villain, +as he drew Jimmy forcibly back into the room. +“Take that, and that, then, and see if it will teach +you I am not to be trifled with.” +</p> +<p> +He cuffed Jimmy’s ears soundly. Then he hurled +the boy into a chair. +</p> +<p> +“You sit there until I tell you to get up,” he said +angrily, “or I’ll give you a little more.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy realized that for the time being escape was +impossible, and he sat back in his chair, determined +to make the best of a bad situation. He said nothing. +</p> +<p> +“What are you going to do with him, sir?” asked +the youth called Dick. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_130'></a>130</span> +</p> +<p> +“Keep him safe until after the race,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +“But you can’t keep him here all that time.” +</p> +<p> +“That’s so. I’ll have to find some place for him.” +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Dick, “I know where you can put +him.” +</p> +<p> +“Good; where is it?” +</p> +<p> +“I have an old uncle who lives down the creek. +He has a little house down there, and for a small +sum he’ll do almost anything.” +</p> +<p> +“And you think he’ll keep this kid quiet until after +the big race?” +</p> +<p> +“Sure.” +</p> +<p> +“Then you go and fix it up with him. Tell him +it will mean $50 to him.” +</p> +<p> +Dick left the room, and Jones turned to Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +“You see now what a fool you are,” he exclaimed. +“You might just as well have the money if you +had brains. Now you won’t get a cent.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t want it,” replied Jimmy quietly, “and if +you think you can hold me a prisoner till after the +race you are mistaken.” +</p> +<p> +“Is that so?” sneered Jones. “And how do you +figure you are going to get away?” +</p> +<p> +“That is my business,” said Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +Jones laughed aloud. He got up from his chair +and went toward the door. +</p> +<p> +“I’m going out for a few minutes,” he said, “and +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_131'></a>131</span> +I am going to lock you in. You can yell all you +please. No one will pay any attention to you.” +</p> +<p> +He went through the door, and Jimmy heard the +key turn in the lock on the outside. No sooner had +the man gone than Jimmy walked quickly toward +a little window in the back of the room and looked +out. Then he shook his head gloomily. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly he was struck with an idea. He drew +a piece of paper and a pencil from his pocket, and +seating himself at the table wrote rapidly. Then +again he approached the window. +</p> +<p> +A few minutes later a small boy passed along +the street below. Jimmy whistled sharply, and the +boy looked up. Jimmy gesticulated violently, and +the lad below stopped. +</p> +<p> +Quickly Jimmy drew out his pocket knife, and a +silver quarter—all the money he had—and these he +wrapped in the paper upon which he had written, +and dropped them through the window. +</p> +<p> +They fell almost at the boy’s feet. The latter +stooped and picked them up. He glanced at the +address Jimmy had written, then looked up and +nodded. He pocketed the knife and the quarter +and then hurried away. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy breathed a sigh of relief, and sank into a +chair. He was still there when Jones returned. +</p> +<p> +“Decided to make the best of your lot, eh?” said +Jones, noticing that, apparently, the lad had given +up. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_132'></a>132</span> +</p> +<p> +“I guess I’ll have to,” was Jimmy’s reply. +</p> +<p> +“I’m glad you are that sensible. I don’t want +to use force unless it is necessary.” +</p> +<p> +Now Jimmy bethought himself it would be a good +plan to temporize with his captor. +</p> +<p> +“Look here, Jones,” he said, not deigning to use +the prefix, “Mr.,” “I have been thinking. Why +can’t we get together on this thing?” +</p> +<p> +Jones laughed amusedly. +</p> +<p> +“So you are going to try that on me,” he said. +“It’s too late now, son, and I am too old a bird +to be caught like that. Think you can fool me, eh, +and then go back and tell Willing all about it. No. +You had your chance and you refused; and to tell +the truth, I am glad of it. I will be money ahead.” +</p> +<p> +Half an hour later Dick returned. +</p> +<p> +“What luck?” asked Jones. +</p> +<p> +“The best,” was Dick’s reply. “My uncle said he +would be glad to keep him. And he’ll guard him +carefully, never fear.” +</p> +<p> +“That is settled then. Now how about getting +him there?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I would say that the thing to do is to get +a closed carriage. It’s still light, you know, and if +he made a break we might have trouble, for some +one would be sure to see us.” +</p> +<p> +“A good plan. Better go now and get a carriage.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_133'></a>133</span> +</p> +<p> +Dick again turned toward the door. Jones called +after him. +</p> +<p> +“And do the driving yourself.” +</p> +<p> +Fifteen minutes later Dick returned and announced +that the carriage was at the door. Jones +turned to Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +“Now,” he said harshly, “I want you to understand +that I will stand no nonsense. Make a false +move when you go out the door, or utter a sound, +and I’ll hit you over the head with this,” and he +displayed an evil-looking cane. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy made no reply, and went through the door +between Jones and his companion. +</p> +<p> +At first Jimmy had thought of flight, but the +nearness of his captors made this impossible. He +took his seat without a word, and soon was being +driven away. +</p> +<p> +Before a small frame house, at the far end of +town, upon the very brink of the creek, Dick pulled +up, and Jones and Jimmy alighted. As they approached +the house, an old man came to meet them. +</p> +<p> +“And is this the boy I am to guard?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +“It is,” replied Jones. +</p> +<p> +“Well, I’ll guard him,” was the reply, and the old +man bared his ugly teeth in a snarl. +</p> +<p> +He took Jimmy by the coat collar, and twisted it +until the boy gasped. +</p> +<p> +“Get in the house there, you!” he commanded. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_134'></a>134</span> +</p> +<p> +Jimmy obeyed. Jones climbed back into the carriage +and was soon being driven away. The old +man followed Jimmy closely, snarling at every step. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_135'></a>135</span><a name='chXVII' id='chXVII'></a>CHAPTER XVII.—THE LONG SEARCH.</h2> +<p> +“I wonder what is detaining Jimmy?” +</p> +<p> +It was Mr. Willing who spoke. Mr. Willing, +Mr. Ashton, young Wolfe, Shirley and Mabel were +still seated at the supper table. +</p> +<p> +“I can’t understand why he wasn’t back hours +ago,” declared Mr. Willing. “That’s the trouble +with boys, you can’t depend on them. He has probably +stopped to play somewhere.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t believe Jimmy would do that,” said +Shirley. “Besides, he knows that he will have to +guard Gabriel to-night.” +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps,” said Mr. Ashton, “that is the reason +he is in no hurry to return. The chances are he has +had enough of that job, after his experience last +night.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t believe Jimmy is that kind of a boy, father,” +said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Nor I,” spoke up young Wolfe. “He strikes +me as a brave and true lad. Perhaps something +has happened to him.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_136'></a>136</span> +</p> +<p> +“And what could have happened to him?” demanded +Mr. Willing. “He knows the way home, +and if he couldn’t get here, certainly he should have +sense enough to telephone.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know what to think,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +It was Mabel who finally guessed the answer to +the mystery. +</p> +<p> +“Maybe Mr. Jones has waylaid him,” she suggested. +</p> +<p> +Shirley sprang to her feet. +</p> +<p> +“My gracious!” she exclaimed. “Why didn’t we +think of that before? Of course, that is what’s the +matter. What shall we do?” +</p> +<p> +“Be quiet, Shirley,” said her father. “In the +first place, we do not know that that is the reason. +And in the second place, even if we did there is +nothing we could do to-night. And perhaps Mabel’s +theory is all wrong. Jimmy is likely to come strolling +in any time.” +</p> +<p> +“I believe Mabel is right,” said Leonard. “From +what I have heard this man Jones would stop at +nothing. As Jimmy is not here, I’ll volunteer to +sleep in the stable to-night.” +</p> +<p> +“But I cannot permit that,” said Mr. Willing. +“You are my guest. I——” +</p> +<p> +“Nevertheless,” Leonard interrupted, “I am going +to sleep there. The chances are that the conspirators +will not be active again to-night, but it is +always best to be prepared.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_137'></a>137</span> +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Mr. Willing, “I won’t say no if you +insist. I’m sure that I shall rest easier, for if anything +should happen that Gabriel could not run in +the Derby——” +</p> +<p> +He broke off. “Thank you,” he added. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Mr. Ashton, later in the evening, +as they still waited for some word from Jimmy, +“there is no use sitting up all night. We might +as well turn in, so we can get busy early in the +morning.” +</p> +<p> +This suggestion was acted upon at once. Young +Wolfe, with a lantern, made his way to the stable, +where he took up his vigil just outside Gabriel’s +stall, for the animal would not allow him to enter. +The others went to bed. +</p> +<p> +The night passed peacefully, and all were up +bright and early in the morning. +</p> +<p> +“I am going to town immediately and see if I +can learn anything,” said Shirley at the breakfast +table. +</p> +<p> +“You’ll stay right here,” said Mr. Willing decidedly. +“I’ll do the looking myself.” +</p> +<p> +“I’ll go too,” said Leonard. +</p> +<p> +“Then why can’t we go?” asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Mr. Willing, “I have no objection +to your going with Leonard, because he can keep +you out of mischief. I am going to start immediately. +You can follow as soon you are ready. +I’ll meet you at Wilson’s drug store at noon.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_138'></a>138</span> +</p> +<p> +He arose and ordered his horse saddled at once, +and before half an hour had passed he was well +started on his journey. +</p> +<p> +It was fully an hour later before the others were +ready to start in the large touring car, and by that +time Mr. Willing was already in town. +</p> +<p> +Just as the girls were stepping into the car the +distant yard gate opened, and the figure of a little +boy came into sight. +</p> +<p> +Mabel was the first to catch sight of him. +</p> +<p> +“Who is that?” she asked. “At first I thought +it was Jimmy.” +</p> +<p> +“We’ll wait and see what he wants,” Shirley decided. +</p> +<p> +The youngster came up to them a few moments +later. +</p> +<p> +“What is it, little boy?” asked Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“I got a note for Mr. Willing,” came the reply. +</p> +<p> +“Who from?” +</p> +<p> +“I dunno. A fellow threw it out the winder to +me.” +</p> +<p> +“A message from Jimmy,” exclaimed Shirley, as +she jumped from the car. “Give it to me,” she +commanded. +</p> +<p> +But the boy held back. +</p> +<p> +“It’s for Mr. Willing,” he protested. +</p> +<p> +“I am Mr. Willing’s daughter,” said Shirley. +“Come, give me the note.” +</p> +<p> +She took it from his hand, and opened it eagerly. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_139'></a>139</span> +</p> +<p> +“Who’s it from, Shirley?” asked Mabel. “Is it +from Jimmy?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” replied Shirley quietly. “Listen.” She +read: +</p> +<p> +“Held prisoner by Jones. Am going to be taken +to some house on creek and guarded till after race. +Don’t know where. +</p> +<p> +“<span class='sc'>JIMMY</span>.” +</p> +<p> +“I knew it,” said Mabel. “I was sure Jimmy +was in trouble of some kind.” +</p> +<p> +“But how are we to find the house?” asked Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know,” replied Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll have to tackle them all, that’s all there is +about that,” said Leonard decidedly. “And the +sooner we start the better, if you ask me.” +</p> +<p> +“Let’s hurry, then,” said Shirley anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“Wait a moment,” said Mabel. “Are you going +to let the little boy walk back to town?” +</p> +<p> +“Of course not,” replied Shirley. “But I was +so excited I forgot all about him. Jump in, little +boy.” +</p> +<p> +The boy needed no second bidding, and soon the +machine was speeding toward the pike. +</p> +<p> +“Can you take us to the place where the note was +dropped?” asked Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Yes’m,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +True to his word, the little fellow directed the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_140'></a>140</span> +car to the exact spot where he had picked up the +note. +</p> +<p> +“You wait here,” said young Wolfe, alighting, +“and I’ll run up and interview this fellow Jones, if +he’s in.” +</p> +<p> +“I’ll go too,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“So will I,” declared Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Young Wolfe hesitated. +</p> +<p> +“You know what your father said.” +</p> +<p> +“Never mind,” said Shirley. “Surely there is +no danger.” +</p> +<p> +The two girls followed Leonard into the place. +Leonard knocked on several doors before he received +an answer, but an old woman finally directed +him to the room occupied by Jones and Dick. +</p> +<p> +Leonard rapped loudly on the door. A moment +later the door swung inward, and Jones poked his +head out. +</p> +<p> +“What do you want?” he demanded. +</p> +<p> +“I want to see you,” said Leonard briefly, and +put his weight against the door, as Jones tried to +close it. +</p> +<p> +“You can’t come in here,” Jones protested. +</p> +<p> +“But I’m already in, my friend,” said Leonard. +</p> +<p> +“Who are you?” asked Jones. +</p> +<p> +“Why,” said Leonard, “my name is Wolfe, and +I am a friend of these young ladies here,” he added, +as the two girls appeared through the door. +</p> +<p> +Jones took a step back, surprise in his face. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_141'></a>141</span> +</p> +<p> +“Well, what do you want?” he demanded. +</p> +<p> +“We want to know what you have done with +Jimmy,” declared Shirley, approaching closer and +clenching her little fists. +</p> +<p> +“Jimmy?” repeated Jones, trying to look unconcerned. +“And who is Jimmy, pray?” +</p> +<p> +“You know who Jimmy is,” flared Mabel. “Tell +us where he is.” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, you mean Mr. Willing’s stable boy?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“How should I know?” asked Jones, throwing +wide his arms in a gesture of ignorance. +</p> +<p> +Young Wolfe stepped close to Jones. +</p> +<p> +“There is no use pretending ignorance,” he said +quietly. “Show him the note, Shirley.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley drew the note from her handbag and +passed it to Jones, who read it carefully. Then the +latter looked up and smiled. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t blame you for suspecting me, in view +of this note,” he said with a smile, “but just the +same I shall have to deny the implication. The boy +is fooling you. I know nothing of his whereabouts.” +</p> +<p> +“That,” said Leonard calmly, “is a lie.” +</p> +<p> +Jones took a threatening step forward, but Leonard +did not give an inch. +</p> +<p> +“A liar, am I?” said Jones. “I’ll show you.” +</p> +<p> +His arm came up from his side, and he aimed a +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_142'></a>142</span> +terrific blow at Leonard’s head. But quick as he +was Leonard was quicker. +</p> +<p> +With a movement he avoided the blow, and stepping +forward seized Jones’ arm before the latter +could recover himself. He twisted it quickly and +sharply, and Jones stepped back with a cry of pain. +</p> +<p> +“None of that,” said Leonard sternly. “Now, +will you tell us where Jimmy is or not?” +</p> +<p> +“I have told you I don’t know,” said Jones. +</p> +<p> +With a sudden wrench he freed his arm and +darted through the door before Leonard could make +a move to stop him. +</p> +<p> +“After him quick,” said Shirley. “He’ll get +away.” +</p> +<p> +Leonard and the two girls darted through the +door and down the steps after the fleeing man, but +when they reached the sidewalk Jones had disappeared. +</p> +<p> +“We’ve lost him,” she cried. +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” said Mabel, “and he’ll hurry to the place +where Jimmy is being held, and take him some +place else. It was a mistake to show him that note, +for he is aware we know that Jimmy is confined +some place on the creek.” +</p> +<p> +“Then the best thing to do,” said Leonard, “is +to get down by the creek. We may be fortunate +enough to hit the right direction.” +</p> +<p> +“Let’s go at once then,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Quickly the three clambered into the car, and +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_143'></a>143</span> +Shirley, who was driving, started it off with a +lurch. +</p> +<p> +“Let’s hope we shall not be too late,” she cried +over her shoulder, as the car, setting speed regulations +at naught, gathered headway. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_144'></a>144</span><a name='chXVIII' id='chXVIII'></a>CHAPTER XVIII.—ON THE TRAIL.</h2> +<p> +The little town of Paris stretches out for a considerable +distance along Stoner Creek, and for this +reason Shirley realized that the chances of picking +the locality where Jimmy was held prisoner were +slim. Nevertheless, there was always the chance +that they might be fortunate enough to find the +place. +</p> +<p> +The car rushed down Main Street, and turned to +the right just off the bridge. It was Shirley’s plan +to get to the extreme edge of the town and then +come back along the creek slowly. They had made +good time, and it was hardly probable that Jones +could have reached the creek before them. +</p> +<p> +They reached the northern extremity of the town +without a sight of Jones, and then turning the car +about, Shirley drove south slowly. Several times +the girl stopped to ask questions of pedestrians, +but the result was always the same. No one seemed +to know Jones, and none knew of any house containing +a prisoner. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_145'></a>145</span> +</p> +<p> +Finally Leonard called upon Shirley to stop. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll get out and do a little inquiring at some of +the houses along here,” he said. +</p> +<p> +He alighted. At the first house he approached he +gained no information, nor at the second nor at the +third. At the fourth, however, he came upon a +clue. +</p> +<p> +“Somebody told me,” said the woman who answered +his knock, “that a closed carriage drove +up to old Briggs’ house yesterday and that three +men were in it. One went into the house with +Briggs, and the others drove away.” +</p> +<p> +“Did you hear what he looked like?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, he was young. That’s all I know.” +</p> +<p> +“And where does this man Briggs live?” +</p> +<p> +“About eight blocks south, in a little shanty. I +know his nephew from Cincinnati has been staying +with him. Anybody down there can tell you where +Briggs lives.” +</p> +<p> +Leonard thanked the woman and returned to the +waiting automobile. He told the girls what he had +learned, and Shirley drove the car in the direction +of Briggs’ home. +</p> +<p> +“Better stop a block away,” said Leonard. +</p> +<p> +Shirley did so, and again Leonard climbed out. +Through inquiry he learned which was Briggs’ house +and hastened to it. An old man answered his +knock. +</p> +<p> +“Are you Mr. Briggs?” asked Leonard. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_146'></a>146</span> +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” was the reply. “What do you want?” +</p> +<p> +There was something in the man’s manner that +convinced Leonard he was on the right track. He +determined to try a bold shot. +</p> +<p> +“I want to see your prisoner,” he said sternly. +</p> +<p> +“Prisoner,” echoed the old man, taking a step +backward. “What prisoner?” +</p> +<p> +“The boy you are holding for Jones.” +</p> +<p> +The old man recovered himself. +</p> +<p> +“I haven’t any prisoner,” he said. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, yes you have,” said Leonard, “and I want +him right now. Understand?” +</p> +<p> +The old man looked at him with an evil leer. +</p> +<p> +“Get out of here,” he shouted, and gave Leonard +an unexpected push. +</p> +<p> +Leonard, taken unaware, stumbled back, and at +the same moment the old man stepped inside the +house, and closed and locked the door. +</p> +<p> +Leonard sprang forward again and laid hold of +the knob. Then he put his weight against the door, +but it would not budge. He walked back to where +the girls waited for him. +</p> +<p> +“He’s in there, all right,” he said grimly. “But I +can’t get in.” +</p> +<p> +“Can’t you break down the door?” asked Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I might,” said Leonard, “but if I did I probably +would be shot for my pains. You can’t force your +way into a man’s house, you know.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_147'></a>147</span> +</p> +<p> +“Then what are we to do?” exclaimed Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Call the police,” said Leonard grimly. “They’ll +go in, all right, whether they have a right to do so +or not.” +</p> +<p> +“Let’s hurry then,” said Shirley anxiously. +“There is no telling what may happen to Jimmy +unless we make haste.” +</p> +<p> +Leonard climbed back into the machine. +</p> +<p> +“To the police station at once,” he said. +</p> +<p> +Just as the machine started off, Shirley’s attention +was attracted by a man who darted suddenly +across the street and into the rear of the house +Leonard had just left. +</p> +<p> +“Jones!” she exclaimed. +</p> +<p> +Leonard and Mabel also had seen the hurrying +figure. +</p> +<p> +“That’s who it is, all right,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“There is no doubt about it,” declared Leonard. +“We’ll round them all up together.” +</p> +<p> +At the police station Leonard explained the situation +in a few words. Two men were detailed +to go with them and investigate. All climbed into +the machine, and in a few moments were back before +Briggs’ home. +</p> +<p> +Leonard and the two girls approached the door +with the two policemen. One of the officers rapped +loudly upon the door with his club. There was no +answer, and the policeman rapped again. Still +there was no answer. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_148'></a>148</span> +</p> +<p> +“Open up, Briggs, or we shall break the door +down,” called one of the officers. +</p> +<p> +Again no answer. +</p> +<p> +“Kick her in, Bill,” said the first officer. +</p> +<p> +He suited the action to the word, and there was +a resounding crash as his boot struck the door a +hard blow. The second officer also delivered several +heavy kicks. +</p> +<p> +There was the sound of splintering wood, and in +a few moments the door gave way, shattered. The +officers rushed in with poised clubs, and Leonard +and the two girls followed them closely. +</p> +<p> +Straight through the house they went, but their +quest was vain. There was no one there. +</p> +<p> +Leonard, glancing up, spied what appeared to be +an attic. +</p> +<p> +“Give me a hand up,” he called to one of the two +policemen. +</p> +<p> +The latter obeyed and Leonard scrambled up +above. +</p> +<p> +“Be careful,” whispered Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Leonard struck a match and looked around. +There was no one there. +</p> +<p> +“Nobody home,” he said, after he had dropped +down again. +</p> +<p> +“Where did they go?” demanded Shirley anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“My gracious!” exclaimed Mabel. “Why didn’t +we think of it before?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_149'></a>149</span> +</p> +<p> +“Think of what?” asked Shirley quickly. +</p> +<p> +“Why, the creek. They have probably escaped +in a launch.” +</p> +<p> +Without pausing to reply, Shirley turned and +darted from the house toward the creek, the others +following closely. Several rowboats lay idly by, +and in one of them, fishing, were two men. +</p> +<p> +“Did you see anything of Briggs?” demanded +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, Miss,” said one of the men. “He, and +three others, just left in a launch. Is anything the +matter?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” said one of the officers. “They are a +bunch of crooks, and have kidnapped a boy.” +</p> +<p> +“You don’t say,” exclaimed one of the fishermen. +“Do you want to catch ’em?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” said Shirley eagerly, “but how can we?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, I have a launch about a hundred yards +from here,” said the man. “She is all ready to +move, and can outrun anything on the creek.” +</p> +<p> +As he spoke, he came ashore and started along +the bank at a run. Shirley, Mabel, Leonard and +the two officers followed close at his heels. +</p> +<p> +Another moment, and they came upon a large, +powerful launch moored to a landing. +</p> +<p> +“Climb in,” said the man. +</p> +<p> +The others needed no second invitation. Shirley, +with the two officers, took their places in the bow +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_150'></a>150</span> +of the little craft, while Mabel and Leonard were +forced to remain further aft. +</p> +<p> +The fisherman pushed the launch off, and +scrambled aboard. Then he turned quickly to the +engine, and a faint sputtering a few moments later +gave evidence that the launch was ready for the +chase. +</p> +<p> +Gradually the little craft gathered headway, until +she seemed to be flying through the water. Through +scores of rowboats and other small boats, she +wormed her way at terrific speed, and at last, far +ahead, the pursuers could make out the form of a +second launch, also chugging along at full speed. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll get ’em,” said the fisherman confidently. +“The <em>Sybil</em> can outrun anything on the creek.” +</p> +<p> +“The <em>Sybil</em>, a pretty name for a launch,” Shirley +thought, excited as she was. +</p> +<p> +She kept her eyes ahead, and soon it became evident +that the pursuers were gaining. They were +now far beyond the town, and one of the officers +spoke. +</p> +<p> +“To tell the truth, we really have no authority out +of the city, but we’ll take a hand just the same. +Might makes right, you know.” +</p> +<p> +“We are likely to need you,” said Leonard. +</p> +<p> +Now the <em>Sybil</em> had gained sufficiently for those +aboard to make out the faces of those in the pursued +craft. It was as they had expected. The occupants of +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_151'></a>151</span> +the first boat were Jones, Briggs, Jimmy +and another young man, whom none recognized. +</p> +<p> +“Guess that is Briggs’ nephew from Cincinnati,” +said Leonard, remembering the conversation he +had had with the woman who told him of Briggs’ +prisoner. +</p> +<p> +Shirley glanced at the young man in the other +boat curiously. +</p> +<p> +“I seem to have seen him some place before,” she +said. “I can’t place him, though.” +</p> +<p> +Suddenly Jones was seen to rise up in the other +boat, and Leonard, divining his intention, cried +out in a loud voice: +</p> +<p> +“Look out! Duck!” +</p> +<p> +In spite of their surprise, all obeyed. +</p> +<p> +From the first boat there came a puff of smoke, +followed by a sharp crack. Something whined over +the <em>Sybil</em>. +</p> +<p> +“They are shooting at us,” said Leonard calmly. +“You girls keep down in the boat.” +</p> +<p> +“Two can play at that game,” said one of the +officers. +</p> +<p> +He drew his own revolver, and brought it to +bear. But before he could fire, Shirley sprang to +her feet and seized his arm. +</p> +<p> +“Careful,” she said, “you are likely to hit +Jimmy.” +</p> +<p> +The officer lowered his weapon. +</p> +<p> +At the same moment Jones fired again. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_152'></a>152</span> +</p> +<p> +Leonard clapped his right hand to his left shoulder. +</p> +<p> +Shirley noticed this move. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter?” she asked anxiously. “Are +you hit?” +</p> +<p> +“Just a scratch, I guess,” replied Leonard quietly. +“We’ll make them pay for that.” +</p> +<p> +“We will,” agreed Shirley through clenched +teeth. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_153'></a>153</span><a name='chXIX' id='chXIX'></a>CHAPTER XIX.—DEFEAT.</h2> +<p> +“Look out! He’s going to shoot again,” cried +one of the officers. “Down, quick!” +</p> +<p> +Jones was standing aft in the launch and had +levelled his revolver in deliberate aim. But before +he could pull the trigger, there was an unexpected +move in the boat. +</p> +<p> +The third member of the party of conspirators—the +young man whose face was so strangely +familiar to Shirley—suddenly sprang to his feet, +and before Jones could realize his intention, had +wrested the revolver from his hand with a quick +move. Jones turned upon him angrily, and they +grappled. +</p> +<p> +For several moments they swayed unsteadily in +the boat, causing it to rock violently; and then +Jones, putting forth a strenuous effort, sent his +opponent hurling overboard and by another and +more strenuous effort, succeeded in regaining his +own balance just as it seemed that he, too, must +tumble into the water. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_154'></a>154</span> +</p> +<p> +“Slow down!” cried Shirley to the fisherman. +“We must pick him up.” +</p> +<p> +The owner of the boat complied, and steered the +craft to where the unfortunate youth’s head showed +above the water at that moment. Leonard stretched +forth his unwounded arm, and succeeded in dragging +the victim aboard, where he sank to the bottom +of the boat panting. +</p> +<p> +Shirley took one look at the bedraggled youth, +and then exclaimed aloud: +</p> +<p> +“Dick!” +</p> +<p> +Their erstwhile opponent looked at her in surprise. +It was plain that he did not recognize her. +</p> +<p> +“Don’t you know me?” asked Shirley, half laughing. +</p> +<p> +“No,” returned the youth somewhat sullenly. +</p> +<p> +“Then I’ll refresh your memory,” said Shirley. +“Do you remember a street fight in Cincinnati one +night not long ago, when your own friends turned +on you because you befriended a strange youth, who +later turned out to be a girl?” +</p> +<p> +Dick’s face took on a reddish hue. +</p> +<p> +“And do you remember escorting the girl home?” +continued Shirley, “and disappearing before she had +an opportunity of thanking you? Do you remember +me now?” +</p> +<p> +Dick hung his head sheepishly. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, I remember,” he said. +</p> +<p> +“And how is it,” demanded Shirley, “that I find +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_155'></a>155</span> +you mixed up in this affair? How do you happen +to be on such friendly terms with that scoundrel +Jones?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, it’s a long story,” returned Dick in some +confusion. +</p> +<p> +“I didn’t think it of you, Dick,” said Shirley. +“You proved such a valiant champion, that I believed +I should always find you fighting on the +side of the right.” +</p> +<p> +“And so you shall,” responded Dick, lifting his +head, “if you have further need of me. I didn’t +really know who Jones was when I got mixed up +with him. And had I known he was plotting +against you I would have had nothing to do with +the affair. I am ready to help you, if you can +make use of me.” +</p> +<p> +“I knew I couldn’t be wrong,” said the girl with +a bright smile, “and I am glad to have you on our +side. Perhaps you can tell me why Jones has +kidnapped Jimmy?” +</p> +<p> +“He is planning to keep him from riding in the +Derby. He says that without Jimmy, Gabriel cannot +possibly win.” +</p> +<p> +“I see,” said Shirley. “It’s just as I thought. +And where is he taking him now?” +</p> +<p> +“I do not know,” was the reply. “He has some +safe place in view, though.” +</p> +<p> +While the <em>Sybil</em> paused to pick up Dick, the other +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_156'></a>156</span> +launch forged ahead, and now had disappeared +from view around a bend in the creek. +</p> +<p> +Shirley turned to the owner of the boat. +</p> +<p> +“Can we catch them?” she asked anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“Just leave it to me,” returned the man grimly. +“If they stay in the water we’ll come up with them +before long.” +</p> +<p> +Rounding the bend they again came in sight of +the other launch, and as they did so Shirley uttered +a cry of dismay. +</p> +<p> +Close into the shore the pursued launch rode +gently upon the water. Her engines had been +stopped, and she had been deserted. There was +not a soul aboard. +</p> +<p> +“Where do you suppose they have gone?” demanded +Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“They have taken to the woods,” replied Shirley, +“and the chances are we have lost them altogether.” +</p> +<p> +Jenkins, for as such the owner of the <em>Sybil</em> introduced +himself, ran his launch close beside the other, +and all stepped quickly ashore. In the soft mud, +footsteps leading toward the woods nearby were +plainly visible, showing that the fugitives had gone +in that direction. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll follow them, if you give the word, Miss +Willing,” said Dick. +</p> +<p> +“And Mabel and I will go too,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Dick looked at young Wolfe somewhat dubiously. +</p> +<p> +“It is hardly girls’ work,” he replied. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_157'></a>157</span> +</p> +<p> +“Right you are,” agreed Leonard. “You girls +stay here by the boat.” +</p> +<p> +“But we want to go,” Mabel pouted. “We are +more interested in this than any of you.” +</p> +<p> +“The young men are right,” said Jenkins firmly. +“Jones must be a desperate man. You girls are +safer here.” +</p> +<p> +“We do not wish to be obstinate,” said Shirley. +“We know that you are doing this for us, and if +you tell us to stay here, we shall do so, of course.” +</p> +<p> +Jenkins and the two young men breathed a sigh +of relief, as did the two policemen. +</p> +<p> +“You wait here until we return then,” said Leonard. +“Come on, men.” +</p> +<p> +The five disappeared in the woods, leaving the +two girls beside the boat alone. +</p> +<p> +“I hope they get them,” said Shirley grimly. +</p> +<p> +“So do I,” agreed Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“I am glad Dick is with us,” said Shirley slowly. +“Somehow I have a lot of confidence in him. You +know I have seen him in action and know what he +can do.” +</p> +<p> +“He is a likeable boy,” declared Mabel. “It’s too +bad he has mixed with such bad companions.” +</p> +<p> +“I am going to see if I can’t get father to help +him,” said Shirley. “Maybe he would be willing to +work on the farm.” +</p> +<p> +“From the way he looked at you,” said Mabel, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_158'></a>158</span> +“I should say that he would be glad to work any +place where you might be.” +</p> +<p> +“The idea, Mabel,” said Shirley, but nevertheless +her face grew red. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly both girls were startled by a stealthy +tread behind them. They wheeled about, and looked +into the sneering countenance of Jones. +</p> +<p> +And beside him was Briggs, and between the two, +his hands bound and a gag in his mouth, was +Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +“So,” said Jones, with an evil smile, “we have +captured two more of the enemy, eh?” +</p> +<p> +Neither girl replied. +</p> +<p> +Jones motioned toward the launch. +</p> +<p> +“Climb aboard, there, quick!” he commanded. +</p> +<p> +Both girls hesitated. +</p> +<p> +“You hear me?” demanded Jones, taking a step +forward. “I am not to be trifled with. Move +now!” +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel thought better of their hesitancy, +and without a word climbed aboard the <em>Sybil</em>. +Jimmy was shoved aboard after them, and then came +Jones. Briggs stopped to shove the boat off and +then clambered aboard. +</p> +<p> +“Straight down the creek,” ordered Jones, as +Briggs stooped over the engine. +</p> +<p> +The launch moved off slowly. +</p> +<p> +“You see we gave your friends the slip,” smiled +Jones. “Now we’ll just leave them behind.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_159'></a>159</span> +</p> +<p> +“What are you going to do with us?” demanded +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Never mind,” returned her captor. “You’ll find +out soon enough.” +</p> +<p> +At that moment there came a shout from the +shore, and turning, the girls saw their friends rushing +down toward the water. Jones muttered to +himself. +</p> +<p> +“Why couldn’t we have had a little better start?” +</p> +<p> +Shirley rose in her seat and waved to her friends. +</p> +<p> +“Sit down there,” said Jones harshly, half rising. +</p> +<p> +Shirley obeyed, for she knew that she had been +seen, and felt certain of speedy relief. +</p> +<p> +Ashore, the five were hurriedly piling into the +other boat, the one occupied by Jones when the +chase had started, and soon it was coming after +them. But the <em>Sybil</em> was much faster, as already +had been proven, and it seemed that there was little +likelihood of the pursuers catching up with them. +</p> +<p> +The <em>Sybil</em> gained rapidly and it was plain she +would soon run away from the pursuer. +</p> +<p> +Jones, sitting a few feet from Shirley, drew a +pipe from his pocket, and filled it calmly. +</p> +<p> +“I hope you young ladies do not object,” he said, +and struck a match. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly Shirley jumped to her feet and rushed +at Jones, thinking to catch him unprepared and +push him into the water. But Jones was too quick +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_160'></a>160</span> +for her. He stood up, stepped aside, and it seemed +a miracle that Shirley did not go overboard. +</p> +<p> +Jones smiled. +</p> +<p> +“I wouldn’t try it again if I were you,” he said +quietly. “I am not to be caught napping.” +</p> +<p> +He sat down again, and Shirley resumed her +seat. +</p> +<p> +Now the <em>Sybil</em> lost sight of her pursuer around +a bend in the stream. From this point on the +creek wound about more frequently, and it was +plain to Shirley that the pursuers were hopelessly +outdistanced. +</p> +<p> +Then Jones spoke to Briggs. +</p> +<p> +“Run ashore,” he commanded. +</p> +<p> +Briggs obeyed without a word, and a few moments +later, they all stepped out upon the bank. +</p> +<p> +“Come,” said Jones, “let’s get out of sight before +our friends arrive.” +</p> +<p> +He motioned the two girls to precede him along +what they found to be a narrow path. +</p> +<p> +“Briggs,” said Jones, “you go back and start the +launch down the creek by itself. Then they won’t +know where we are.” +</p> +<p> +Briggs hastened to obey, and a moment later the +<em>Sybil</em> was moving out of sight around another bend. +</p> +<p> +“They won’t find us now,” said Jones. +</p> +<p> +Taking advantage of a moment when Jones was +not looking, Mabel quietly hung her white handkerchief +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_161'></a>161</span> +upon a bush. It was in plain view of the +creek. +</p> +<p> +Shirley saw her friend’s action, but dared not +show she had, by even the slightest change of expression. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_162'></a>162</span><a name='chXX' id='chXX'></a>CHAPTER XX.—APPARENT VICTORY.</h2> +<p> +Meanwhile, where was the second launch and +crew? Even going at full speed, it was plainly +evident to all on board that there was little prospect +of overtaking the <em>Sybil</em>. +</p> +<p> +When the party had returned to the bank of the +stream after an unsuccessful search of the little +woods, it had not needed the wave of Shirley’s hand +from the <em>Sybil</em> to tell them what had happened. +It was Dick who spoke first. +</p> +<p> +“They have doubled back on their tracks and +captured the girls and the launch,” he exclaimed +when he noticed Shirley and Mabel were nowhere +to be seen. +</p> +<p> +The others cried out in alarm. In the distance +they could see the launch speeding down the stream. +It was at that moment Shirley rose and waved to +them. Leonard’s keen eyes caught the signal, and +he cried out: +</p> +<p> +“Into the other launch quick and after them!” +</p> +<p> +Hastily jumping aboard, the second launch was +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_163'></a>163</span> +put into motion and they gave chase at full speed. +</p> +<p> +But the <em>Sybil</em> gained steadily. +</p> +<p> +“It’s no use,” said Jenkins. “We can’t catch +them. As I told you, the <em>Sybil</em> can outrun anything +in these parts.” +</p> +<p> +“We’ll keep after them anyhow,” said Dick. +“You never can tell what will happen. They may +meet with an accident.” +</p> +<p> +And so the five continued their apparently hopeless +pursuit. An hour later, Leonard, who stood in +the extreme bow of the launch, straining his eyes +ahead, exclaimed aloud. The others looked at him +eagerly, and he pointed straight ahead. +</p> +<p> +“There’s the <em>Sybil</em>,” he cried. “She’s run ashore. +They must have landed.” +</p> +<p> +A few minutes later the launch ran up alongside +the <em>Sybil</em> and all jumped out. +</p> +<p> +“If we only knew which way they went,” said +Leonard. +</p> +<p> +Dick had been looking at the ground carefully. +In the soft mud there was not a single footprint. +Dick looked at the engine of the <em>Sybil</em>. It was still +running. +</p> +<p> +“They didn’t land here,” he said quietly. +</p> +<p> +“What?” exclaimed Leonard. +</p> +<p> +“I say, they didn’t land here.” +</p> +<p> +“How do you make that out?” +</p> +<p> +“Well, if they had landed here there would certainly +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_164'></a>164</span> +be footprints. They couldn’t have walked +through this soft mud without leaving tracks.” +</p> +<p> +“The lad is right,” murmured Jenkins. +</p> +<p> +“Then how do you account for the launch being +here?” asked one of the policemen. +</p> +<p> +“Easily,” said Dick. “They started the engine +and let her go. See, the engine is still running, +and if she had not been caught in this bunch of +weeds she would still be going down stream.” +</p> +<p> +“You are right,” Leonard agreed. “And there +is no telling how far back they deserted her. What +shall we do?” +</p> +<p> +“First,” said Jenkins, “we’ll reoccupy the <em>Sybil</em> +and leave the other launch here.” +</p> +<p> +“After which,” said Dick, “we’ll turn back, and +go slowly, keeping as close to shore as possible. +We may be able to find where they landed.” +</p> +<p> +This plan was adopted. Jenkins turned the +<em>Sybil’s</em> head upstream once more, and they started +off slowly, keeping close in-shore. +</p> +<p> +For half an hour they moved along, and then +Dick’s keen eyes caught sight of a piece of white +fluttering from a bush fifty feet ahead. He looked +at it steadily for a few moments, and then gave a +start. +</p> +<p> +“Run in here,” he commanded Jenkins. +</p> +<p> +The latter did as he was told. Dick leaped +lightly ashore and approached the fluttering piece +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_165'></a>165</span> +of white, which he now saw was a handkerchief. +He picked it up and returned to the boat. +</p> +<p> +“Do you recognize this?” he asked, passing it +to Leonard. +</p> +<p> +Leonard glanced at it carefully. In one corner +were two small initials. +</p> +<p> +“M.A.,” he read. “Mabel Ashton,” he exclaimed. +“How do you suppose that got there?” +</p> +<p> +“It’s plain enough,” said Dick simply. “She +dropped it there in the hopes that we might find it, +and so learn where they had landed.” +</p> +<p> +“Then,” said Leonard, “there should be footprints.” +</p> +<p> +“Not here,” said Dick. “You will notice that the +ground is very rocky. Evidently that is the reason +Jones selected this spot to land.” +</p> +<p> +“By Jove!” said Leonard. +</p> +<p> +Dick spoke again. “They must have gone this +way. We might as well get out and look around a +bit.” +</p> +<p> +Accordingly all stepped ashore. +</p> +<p> +“Now,” said Dick, “I would suggest that we all +spread out, keeping about a hundred yards apart, +and go straight ahead.” +</p> +<p> +Leonard, who had been scrutinizing the ground +carefully, uttered an exclamation. The others hurried +to him. +</p> +<p> +“A path!” exclaimed Leonard. “They probably +went this way.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_166'></a>166</span> +</p> +<p> +“We’ll see where the path leads at any rate,” +said Dick. “Nevertheless I suggest that we spread +out just the same. They may not have stuck to +the path.” +</p> +<p> +This plan was acted upon, and the five spread +on either side of the path. Leonard took the path, +while on his right were the two officers, each a +hundred yards apart, and on his left Jenkins and +Dick, also the same distance apart. +</p> +<p> +They started forward. +</p> +<p> +For half an hour they walked on, and gradually +the woods became more dense, making progress difficult. +Suddenly it began to grow dark. +</p> +<p> +Leonard glanced at his watch. +</p> +<p> +“Great Scott!” he exclaimed. “It’s after six. +I had no idea it was so late.” +</p> +<p> +He gave a shrill whistle, a prearranged signal, +and the others came toward him. +</p> +<p> +“We must try and do something before dark,” +he explained. “We don’t want to stay here all +night, and we can’t give up the chase until we +have found the girls.” +</p> +<p> +“We shall have to go more swiftly, then,” said +Dick. “Back to your places, men.” +</p> +<p> +All spread out again, and the advance continued. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly Leonard spied something white in the +path ahead of him. He stooped and picked it up. +It was a second handkerchief. Leonard looked for +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_167'></a>167</span> +some mark of identification. In a corner he found +the initials “S.W.” +</p> +<p> +“We are on the right track,” he muttered to himself. +</p> +<p> +And then he stopped still. +</p> +<p> +Two shrill whistles split the air. +</p> +<p> +A moment more and the others gathered around +him. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter?” they asked. +</p> +<p> +Dick, the last to appear, came up at that moment. +</p> +<p> +“I’ve found them,” he whispered. +</p> +<p> +“Where?” demanded the others. +</p> +<p> +“There is a little shack a short distance ahead,” +Dick explained. “I could see smoke coming from +the chimney. I feel sure that Jones, thinking he +has given us the slip, has ordered a halt.” +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Leonard, “what are we going to do +about it? We can’t stand here all night.” +</p> +<p> +“The thing to do,” said Jenkins, “is to surround +the place, and then close in on them. There are +only two of them.” +</p> +<p> +“You’ll find there will only be one when it comes +to a fight,” said Dick grimly. “My uncle Briggs +won’t take a hand.” +</p> +<p> +“So much the better,” said Leonard. “Then we +have only Jones to contend with.” +</p> +<p> +“Right,” said Dick, “and Jones is for me to +handle.” +</p> +<p> +Leonard looked at him peculiarly. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_168'></a>168</span> +</p> +<p> +“Oh, all right,” he said. “If that’s the way you +feel about it I won’t interfere unless you have +need of me.” +</p> +<p> +“I won’t have any need of you,” was the reply. +“But come, let’s get busy.” +</p> +<p> +It was quite dark now, but the stars already +twinkled and there was promise of bright moonlight. +The five made their way forward stealthily. +</p> +<p> +Ten minutes later they came within sight of the +shanty, and they stopped for a moment. Suddenly +Dick pointed straight ahead. +</p> +<p> +“Look,” he whispered. +</p> +<p> +The others gazed in the direction he pointed. +There, lying upon the ground, they recognized the +figures of Jones, Briggs and Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +“Guess they have let the girls sleep in the house,” +said Leonard. “Now is a good time to advance. +The men are asleep.” +</p> +<p> +Cautiously they advanced again, and then, when +they were perhaps twenty yards from the sleepers, +Jones suddenly sat up and looked around. +</p> +<p> +His eyes fell upon the cautiously-approaching figures, +and he jumped to his feet with an exclamation +of dismay, and turned to run. But Dick was +too quick for him. +</p> +<p> +Dashing forward at top speed, he hurled himself +forward and caught Jones by the legs. Jones came +to the ground with a crash. +</p> +<p> +He was up in a moment, however, and grappling +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_169'></a>169</span> +with his assailant. But this time Dick was prepared +for him, and with solid ground under his +feet, he was more than a match for the older man. +</p> +<p> +Backward and forward, backward and forward +they swayed, each trying to gain a hold by which +he might throw the other. And Dick got his first. +</p> +<p> +Exerting his utmost strength, he heaved as hard +as he could, and Jones, large though he was, went +crashing to the ground, where he lay still. +</p> +<p> +In falling his head had come in contact with a +sharp stone, and he was temporarily stunned. +</p> +<p> +In the meantime, the others had subdued Briggs, +and then had stopped to watch the struggle between +Jones and Dick. That over, Leonard stooped and +unbound and ungagged Jimmy, and then turned +toward the shanty. +</p> +<p> +“Might as well let the girls out,” he said. +</p> +<p> +He knocked upon the door. There was no response +and he knocked again. Still no response. +</p> +<p> +Leonard burst the door in with a single kick of +his foot and stepped over the threshold. Then he +started back in amazement and uttered a low cry. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter?” demanded Dick, approaching +and peering over his shoulder. +</p> +<p> +“Matter!” repeated Leonard. “Matter enough! +The girls are not here!” +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_170'></a>170</span><a name='chXXI' id='chXXI'></a>CHAPTER XXI.—AN UNPLEASANT SITUATION.</h2> +<p> +Dick pushed by Leonard and entered the shanty. +It was true. There was no sign of either Shirley +or Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“What on earth can have happened to them?” +asked Leonard anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“I haven’t the slightest idea,” returned Dick. +“We’ll ask Jones.” +</p> +<p> +They stepped outside again. +</p> +<p> +Upon Leonard’s first cry of surprise, Jenkins and +the two policemen had moved toward the house, +and for the moment Jones had been left unguarded. +The prisoner was not slow to take advantage of +his opportunity and no sooner had his captors’ +backs been turned than he took to his heels and +soon disappeared in the darkness. +</p> +<p> +Consequently, when Leonard and Dick came from +the shanty there was no Jones to be found. +</p> +<p> +Dick turned upon Jenkins and the officers angrily. +</p> +<p> +“You are a fine bunch, you are,” he said with +withering scorn. “A nice lot of guards I must say. +Jones has gone.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_171'></a>171</span> +</p> +<p> +The three looked from one to the other sheepishly, +and Jenkins opened his mouth to speak. +</p> +<p> +“Never mind,” said Dick. “There is no use talking +about it now. The first thing is to find the +girls.” +</p> +<p> +“And where are we to look for them?” demanded +Leonard. +</p> +<p> +Dick shrugged his shoulders. +</p> +<p> +“You know as much about it as I do,” he replied. +</p> +<p> +“Then,” said Leonard, “I suggest that we go first +to the launch, to make sure that it is all right. +Jones is likely to steal it again.” +</p> +<p> +“I guess you are right,” said Dick. “Come on.” +</p> +<p> +He stooped for a moment to lift up Jimmy Smith, +who still sat on the ground. The latter arose slowly +and stretched his cramped limbs. +</p> +<p> +“My, but it feels good to be loose again,” he +said. +</p> +<p> +He followed the others toward the creek. +</p> +<p> +The party made rapid progress for they did not +wish Jones to get there ahead of them. But their +fear was unnecessary, for Jones, once out of sight, +had sat down, feeling safe in the darkness. +</p> +<p> +A short time after, the party of searchers arrived +at the bank of the little stream. +</p> +<p> +“Great Scott! where’s the launch?” exclaimed +Leonard. +</p> +<p> +The others also uttered exclamations of astonishment. +There was no sign of the <em>Sybil</em>. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_172'></a>172</span> +</p> +<p> +“Jones must have arrived ahead of us,” said +Jenkins. +</p> +<p> +Dick was struck with a sudden idea. He uttered +a low chuckle. The others turned upon him, and +one of the officers said: +</p> +<p> +“This is no laughing matter. What’s so funny, +anyhow?” +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Dick, “I believe I have solved the +disappearance of the <em>Sybil</em>. I am sure that it was +not Jones who took it, and Uncle Briggs is still +where we left him, so it could not have been him.” +</p> +<p> +“Then who was it?” demanded Leonard. +</p> +<p> +“The two young ladies,” replied Dick. +</p> +<p> +The others gazed at him in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“What do you mean?” asked Jenkins. +</p> +<p> +“Just what I say. In some manner they succeeded +in escaping from the shanty before we arrived. +Then they must have made their way back +here, and finding the launch, appropriated it for +their own use. You must remember that Jones, +not we, came here in the <em>Sybil</em>. The last the girls +saw of us we were in the other launch. It was impossible +for them to tell we had recaptured the +<em>Sybil</em>.” +</p> +<p> +“I believe you are right,” said Leonard. +</p> +<p> +“I’m sure of it,” replied Dick. +</p> +<p> +“Then what are we to do? We are marooned +here for the rest of the night.” +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Dick, “we might walk down stream. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_173'></a>173</span> +It’s possible we may be able to find the other launch, +which we abandoned.” +</p> +<p> +“There is no use staying here, that’s certain,” +agreed Leonard. “But the chances are we won’t +find it.” +</p> +<p> +“There is nothing like trying,” said Dick briefly. +“Come on.” +</p> +<p> +He led the way and the others followed. +</p> +<p> +Dick’s solution of the disappearance had been +correct. Left alone in the little shanty early in +the evening, the two girls had succeeded in forcing +the door. Peering out and seeing Jones and Briggs +fast asleep, they had decided to make a break for +liberty. +</p> +<p> +Accordingly they slipped quietly from their +prison and were soon lost in the darkness. They +made their way to the bank of the creek with little +difficulty, and there came upon the <em>Sybil</em>, tied up +to a tree. +</p> +<p> +“We are in luck,” said Mabel. “But how does +it come that the launch is here. This looks like +the place we landed, and I saw Briggs start the +boat down stream.” +</p> +<p> +“Then it can’t be the place we landed,” returned +Shirley. “We must be further down stream than +we thought.” +</p> +<p> +“But some one has tied the boat up,” protested +Shirley. “Who do you suppose it was?” +</p> +<p> +“I haven’t any idea; and I don’t see that it makes +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_174'></a>174</span> +any difference. We’ll get aboard and start upstream +immediately. Our absence is likely to be discovered, +and unless we hurry, we may be recaptured.” +</p> +<p> +“Let’s hurry then,” said Mabel. +</p> +<p> +She untied the launch while Shirley stepped +aboard and started the engine. Then giving the +boat a shove, Mabel leaped aboard. +</p> +<p> +The engine sputtered once or twice, and then +began to whirr regularly. The launch moved away +from the shore. +</p> +<p> +Under Shirley’s firm hand, it came about in a +wide circle and started upstream. Five minutes +later they were rounding a curve that hid the starting +point. +</p> +<p> +As the boat went round the bend, Mabel looking +back, thought she made out several figures standing +upon the bank. She told her discovery to Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I guess Jones has discovered that we have escaped,” +said Shirley. “However, we are safe +enough now.” +</p> +<p> +She increased the speed of the little craft, and it +rushed on through the dark and murky water, both +girls keeping a keen lookout ahead. +</p> +<p> +Neither had any idea how far they were from +Paris, for their course had been changed so often. +</p> +<p> +“We’ll just have to keep going until we get there,” +said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I expect your father will be terribly worried,” +said Mabel. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_175'></a>175</span> +</p> +<p> +“I know he will,” was the reply. “Poor Dad, +he will think I have fallen into the hands of the +conspirators. He probably has the whole town out +looking for us.” +</p> +<p> +“What do you suppose has happened to Leonard, +Dick and the others?” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know. They have probably gone further +down stream. It isn’t likely that they noticed +the <em>Sybil</em> so close to shore.” +</p> +<p> +For hours, it seemed to the two girls, they continued +their journey, and at last the first faint signs +of dawn appeared in the east. +</p> +<p> +“I am glad day is coming,” said Mabel. “We +can see where we are going.” +</p> +<p> +At that moment there came a faint sputtering +from the engine, and then it came to a dead stop. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter?” asked Mabel anxiously. +</p> +<p> +Shirley made a hasty examination. +</p> +<p> +“Fuel supply exhausted,” she said. “No more +gasoline.” +</p> +<p> +“My gracious!” ejaculated Mabel, in dismay. +“What shall we do?” +</p> +<p> +“We’ll have to wait until it’s a little lighter,” +replied her friend, “and then we’ll see if we can’t +paddle ashore. There is no telling how far we +may be from town, but I reckon we shall have to +walk it.” +</p> +<p> +“I suppose there is no help for it,” said Mabel. +“However, we are out of danger.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_176'></a>176</span> +</p> +<p> +The boat stood still in the middle of the stream +for perhaps half an hour, and then both became +conscious of a faint chugging far down the stream. +“Some one coming,” said Mabel, “maybe they will +give us a lift.” +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps it is Jones,” said Shirley uneasily. +</p> +<p> +“Dear me! I hope not!” sighed Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“So do I. We have had enough trouble for one +day.” +</p> +<p> +They continued to gaze down stream. +</p> +<p> +A few minutes later a second launch came into +view around the bend in the creek. The girls were +able to make out several figures. It was apparent, +also, that the men in the boat had seen them. +</p> +<p> +One stood up, and a faint hail came across the +water. +</p> +<p> +“It must be Jones,” said Mabel. “And he has +seen us, too. What shall we do?” +</p> +<p> +“We’ll try and get ashore,” said Shirley quietly. +</p> +<p> +In the far end of the boat she had seen a pair +of oars. She got these out hurriedly, and set to +work with a will. The <em>Sybil</em> moved shoreward, +slowly at first, and then more swiftly as Shirley +settled herself to her task. +</p> +<p> +Both girls kept close watch on their pursuers. +They could not make out the faces of its occupants—it +was still too dark—nor did they recognize the +voices that hailed them frequently. It was plain, +however, that the pursuing launch was gaining. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_177'></a>177</span> +</p> +<p> +“It must be Jones,” cried Shirley. “Be ready to +jump the minute we run aground, Mabel.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel signified that she understood, and gathering +up her skirts, she stood up in the prow of the +launch. +</p> +<p> +A moment later the little craft grounded with a +shock. Mabel leaped lightly ashore, and turned to +lend Shirley a hand. But this was unnecessary, for +the moment she realized the boat had struck bottom, +Shirley dropped the oars and also sprang +ashore. +</p> +<p> +Quickly she grasped her friend by the hand. +</p> +<p> +“Run!” she cried, and suited the action to the +word. +</p> +<p> +Swiftly the two girls sped over the uneven ground +toward shelter of a dense clump of trees not far +away. And they disappeared among these just as +the second launch grounded and several figures +leaped ashore. +</p> +<p> +The first of the pursuers caught a glimpse of the +two figures disappearing in the woods, and immediately +gave chase. The others followed him. +</p> +<p> +Hearing pursuing footsteps, the girls redoubled +their efforts and were soon, they believed, safe from +pursuit. They sat down quickly, to take a much-needed +rest. +</p> +<p> +There came the sound of footsteps crashing +through the underbrush. Shirley glanced about. +</p> +<p> +“Up in this tree, quick, Mabel,” she exclaimed +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_178'></a>178</span> +</p> +<p> +She lent her friend a hand, and a minute later +they were high up among the branches, where they +could peer down without being seen. And at that +moment a voice called out: +</p> +<p> +“Shirley! Mabel!” +</p> +<p> +“My gracious!” exclaimed Mabel. “It’s Leonard.” +</p> +<p> +The girls looked at each other somewhat sheepishly. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_179'></a>179</span><a name='chXXII' id='chXXII'></a>CHAPTER XXII.—SAFE.</h2> +<p> +“Shirley! Mabel!” came Leonard’s voice +again. +</p> +<p> +“Here we are, Leonard,” shouted Mabel. +</p> +<p> +There was a moment’s silence, and then the footsteps +came nearer and Leonard halted directly +under the tree in which the two girls clung. +</p> +<p> +“Where?” he shouted. +</p> +<p> +“Right up here,” replied Mabel, with a giggle. +</p> +<p> +This time Leonard placed the sound of Mabel’s +voice. He glanced up. Far above the ground he +could just make out what he knew must be the two +girls. +</p> +<p> +“Bless my soul!” he exclaimed. “What on earth +are you doing up there?” +</p> +<p> +“Trying to get away from Jones,” replied Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Well, you are safe enough now. Come down.” +</p> +<p> +“All right,” said both girls at once. +</p> +<p> +While Leonard turned back to hail the other +searchers, the two girls slipped from the tree. +Leonard seized the hand of each. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_180'></a>180</span> +</p> +<p> +“Oh!” he exclaimed, “you gave us an awful +scare. If it hadn’t been for Dick, there is no telling +when we might have found you.” +</p> +<p> +“What did Dick do?” asked Shirley eagerly. +</p> +<p> +“Why, he saved us a futile search in the woods. +He figured that it was you who had taken the <em>Sybil</em> +and it was upon his suggestion that we came up +stream again.” +</p> +<p> +“And did you capture Jones?” demanded Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Yes; but he got away again.” +</p> +<p> +“And Jimmy?” asked Shirley eagerly. “Is he +safe?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes. He’s around here some place looking for +you.” +</p> +<p> +“Then,” said Mabel, slowly, “it must have been +you we saw on the shore just as we escaped.” +</p> +<p> +“It must have been,” replied Leonard. “I +thought I saw a dark shape going up the creek, but +I wasn’t sure, so I said nothing about it.” +</p> +<p> +“And where did you get the other launch? We +saw nothing of it when we left.” +</p> +<p> +“We found it a mile down stream, about where +we left it when we recaptured the <em>Sybil</em>.” +</p> +<p> +“So that’s the way it was,” said Shirley, half to +herself. “Had we only met you after we escaped +we all would have been saved a lot of worry.” +</p> +<p> +“But why didn’t you stop when I hailed you in +the creek?” asked Leonard, fatigue and anxiety +beginning to tell on his nerves. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_181'></a>181</span> +</p> +<p> +“We thought it was Jones coming after us,” +Mabel explained. +</p> +<p> +“I see,” replied Leonard. +</p> +<p> +At that moment, Dick, Jimmy, Jenkins and the +policemen came running up. +</p> +<p> +“Well, I see you have found them,” said Jenkins. +</p> +<p> +He wiped beads of perspiration from his brow—for +he had been running. +</p> +<p> +“I’m glad of it. I must get home at once, or +my wife will have the entire police force on the +lookout for me.” +</p> +<p> +The others laughed. +</p> +<p> +“Well, that’s what I get for being married,” said +Jenkins. “But come, hustle back into the launch +and we’ll hurry back to town.” +</p> +<p> +“There is no gasoline in the <em>Sybil</em>,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Is that so?” said Jenkins. “Then I’ll have to +hitch her on behind and tow her home.” +</p> +<p> +This was done and the little party was soon +turned toward home. +</p> +<p> +They were closer to Paris than the girls had realized, +and half an hour later they came in sight of +the point from which they had started upon the +long chase the day before. +</p> +<p> +As the boat drew close to the little landing, a +woman with fiery red hair, her sleeves rolled up +and a frown on her face, came hurrying toward +them, and just as Jenkins leaped ashore and tied +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_182'></a>182</span> +the boat up, she seized him by the ear with her +right hand. +</p> +<p> +“Tom Jenkins,” she cried, “it’s about time you +were getting home. What do you mean by running +away from me and not coming back?” +</p> +<p> +“But, Martha,” protested Jenkins, his face turning +red in confusion, “I was only helping these +young people out. One of ’em had been kidnapped, +and——” +</p> +<p> +“And you had to go along and see the fun, I +suppose.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, not exactly,” said Mr. Jenkins. “I——” +</p> +<p> +“You come with me,” said Mrs. Jenkins decisively. +</p> +<p> +She gave Jenkins’ ear a sharp twist, and the latter +howled with pain. +</p> +<p> +“Ow! Leggo my ear!” he screamed. +</p> +<p> +He twitched about, and with effort freed himself +and stepped back. +</p> +<p> +“Let me explain,” he said to his wife. +</p> +<p> +“You can explain when you get to the house,” +said Mrs. Jenkins angrily. “If you ain’t there in +three minutes, I’ll be back after you.” +</p> +<p> +She strode majestically away. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Jenkins rubbed his ear and grinned ruefully. +</p> +<p> +“You see how it is,” he exclaimed. “A man +always gets the worst of it somehow when he gets +mixed up with somebody else’s business.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_183'></a>183</span> +</p> +<p> +“We certainly appreciate your aid, Mr. Jenkins,” +said Shirley, offering her hand, which Jenkins +grasped heartily. +</p> +<p> +The others also shook hands with him. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Mr. Jenkins, “you know I’m glad +to have been of—— All right, Martha, I’m coming!” +</p> +<p> +This last as the voice of his wife once more rang +out with the demand: +</p> +<p> +“Are you coming, Tom Jenkins? Or do I have +to come after you?” +</p> +<p> +He broke off suddenly and hastened toward the +house to meet his spouse, who was coming toward +him with rapid strides. +</p> +<p> +The girls laughed and the others joined them. +</p> +<p> +“Poor old Jenkins,” said Leonard. “I’ll bet he +has a tough time.” +</p> +<p> +“It looks that way,” said Dick, with a faint +smile. +</p> +<p> +He turned to Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Now that you are safe at last,” he said quietly, +“I guess I may as well be going. There is nothing +more for me to do.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley was startled. +</p> +<p> +“Surely you will wait and let my father thank +you?” she said. +</p> +<p> +Dick shook his head. +</p> +<p> +“It’s enough for me to know I have been of +service to you,” he said. “I want no thanks.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_184'></a>184</span> +</p> +<p> +“But,” protested Shirley, “where are you going?” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know exactly,” replied the boy. “Back +to Cincinnati, I guess.” +</p> +<p> +“Do your father and mother live there?” asked +the girl. +</p> +<p> +“I have no father and mother,” was the slow response. +</p> +<p> +“Forgive me,” said Shirley impulsively. “I +didn’t know. What are you planning to do?” +</p> +<p> +Again the lad shook his head. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know,” he said. “I guess I shall find +a job of some kind, though.” +</p> +<p> +“Surely you will not get mixed up with Jones +again?” asked Shirley anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“No,” replied Dick. “I am through with Jones +and his kind forever.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley breathed a sigh of relief. +</p> +<p> +“I am glad to hear that,” she said. “How would +you like to go home with us? I am sure Dad can +find something for you to do on the farm.” +</p> +<p> +“Thank you,” replied Dick. “I am sorry, but I +must decline.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley gave it up. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” she said, “you must decide for yourself. +But I do want to thank you for the aid you have +given us, and I shall always be glad to see you.” +</p> +<p> +Dick bowed. The others approached and shook +hands with him, and then he turned to go. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_185'></a>185</span> +</p> +<p> +“Come and see us when you can, or at least let +us hear from you,” Shirley called after him. +</p> +<p> +Dick turned and bowed once more. Shirley +waved her hand to him, and a moment later he +disappeared. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Leonard, “there is no use standing +here. Let us get home.” +</p> +<p> +They started up town. At Main Street the two +officers left them. +</p> +<p> +“1 guess we are due for a wigging from the +chief,” said one. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said the other. “It was worth it.” +</p> +<p> +Leonard, Jimmy and the two girls bade the officers +good-bye and made their way to Wilson’s +drug store. Mr. Wilson himself came running to +the door as they approached. +</p> +<p> +“Where have you been?” he demanded. “Your +father has been scouring the town for you. He is +almost frantic.” +</p> +<p> +“We have been rescuing Jimmy,” replied Shirley. +“Where is Dad now?” +</p> +<p> +“I guess he is at the police station.” +</p> +<p> +“Then he’ll be back in a few minutes,” said +Shirley. “The officers will tell him where we are.” +</p> +<p> +Her prophecy proved correct, and five minutes +later Mr. Willing dashed breathlessly into the store. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley,” he cried, and clasped his daughter in +his arms. +</p> +<p> +“You almost frightened your father to death,” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_186'></a>186</span> +he said, releasing her at last. “Where have you +been?” +</p> +<p> +“Didn’t the officers tell you?” demanded Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“They tried to tell me something,” was the reply, +“but I didn’t wait to hear them when I learned that +you were safe.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley related their adventures and Mr. Willing +listened attentively. +</p> +<p> +“I must put the police after this man Jones,” he +said, when Shirley had concluded. +</p> +<p> +“I wouldn’t do that, Dad,” said Shirley. “It’s all +over now, and there is no use causing more talk.” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know but what you are right,” agreed +Mr. Willing after a pause. “Besides, I guess we +shall hear no more of him.” +</p> +<p> +“I am sure we shall not,” agreed Shirley. +</p> +<p> +But in this, as we shall see later, all were mistaken. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_187'></a>187</span><a name='chXXIII' id='chXXIII'></a>CHAPTER XXIII.—TREACHERY.</h2> +<p> +Young Leonard Wolfe, returning from town two +days later, approached Mr. Willing with visible +excitement. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter?” demanded the latter, eyeing +the young man curiously. +</p> +<p> +“Matter enough, sir. I saw Jones in town.” +</p> +<p> +“What!” exclaimed Mr. Willing. “I didn’t think +he would have the nerve to show his face in these +parts again.” +</p> +<p> +“Nevertheless he was there, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“Did he see you?” +</p> +<p> +“No, sir. I’ll warrant he is up to some mischief.” +</p> +<p> +“Undoubtedly,” replied Mr. Willing. “We shall +have to be watchful. Gabriel must be guarded +every moment of the day and night.” +</p> +<p> +“My idea exactly, sir,” replied Leonard. +</p> +<p> +Shirley approached, and noticing the uneasiness +of Leonard and her father, she asked what was +the trouble. Leonard explained. +</p> +<p> +“He is surely planning more mischief,” exclaimed Shirley. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_188'></a>188</span> +“Gabriel must be guarded closely.” +</p> +<p> +“Exactly what we had decided upon,” declared +Leonard. “Somebody, armed, must be near him all +the time. I am willing to stand one watch.” +</p> +<p> +“Good,” said Mr. Willing. “Jimmy, too, is +ready. Now I believe the best thing to do is to +split the day and night into three parts—each watch +eight hours.” +</p> +<p> +“But who will stand the third watch, Dad?” +asked Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Frank,” declared Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“But Uncle Frank is so old,” protested Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“He’s not too old to use a shotgun,” replied +Mr. Willing significantly. “Besides, I feel sure I +can trust him.” +</p> +<p> +“I am sure of that,” replied Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Call him for me, daughter,” said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +Shirley went on this errand, and a few moments +later “Uncle Frank,” an old negro, stood before +them. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing explained the situation in a few +words and Uncle Frank announced himself as not +only willing but eager to stand one of the watches. +</p> +<p> +“Leonard,” said Mr. Willing, “you stand the first +watch, from six o’clock in the morning until two. +Jimmy can watch from two until ten, and Frank, +you stand guard from ten until six in the morning.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing glanced at his watch. +</p> +<p> +“It is now almost noon,” he said. “Leonard, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_189'></a>189</span> +you go to the stable and relieve Jimmy until two +o’clock. In the meantime, I’ll get out my double-barreled +shotgun and clean it up a bit.” +</p> +<p> +Leonard did as Mr. Willing requested. +</p> +<p> +The next two days passed quietly, and every one +had about come to the conclusion that there was +nothing more to be feared. +</p> +<p> +Gabriel was being given a short workout every +day now, to prime him for the great Derby. Each +morning and afternoon Jimmy put him through a +stiff run along Willing’s trial track, and Mr. Willing, +after examining the racehorse carefully, announced +that he was in fine condition. +</p> +<p> +“He’s on edge right now,” he declared. “We +mustn’t train him too fine, but we must give him +enough work to keep him from growing stale.” +</p> +<p> +The date for the big Derby was fast approaching. +Experts and racing men from all over the +country came to the Willing farm almost daily, seeking +to have a look at Gabriel, who had been picked +almost unanimously to win the big race. +</p> +<p> +In spite of the fact that Gabriel had never been +entered against horses of such class before, his +fame had gone before him, for in some manner, in +spite of the fact that an effort was made to keep +his time in trial runs secret, it had leaked out, and +there was little question that Gabriel would be the +favorite upon the day of the Derby. +</p> +<p> +But to the experts and racehorse men who pleaded +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_190'></a>190</span> +to look at the great black horse, Mr. Willing turned +a deaf ear. +</p> +<p> +“You’ll see him in action in the Derby,” he said. +</p> +<p> +With this the visitors had to be satisfied. +</p> +<p> +“Monday,” said Mr. Willing to Shirley and the +others, “we must start for Louisville. We want +to be on the ground at least a week before the day +of the race. Besides, Gabriel must have that time +to recover from the effects of the trip.” +</p> +<p> +“Have you made your arrangements for stabling +at the track?” asked Leonard. +</p> +<p> +“Yes. I shall have the same quarters as in years +past. This year, however, I shall take no other +horses, as has been the custom heretofore. I do not +feel that I have another horse in my string that is +sure to win a race, so I shall content myself with +winning the Derby.” +</p> +<p> +“And Gabriel will win,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Let us hope so,” said Leonard sincerely. +</p> +<p> +This conversation took place the Wednesday +morning before the Monday set for the departure. +</p> +<p> +“Daddy,” said Shirley the following afternoon, +“I haven’t ridden Gabriel for a long time. Can’t +I work him out to-day?” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing hesitated. +</p> +<p> +“Why, I see no reason why you cannot,” he said +finally. “I know Gabriel loves you, and perhaps +will do more for you than he will even for Jimmy.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley clapped her hands and ran toward the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_191'></a>191</span> +stable, where she informed Jimmy of her father’s +decision. +</p> +<p> +“All right, Miss Shirley,” smiled Jimmy. “I +know Gabriel will be glad to have you ride him.” +</p> +<p> +“I wish I were going to ride him in the Derby,” +declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“If you did,” said Jimmy, “the result would +never be in doubt. With you on his back, Gabriel +would be the first under the wire if he dropped over +dead a moment later.” +</p> +<p> +Leaning forward upon Gabriel’s neck, Shirley +patted the horse gently. Gabriel did not respond to +this loving touch with a whinny of pleasure, as was +his wont. +</p> +<p> +Instead he shook his head angrily, and stamped +his feet. His jaws worked up and down violently +and he champed at the bit. +</p> +<p> +“What on earth ails him?” demanded Shirley in +surprise. +</p> +<p> +“I guess he is just anxious to be on the go,” was +the lad’s reply. +</p> +<p> +“I never saw him act like that before,” said +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Nor I. But I guess he will be all right after +he gets out on the track and gets to going.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy walked ahead of Shirley and opened the +gates for her. +</p> +<p> +“Don’t let him out too much,” he warned her. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_192'></a>192</span> +“Just a nice even walk-out is all he needs. Don’t +run him too hard.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley nodded that she understood. Jimmy +stepped back, and Shirley, leaning forward once +more, again patted the noble animal’s head. A moment +later they were off down the track at a swift +trot. +</p> +<p> +They had hardly disappeared around the first +turn when a man appeared suddenly from behind a +big tree and laid his hand on Jimmy’s arm. Jimmy +whirled about. +</p> +<p> +“Jones!” he exclaimed in the utmost surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, Jones,” said the other with a smile. “I +just came out to have a look at Gabriel. Before I +go back I just wanted to tell you that I do not need +your services for the success of my plan.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy stepped close to Jones and doubled up his +fists. +</p> +<p> +“You get off this place immediately,” he said +angrily. +</p> +<p> +Jones laughed at him. +</p> +<p> +“I suppose you will put me off if I don’t,” he +sneered. “Oh, well, I am going, so don’t worry.” +</p> +<p> +He turned on his heel and stalked away. +</p> +<p> +And at that moment Shirley flashed by on Gabriel. +Down the track she had seen Jimmy in +conversation with a stranger, and as she whirled by +she caught sight of Jones’ face, and recognized +him. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_193'></a>193</span> +</p> +<p> +“Strange,” she muttered. “What can he be talking +to Jimmy about?” +</p> +<p> +And as she continued around the course Gabriel’s +actions steadily became more peculiar. Twice Shirley +urged him to renewed efforts, but after a short +spurt he slowed down quickly. And as he ran he +shook his head violently from side to side and +champed more fiercely at his bit. +</p> +<p> +“Something wrong,” thought Shirley. “One +more round and then back to the stable.” +</p> +<p> +On this last round Gabriel slowed down considerably +and in spite of all Shirley’s urging he refused +to increase his pace. At the gate this time +Shirley turned out, and made for the stable. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy had preceded her there, and was waiting +as she rode up. Mr. Willing, Leonard, Mr. Ashton +and Mabel also stood near. +</p> +<p> +“Well, how does he go, daughter?” demanded +Mr. Willing, as Shirley flung herself to the ground. +</p> +<p> +“There is something the matter with him,” said +Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“What do you mean?” asked Mr. Willing quickly, +and stepped forward. +</p> +<p> +He glanced searchingly at Gabriel, and just then +the noble horse staggered. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing sprang forward with a cry of alarm. +</p> +<p> +“Help me get this bridle off immediately,” he +shouted. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy and Shirley sprang to do his bidding. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_194'></a>194</span> +</p> +<p> +The bridle came away in Mr. Willing’s hands a +moment later, and the latter examined it carefully. +Gabriel, in the meantime, walking very slowly, made +for his stall. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing turned from his examination of the +bridle. He held the bit in his hand. +</p> +<p> +“I was sure I could not be mistaken,” he said +quietly. “I have seen too many such cases.” +</p> +<p> +“What do you mean, Dad?” said Shirley in +alarm. +</p> +<p> +The others also turned to him anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“Gabriel’s bit,” said Mr. Willing calmly, holding +it aloft, “has been painted.” +</p> +<p> +“Painted!” cried Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Yes. That is the reason you noticed there was +something wrong with him. That is the reason +he staggered a moment ago. He is sick. Now, +who is responsible for this piece of treachery?” +</p> +<p> +For a moment there was no reply. Then Shirley, +taking a long breath, stepped forward. +</p> +<p> +“Jimmy,” she said quietly, “did I not see you +talking with Mr. Jones a few moments ago?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes, Miss Shirley,” replied the boy, realizing +what was coming. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing stepped forward with a cry of +anger. +</p> +<p> +“Jones on my place again?” he demanded. “Why +didn’t you tell me?” +</p> +<p> +“I didn’t want to worry you, sir,” replied the boy. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_195'></a>195</span> +</p> +<p> +“Didn’t want to worry me, eh?” Mr. Willing’s +face grew red with anger. He pointed sternly toward +the pike. “You,” he said to Jimmy, “get your +clothes right now and get off this place before I +throw you off.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley buried her face in her hands. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_196'></a>196</span><a name='chXXIV' id='chXXIV'></a>CHAPTER XXIV.—AN ACCIDENT AND A CONFESSION.</h2> +<p> +Jimmy opened his mouth to speak, then bowed his +head and turned away. +</p> +<p> +“Don’t be too hard on the boy, Willing,” said +Mr. Ashton, taking a step forward. +</p> +<p> +“Hard on him!” repeated Mr. Willing. “How +can I be too hard on him? The little scoundrel has +sold me out.” +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps he is not to blame,” said Leonard. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing turned upon him. +</p> +<p> +“There have been too many of you trying to run +my affairs,” he said angrily. “In the future, I +shall attend to them myself.” +</p> +<p> +He turned and strode rapidly toward the house +where he immediately telephoned for a veterinary +to come out and look at Gabriel. Then he went to +his own room, where he sat down, pulled out a +cigar, and smoked in silence. +</p> +<p> +“I wish I hadn’t spoken,” moaned Shirley, as her +father walked away. “Poor Jimmy! Perhaps he is +not to blame, after all.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_197'></a>197</span> +</p> +<p> +“Still,” said Mr. Ashton, “appearances are much +against him, particularly after what has gone on +before. Certainly Jones would not have approached +him again unless he had reason to believe that +Jimmy would accept his offer.” +</p> +<p> +“It does look that way,” agreed Leonard. +</p> +<p> +But Shirley refused to be comforted. +</p> +<p> +“It’s all my fault,” she cried, and ran to the house, +where she threw herself down upon her bed and +gave way to tears. +</p> +<p> +There Mabel found her half an hour later and +tried to soothe her. +</p> +<p> +“There, there,” she said, stroking her friend’s +head. “It will all come out right in the end. If +Jimmy is guilty he should be put off the place. If +he isn’t, it will be proven.” +</p> +<p> +“I know he isn’t!” cried Shirley. “I knew it the +minute I spoke. Oh, why did I say anything?” +</p> +<p> +“You did perfectly right,” declared Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Suddenly Shirley sprang to her feet. +</p> +<p> +“Has Jimmy gone yet?” she asked, drying her +tears as she spoke. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know,” replied Mabel. +</p> +<p> +Shirley hurried out the door. +</p> +<p> +“I must see him before he goes,” she exclaimed. +“Come, maybe we can find him.” +</p> +<p> +The girls left the room hurriedly, and made their +way to the front of the house. There, trudging +slowly toward the pike-gate, with a bundle over his +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_198'></a>198</span> +shoulder, they made out the slight form of Jimmy +Smith. +</p> +<p> +“Jimmy!” called Shirley, but the boy did not look +back. +</p> +<p> +Shirley ran after him, and Mabel followed her +friend. +</p> +<p> +Hearing footsteps behind him, Jimmy turned and +looked back. Perceiving Shirley, he faced about +again and would have gone on had not the girl +called to him. +</p> +<p> +“Wait a minute, Jimmy.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy halted and waited until Shirley came up +to him. +</p> +<p> +“Jimmy,” cried the girl, “can you ever forgive +me? I know you are not guilty.” +</p> +<p> +“No,” said Jimmy quietly, “I am not guilty. It +is true I talked to Jones, but he did not even suggest +treachery to me.” +</p> +<p> +“I know it! I know it!” declared Shirley. “And +it is my fault that Dad has acted so.” +</p> +<p> +“It was your duty to your father, Miss Shirley,” +declared the lad. +</p> +<p> +“It is good of you to say so,” declared the girl, +“but what shall we do?” +</p> +<p> +“I shall find employment in town,” said Jimmy. +“Some day, perhaps, your father will learn that he +has misjudged me.” +</p> +<p> +“I’ll make him see it,” declared Shirley. “You +shall yet win the Derby with Gabriel.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_199'></a>199</span> +</p> +<p> +Jimmy smiled sadly. +</p> +<p> +“I am afraid it is impossible,” he replied. +“Should you ever need me, Mr. Wilson will tell you +where to find me. I shall leave my address with +him. Good-bye.” +</p> +<p> +He turned again, and before Shirley could protest, +had continued on his way. For long minutes +the girl looked after him, and then, stifling a sob, she +made her way back toward the house. +</p> +<p> +A sudden cry of anguish came from the direction +of the stable. Shirley listened intently, and heard +another scream. +</p> +<p> +Shirley dashed in the direction from which it had +come. +</p> +<p> +Reaching the stable she paused for a moment, listening. +Nothing but silence. But as she was about +to move on again, a low groan caught her ear. +Again she listened. It came from Gabriel’s stall. +</p> +<p> +Shirley hastened forward. +</p> +<p> +From Gabriel’s stall protruded Gabriel’s black +head. His eyes flamed angrily and he uttered snorts +of rage. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter, Gabriel?” asked Shirley, and +ran forward. +</p> +<p> +Gabriel gave a low whinny, and the fire left his +eyes. Shirley opened the stall door and stepped +inside. And she drew back with a cry of fear. +</p> +<p> +In the far corner of the stall lay a human form, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_200'></a>200</span> +twisted and out of shape. Shirley ran quickly toward +it, and started back with a cry: +</p> +<p> +“Uncle Frank!” +</p> +<p> +There was no reply from the silent form. Stooping +hastily, Shirley laid hold of the shoulders and +dragged the body from the stall, closing the door +behind her. Then she bent over the still figure. +</p> +<p> +The face was caked with blood, and the arms +and limbs hung limp. A moment and Uncle Frank’s +eyes opened and he gave vent to a feeble groan. +</p> +<p> +Shirley laid him down gently, and ran toward +the house. +</p> +<p> +“Dad!” she cried. “Dad! Gabriel has killed +Uncle Frank!” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing roused from his reverie with a start +and hurried to the stable. Others who had heard +Shirley’s words followed him. Soon every human +being on the place was crowding around the stable. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing arrived first, and bent over the form +of his old servant. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter, Frank?” he asked gently. +</p> +<p> +“Gabriel,” gasped the old negro, whose senses had +now come back to him. “Gabriel! He dun kill +me!” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, it’s not as bad as all that,” replied Mr. Willing +hopefully. He turned to the crowd of negroes +gathered about. “Telephone for Dr. Thompson, +quick, one of you. Here,” motioning to two others, +“help me carry him to the house.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_201'></a>201</span> +</p> +<p> +Gently the old darky was picked up and carried +to the house, where Mr. Willing laid him upon a +sofa on the porch. +</p> +<p> +Uncle Frank was perfectly conscious now. +</p> +<p> +“How did it happen, Frank?” asked Mr. Willing. +“Surely you knew Gabriel wouldn’t allow +you in his stall.” +</p> +<p> +“Yessah. But I went—I went in anyhow.” +</p> +<p> +“Why?” +</p> +<p> +Uncle Frank did not reply. He began to cough. +</p> +<p> +“Take off his coat, Dad,” exclaimed Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Gently they raised the old negro, and Mr. Willing +took hold of his coat. Uncle Frank protested +vigorously, but Mr. Willing drew the garment off +anyhow, and threw it to a chair across the room. +</p> +<p> +It left a trail of greenbacks upon the floor. +</p> +<p> +Greatly surprised, Shirley stooped and picked +them up, and, unthinkingly, counted them. +</p> +<p> +“Five hundred dollars,” she exclaimed. “Where +in the world did he get all this money?” +</p> +<p> +She considered the point for some minutes, and +then exclaimed aloud. +</p> +<p> +“Look, Dad,” she said, and handed him the roll +of bills. “These dropped out of Uncle Frank’s +pocket.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing looked at his daughter in astonishment. +</p> +<p> +“Where on earth did he get that money?” he exclaimed. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_202'></a>202</span> +</p> +<p> +Shirley smiled slightly. +</p> +<p> +“Unless I am greatly mistaken,” she said, “this +is the same five hundred dollars Mr. Jones offered +Jimmy Smith if he would ‘pull’ Gabriel in the +Derby.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing seemed staggered. +</p> +<p> +“Impossible!” he exclaimed. “Why, Frank has +been with me for years. He is as faithful as the +day is long.” +</p> +<p> +“Will he get well?” asked Shirley abruptly. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing shook his head. +</p> +<p> +“There is no chance,” he replied. “I knew +enough to see that. Hardly a rib in his body but +is broken. Also, he is badly crushed internally. No, +he will not live.” +</p> +<p> +“Then,” said Shirley, “he must be made to clear +Jimmy before he dies.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing was silent for a long time. +</p> +<p> +“It is hard to believe,” he said at last, “but you +must be right.” +</p> +<p> +He approached the bed. +</p> +<p> +“Frank,” he said quietly, “why did you sell me +out?” +</p> +<p> +The old negro rolled his eyes but did not reply. +</p> +<p> +“Frank,” said Mr. Willing again, “you are going +to die.” +</p> +<p> +“No! No!” cried the old negro. +</p> +<p> +“It is true,” continued Mr. Willing. “Now, +Frank, haven’t I always treated you all right?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_203'></a>203</span> +</p> +<p> +“Yessah!” +</p> +<p> +“Then tell me why you sold me out.” +</p> +<p> +Still the old negro was silent. +</p> +<p> +“Frank,” said Mr. Willing, “did you put the +painted bit in Gabriel’s stall?” +</p> +<p> +The old negro nodded. +</p> +<p> +“Yessah.” +</p> +<p> +He turned his head and sobbed. +</p> +<p> +“Don’t question him any more, Dad,” said Shirley, +also with tears in her eyes. “It is enough that +we know Jimmy is innocent. Let him die in peace.” +</p> +<p> +Suddenly Frank half rose in the bed, and a fit +of coughing shook him. +</p> +<p> +“The end is near,” said Mr. Willing quietly. +“The doctor will be too late.” +</p> +<p> +The old negro drew himself up high in the bed, +and gazed at Mr. Willing. Then, slowly, hesitatingly, +he extended an old and wrinkled hand. +</p> +<p> +“Good-bye, suh,” he said, in a low voice. “I’se +sorry.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing took the hand without a word. A +smile lighted up the old negro’s face. Then, suddenly, +he fell back. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing bent over him. +</p> +<p> +“He is dead,” he said, and his voice broke. +</p> +<p> +Shirley turned quietly toward the door. +</p> +<p> +“Where are you going?” demanded Mr. Willing, +in a low voice. +</p> +<p> +“I am going to bring Jimmy back.” +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_204'></a>204</span><a name='chXXV' id='chXXV'></a>CHAPTER XXV.—SHIRLEY SAVES JIMMY FROM HIMSELF.</h2> +<p> +Arrived in Paris, Shirley went at once to Mr. +Wilson’s drug store. +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” said Mr. Wilson, in response to Shirley’s +question. “Jimmy left me this address.” +</p> +<p> +He drew a card from his pocket and passed it to +Shirley. The young girl glanced at it and then +uttered an exclamation of surprise. +</p> +<p> +The address was the same hotel as that in which +Jones had stopped when Jimmy fell into his power. +</p> +<p> +“There was a man with him when he gave me +the card,” Mr. Wilson continued. +</p> +<p> +“Please describe him,” said Shirley anxiously. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Wilson did so, and Shirley maintained her +composure with difficulty. +</p> +<p> +“Jones,” said Shirley to herself as she made her +way from the store. +</p> +<p> +For a moment she hesitated, but for a moment +only. Then mounting her horse, she set out resolutely +for the address given. She climbed the dark +stairs and went at once to the room Jones had occupied +the last time she had been there. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_205'></a>205</span> +</p> +<p> +Just as she was about to knock she caught the +sound of voices from the inside. One she immediately +recognized as Jones’ and the other was +Jimmy’s. Shirley listened. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Jones, “I am glad to see that you +have come to your senses at last. It’s about time.” +</p> +<p> +“I guess you are right,” said Jimmy, and to Shirley +the voice sounded somewhat listless. +</p> +<p> +“You will find,” said Jones, “that in the long +run the only friend you have is yourself. You +see how quick Willing jumped onto you—also his +daughter. No matter how honest you may be, at +the first sign of dishonesty you are kicked out, +guilty or innocent.” +</p> +<p> +“You’re right,” said Jimmy. “I guess I might +as well have the game as the name. Now what is +it you want me to do?” +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Jones, “we worked the painted bit +trick too soon. The horse will have recovered in +time for the race. We must find some other way of +getting at him. Do you know when Willing will +move him to Louisville?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes. He will be driven into Paris Monday +morning, and shipped that night.” +</p> +<p> +“Good. Then it will be your work to try and +slip into the car unobserved. I shall give you a +certain powder which you can give the horse. I’ll +guarantee a dose of it will lay him up for a month.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy shuddered slightly. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_206'></a>206</span> +</p> +<p> +“It seems a shabby trick to play on Gabriel,” he +said. +</p> +<p> +“Well, it’s a shabby trick Willing played on you.” +</p> +<p> +“So it is,” agreed Jimmy. “But suppose there is +another guard with the horse? I may not be able +to get in.” +</p> +<p> +“In that event I’ll take you to Louisville. A +chance will turn up there sooner or later. You see +the trouble is that no one but you can go close to +him.” +</p> +<p> +“Then how will Mr. Willing race him?” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, he’ll find a jockey some place. They’ll +bridle the horse some way, and once on his back one +jockey will ride him as well as another.” +</p> +<p> +“I’m not so sure about that,” said Jimmy, “but +maybe you’re right.” +</p> +<p> +“I know I am. It has been done many a time. +Well, how does the plan strike you?” +</p> +<p> +“And you say,” said Jimmy, “that if I am successful, +you will pay me $500?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes; as soon as the race is over.” +</p> +<p> +“Then I accept.” +</p> +<p> +“Good. I thought you would come to your +senses.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley had listened in horror to this conversation. +She could scarcely believe her ears. She +had never dreamed that Jimmy would come to this. +And she scolded herself roundly, for she believed +it was all her fault. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_207'></a>207</span> +</p> +<p> +“I brought him to this,” she told herself. “Now +I shall have to save him.” +</p> +<p> +With a sudden movement she pushed open the +door and stepped inside. +</p> +<p> +Jones, who had sat with his back to the door, +jumped to his feet and faced the intruder. Jimmy, +at first sight of Shirley, had turned white; but he +kept his seat. +</p> +<p> +“Jimmy,” cried Shirley, rushing up to him, +“surely you do not mean what you have said.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy did not reply. +</p> +<p> +“Of course, he means it,” declared Jones, striding +forward. “Why shouldn’t he, after the way +you people have treated him?” +</p> +<p> +Shirley ignored Jones, and again spoke to Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +“We have done you a great injustice,” she said +simply, “and Dad and I are both as sorry as we +can be. I have come to take you back home.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy looked at her in great surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Take me home?” he repeated. “Has Mr. Willing +discovered his error?” +</p> +<p> +“Frank has confessed,” said Shirley quietly. “He +is dead.” +</p> +<p> +“Frank dead!” echoed Jimmy, springing to his +feet. +</p> +<p> +“Yes. Gabriel killed him.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy bowed his head. +</p> +<p> +“It is retribution,” he said slowly. “The same +thing might have happened to me.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_208'></a>208</span> +</p> +<p> +Shirley now drew a roll of bills from her purse—the +five hundred dollars she had picked up in +her father’s bedroom when it fell from Uncle +Frank’s pocket. She had brought it with her unconsciously. +</p> +<p> +She threw the roll of money on the table, and +turned to Jones scornfully. +</p> +<p> +“There,” she said, “is your blood money. Come, +Jimmy.” +</p> +<p> +Slowly Jimmy rose to his feet. +</p> +<p> +But as the lad started to follow Shirley through +the door, Jones sprang forward. +</p> +<p> +“No you don’t,” he said. “I have had enough +of this foolishness.” He stepped back quickly, and +from his hip pocket produced a revolver. +</p> +<p> +“Now,” he said, “you sit down in this chair, or +I’ll use this.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy was a lad of discretion. He sat down. +</p> +<p> +Shirley turned back from the door. +</p> +<p> +“Now,” said Jones, “I want you to understand +that I am not to be trifled with. You are not going +to ride Gabriel in the Derby, not if I have to shoot +you. Is that plain enough?” +</p> +<p> +“It’s plain enough,” said Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +Jones leaned back in his chair and laughed; then +he laid the revolver on the table. +</p> +<p> +“Good,” he said. He turned to Shirley and +waved his hand. “You see,” he said, “Jimmy elects +to remain here.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_209'></a>209</span> +</p> +<p> +“I don’t believe it,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“No, Miss Shirley,” said Jimmy, “I don’t want +to remain here, but it looks as though I should have +to.” +</p> +<p> +“You don’t want to, eh?” said Jones angrily. +“Well, I’ll make you want to remain.” +</p> +<p> +Leaning suddenly forward, he threw out his right +hand and clutched Jimmy by the collar. With a +violent jerk he pulled him from his seat clear across +the table. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy squirmed and wriggled, but he could not +shake himself free. His kicking feet sent the revolver +from the table to the floor, but Jones did +not notice it. +</p> +<p> +Holding Jimmy high in the air with his left hand, +with his right he deliberately struck him three +heavy blows in the face. Then he let him drop to +the floor, where the lad lay unconscious. +</p> +<p> +“There,” said Jones, “I guess that will settle +you.” +</p> +<p> +“And I guess this will settle you,” came Shirley’s +low voice. +</p> +<p> +Turning suddenly, Jones stepped back. Shirley +stood facing him with one outstretched arm, and +in her hand she clutched the revolver, which she +levelled directly at Jones’ head. +</p> +<p> +Jumping quickly around the table just as Jones +had dropped Jimmy to the floor, Shirley pounced +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_210'></a>210</span> +upon the revolver and rose with it in a steady hand, +as Jones turned. +</p> +<p> +“Now,” she said quietly, keeping the weapon +levelled squarely at the man’s head, “pick Jimmy +up and walk out of here ahead of me.” +</p> +<p> +Jones hesitated and Shirley’s finger tightened +upon the trigger. +</p> +<p> +“I would advise you to do as I say without delay,” +she said. +</p> +<p> +Jones hesitated for only a second longer; then, +stooping over, he lifted the boy up in his arms and +walked out the door. +</p> +<p> +Keeping the revolver ready, Shirley followed him. +</p> +<p> +Shirley had left the horse just outside the hotel. +Jones stopped near the animal. +</p> +<p> +“Put him across the saddle,” Shirley commanded. +</p> +<p> +Jones obeyed. +</p> +<p> +“Now,” said the girl, “take yourself away from +here just as quick as you can.” +</p> +<p> +Without a word Jones turned and walked +rapidly down the street. +</p> +<p> +Shirley climbed to the saddle, and taking the reins +in her right hand, she clutched Jimmy’s inert body +with her left. +</p> +<p> +The girl had no means of telling how badly the +lad was hurt, and her one thought was to get him +to a doctor as quickly as possible. It was getting +late now, and dusk was coming on. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_211'></a>211</span> +</p> +<p> +“I guess I had better take him to Mr. Wilson’s,” +said the girl to herself. +</p> +<p> +She turned her horse in that direction. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Wilson himself came running out of the +door as Shirley dismounted, and lent a hand to +carry Jimmy’s unconscious body into the store, +where they laid him down gently on a sofa in the +rear. +</p> +<p> +Shirley bent over Jimmy anxiously. +</p> +<p> +“Is he badly hurt, Mr. Wilson?” she asked. +</p> +<p> +“I am afraid he is,” was the slow reply. “His +face is badly battered, as you can see. He must +have been struck a terrible blow. How did it happen?” +</p> +<p> +Shirley explained. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll call a doctor immediately,” said Mr. Wilson +and hastened to the telephone. +</p> +<p> +The physician arrived a few minutes later. +</p> +<p> +“He must be taken to the hospital,” he declared. +“His condition is serious.” +</p> +<p> +“Can I do anything, doctor?” asked Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“No, not now,” was the reply. +</p> +<p> +“Then I shall go home immediately,” said the +girl. +</p> +<p> +She left the store quickly, mounted her horse, +and headed homeward through the rapidly gathering +darkness. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_212'></a>212</span><a name='chXXVI' id='chXXVI'></a>CHAPTER XXVI.—OFF TO THE DERBY.</h2> +<p> +Mr. Willing’s anger at the manner in which +Jimmy had been injured knew no bounds. It was +late when Shirley reached home, but her father +wanted to go to town at once and put the police on +Jones’ trail. +</p> +<p> +“I don’t think it is necessary, Dad,” said Shirley. +“I feel sure he will trouble us no more.” +</p> +<p> +“But who will ride Gabriel in the Derby?” demanded +Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps Jimmy will be well enough to ride +when the time comes,” suggested Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“I shall call up the doctor the first thing in the +morning and ask the extent of his injuries,” promised +Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“If possible,” said Shirley, “I think it would be +best to take Jimmy to Louisville with us. We can +attend to him carefully there, and help to get him +in condition for the race.” +</p> +<p> +“A good idea,” agreed Mr. Willing, “if the doctor +will consent.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_213'></a>213</span> +</p> +<p> +“I am sure Jimmy will be all right,” said Shirley +hopefully. “By the way, Dad, how is Gabriel?” +</p> +<p> +“Better than could be expected,” was the reply. +“The veterinary said he would be perfectly fit in a +day or two.” +</p> +<p> +After a few further words, all retired with the +exception of Leonard, who made his way to the +stable, where he was to stand watch, for Mr. Willing +had not selected a man to take old Frank’s place. +</p> +<p> +In the morning Mr. Willing learned that Jimmy’s +condition was not as serious as had been feared. +The doctor did not oppose the plan of taking the +lad to Louisville on Monday. +</p> +<p> +“The trip will not hurt him,” he declared. “But +keep him perfectly quiet after you arrive. With +careful nursing he should be in shape to ride Gabriel +to victory.” +</p> +<p> +The days passed slowly, but at last the time for +departure came. Besides packing her own clothes, +Shirley also packed Jimmy’s things, and on Monday +afternoon Mr. Willing, Mr. Ashton, Leonard, +Mabel and Shirley, with Gabriel tied to the rear +of the double carriage, were driven to Paris. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing had already shipped his large touring +car to Louisville, for he believed he would have +need of it there. +</p> +<p> +Leonard had asked to travel with Gabriel and +Mr. Willing, after some hesitancy, had accepted his +offer. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_214'></a>214</span> +</p> +<p> +The party went first to the freight depot, where +Gabriel was led into a car that had been reserved +for him. He was tied up at one end, and Leonard +took up his position at the other. Besides Mr. Willing’s +shotgun the young man was armed with a +brace of heavy caliber revolvers. +</p> +<p> +“The first man that sticks his head in this car +is likely to get it shot off,” said the young man grimly, +as the others prepared to leave. +</p> +<p> +“I am glad that you are here,” said Mr. Willing +slowly. “I am glad to have some one I can trust +in charge of Gabriel. We will be waiting for you +when you reach Louisville.” +</p> +<p> +They shook hands all around and left Gabriel +and Leonard alone. Immediately the car door was +closed, and a few moments later a switch engine +hooked onto the car and soon it was coupled to a +long train. Half an hour later the train began to +move. +</p> +<p> +In the meantime the others had made their way +to the hospital where Jimmy lay. The boy was +much better than they had expected to find him, +and the doctor, who was at the bedside, assured +them that he was well on the road to recovery. +</p> +<p> +“Just be careful with him,” he told them. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy was carried to the depot on a stretcher +and made comfortable in a Pullman car; and soon +the party were on their way. +</p> +<p> +At Lexington there was a long delay, and it was +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_215'></a>215</span> +nearly midnight before the train pulled out. Shirley +and Mabel took turns watching over Jimmy during +the night, but their vigilance was unnecessary. +For the lad, once he had closed his eyes, did not +open them again until the train was nearing Louisville +the following morning. +</p> +<p> +“Where shall we stop, Dad?” asked Shirley, as +they prepared to leave the train. +</p> +<p> +“Guess we may as well go to the St. Charles,” +was the reply. +</p> +<p> +On the platform he summoned a porter, who +picked Jimmy up and carried him to a taxi. Mr. +Willing climbed in alongside him, and Mr. Ashton +and the two girls occupied another. +</p> +<p> +At the hotel Mr. Willing engaged a suite of six +rooms, where all could be comfortable. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll stay here until Saturday,” he told the others. +“Then I shall stay at the track.” +</p> +<p> +This was Tuesday morning, and the Derby would +not be run till the next Monday. In the days that +followed, the two girls, when they were not caring +for Jimmy, spent their time sight-seeing around +town. +</p> +<p> +Leonard and Gabriel arrived Wednesday afternoon, +and Mr. Willing immediately quartered them +in his stable at the track, Leonard announcing that +he had determined to maintain his watch until the +last moment. Shirley and Mabel made several trips +to see the horse, and, of course, so did Mr. Willing. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_216'></a>216</span> +There was no doubt in the minds of any that the +animal was in perfect condition for the race. +</p> +<p> +“If Jimmy only gets well in time,” said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +The youngster was improving steadily and there +seemed little doubt that he would be well enough to +ride by Monday. +</p> +<p> +As Shirley and Mabel were walking along Market +Street Thursday afternoon, the former suddenly +caught sight of a familiar figure in the crowd. She +took Mabel by the hand and hurried forward. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter?” demanded her friend. +</p> +<p> +“I see some one I want to talk to,” was the reply, +and the girl quickened her steps. +</p> +<p> +And then Mabel saw the reason for her chum’s +haste. At the same moment Shirley called: +</p> +<p> +“Dick!” +</p> +<p> +A young man, a few yards ahead of them, turned. +As his gaze rested upon the two girls he stopped, +and lifted his cap. +</p> +<p> +Shirley approached quickly and extended her +hand, which Dick grasped warmly. Then he shook +hands with Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“It’s good to see you again,” he said warmly. +</p> +<p> +“And I’m glad to see you again,” said Shirley. +“What are you doing in Louisville?” +</p> +<p> +“I’m working here,” was the reply. “I’m office +boy in one of the large newspaper offices. Some +day,” he added, “I hope to be a reporter.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_217'></a>217</span> +</p> +<p> +“And I am sure it will not be long before you +are,” declared Shirley. “How is it that you are not +working this afternoon?” +</p> +<p> +“I work all night,” was the reply. “I go to +work at six o’clock.” +</p> +<p> +“Have you seen anything of Jones?” demanded +the girl, after some further talk. +</p> +<p> +“I thought I saw him on the street the other +day,” was the reply, “but I am not sure. However, +I suppose he is here. Have you had any +more trouble with him?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” replied Shirley, and told him everything +that had happened since Dick had left them. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Dick, “I should advise that Gabriel +be carefully guarded. Jones is a desperate man. +There is no telling what he may attempt.” +</p> +<p> +“I do not believe he will be able to do much damage +now,” declared Shirley. “Leonard is with Gabriel +all the time.” +</p> +<p> +“I wouldn’t take any chances.” +</p> +<p> +“We won’t.” +</p> +<p> +“And you say Jimmy will be in condition to +ride?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes.” +</p> +<p> +“Good; but I must be leaving you now. I hope +I shall see you again before you return home,” and +lifting his hat, Dick turned away. +</p> +<p> +“Will you go to the Derby with us?” Shirley +called after him. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_218'></a>218</span> +</p> +<p> +Dick hesitated a moment before replying. +</p> +<p> +“I shall be glad to,” he said at length. +</p> +<p> +“Then come to the hotel at 10 o’clock Monday +morning,” said Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll be there,” said the boy, and with another +bow he was gone. +</p> +<p> +Shirley and Mabel returned to the hotel. +</p> +<p> +“How is everything at the track, Dad?” asked +Shirley when her father came in a few moments +later. +</p> +<p> +“First rate.” +</p> +<p> +“Have there been any attempts to injure Gabriel?” +</p> +<p> +“No. Leonard thought he caught sight of Jones +out there yesterday, but he is not sure. I think he +must be mistaken. I reckon we are through with +Jones.” +</p> +<p> +“I hope so,” replied both girls. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll take you all out to-morrow and let you have +a look at Gabriel,” said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“What are we going to do to-night?” asked Shirley. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing smiled at her. +</p> +<p> +“What would my little girl like to do?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +“Well, I would like to go to the theater, but +there is no one to leave with Jimmy.” +</p> +<p> +“I’ll stay behind, and you can go with Ashton,” +declared Mr. Willing. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_219'></a>219</span> +</p> +<p> +And this plan, after some discussion, was followed. +</p> +<p> +It was late when the three returned to the hotel, +and knowing that they must be up early in the morning, +they all went to bed immediately. +</p> +<p> +“Don’t you think Jimmy should have a little exercise, +Dad?” asked Shirley, just before telling her +father good-night. +</p> +<p> +“I had thought of that,” was the reply. “If he +is feeling strong enough to-morrow afternoon, I +shall take him out to the track for a few minutes. +Besides, he should have a look at the course before +the race.” +</p> +<p> +“He is certainly getting along splendidly,” declared +Shirley. “I feel sure a little outing will do +him good.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy, who had overheard this conversation, +smiled. +</p> +<p> +“I should like to see Gabriel,” he said quietly. +“I want to tell him that we must win this race.” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, he knows that now, I’m sure,” said Shirley +with a laugh. “I’ve told him all about it myself.” +</p> +<p> +“Then there is nothing to be feared,” said Jimmy. +“Gabriel will do anything for you.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, young people,” said Mr. Willing, “you +have talked enough. It’s time for you to get to +bed.” +</p> +<p> +And soon all were sleeping soundly. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_220'></a>220</span><a name='chXXVII' id='chXXVII'></a>CHAPTER XXVII.—MABEL PROVES HER COURAGE.</h2> +<p> +The following afternoon, in the touring car, the +entire Willing party was driven to the track. They +went immediately to Gabriel’s quarters in the training +field, where, after a sharp knock upon the door, +Leonard admitted them. +</p> +<p> +“Anything new?” asked Mr. Willing, as he entered. +</p> +<p> +“Not a thing,” replied Leonard with a smile. +“Everything’s quiet and serene.” +</p> +<p> +“Good. I’ve brought you some visitors.” +</p> +<p> +Leonard stepped back, and Shirley, Mabel, Mr. +Ashton and Jimmy stepped inside. +</p> +<p> +Although somewhat weak and a trifle pale Jimmy +seemed to be almost himself again. He walked +slowly, but said he was feeling splendidly. +</p> +<p> +“Where is Gabriel?” he asked. +</p> +<p> +Leonard pointed and Jimmy hurried forward as +fast as his weakened condition would permit. +</p> +<p> +Gabriel received him with a whinny of delight, +and throwing his arms about the big black horse’s +neck, Jimmy talked to him long and lovingly. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_221'></a>221</span> +</p> +<p> +Then he rejoined the others. +</p> +<p> +“Gabriel has promised he will win the race,” Jimmy +whispered to Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Then it is just as good as won,” declared the +girl. +</p> +<p> +“Jimmy,” called Mr. Willing at that moment, +“would you like to have a look at the course?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes, sir,” replied the boy, and went forward. +</p> +<p> +“I’m going too,” declared Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“And I,” said Ashton. +</p> +<p> +“I’d like to have a look myself,” said Leonard. +“I haven’t had a chance to get out and look about +since I have been here.” +</p> +<p> +“But who will stay with Gabriel?” asked Mr. +Willing. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll stay,” Mabel volunteered. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing hesitated for a moment, then consented. +</p> +<p> +“I think it will be all right for a few minutes,” he +said. +</p> +<p> +“Mabel, don’t go too near Gabriel,” said Shirley. +“He might not like it.” +</p> +<p> +“Don’t worry,” was the laughing rejoinder. “I +won’t go in his stall. I know as well as you do +that he wouldn’t permit any one but you and Jimmy +in there.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel sat down in a chair to await the return of +the others, who now went out the door. +</p> +<p> +Gabriel, with his head out of his stall door, eyed +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_222'></a>222</span> +the girl searchingly; and looking up suddenly, Mabel +caught his eye and smiled. Gabriel’s ears +twitched, and he didn’t seem half as ferocious as +usual. +</p> +<p> +“Strange,” mused Mabel. “He never let me get +that close to him before.” +</p> +<p> +At that moment the door behind her slammed +with a bang. Turning quickly Mabel started back +with a cry. She was face to face with Jones. +</p> +<p> +“So,” said Jones with a sneering smile, “we meet +again! Now you listen to me, and do as I say. I +haven’t much time and I don’t want to waste any. +You get out of here just as fast as you can. Do +you hear?” +</p> +<p> +Mabel made no reply, but backed toward Gabriel’s +stall. Jones took a step forward. +</p> +<p> +“Do you hear me?” he cried angrily. +</p> +<p> +Mabel was badly frightened, but tried not to +show it. +</p> +<p> +Raising her hand, she pointed to the door. +</p> +<p> +“Leave here at once,” she commanded. “Mr. +Willing will be back here in a few minutes and he +will attend to you.” +</p> +<p> +Jones smiled again. +</p> +<p> +“I have plenty of time to do what I came for,” +he said. “Get away from that stall.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel only shrunk back closer. +</p> +<p> +Gabriel, his head protruding from his stall, +watched this scene with dilated eyes and quivering +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_223'></a>223</span> +nostrils. He stamped angrily, and uttered several +snorts. +</p> +<p> +As Jones took another step forward, Mabel advanced, +as though to meet him. Then, as Jones +halted, she put her hand behind her and opened the +catch to Gabriel’s stall. Quickly she pushed the door +back, and leaping suddenly inside, she closed it +again. +</p> +<p> +Jones, with a cry of rage, leaped forward, but as +he did so Gabriel tossed his head angrily and the +man stepped back in fear. +</p> +<p> +“Now,” said Mabel quietly, “unless you leave here +immediately I shall open this door and let Gabriel at +you.” +</p> +<p> +“You wouldn’t dare,” sneered Jones. +</p> +<p> +He glanced quickly about him, his face alight with +an evil smile. He took a few steps back, and stooping, +came up with a gun in his hands. +</p> +<p> +“You had better get down out of the way,” he +said. “I’ll take a shot at Gabriel with this. It won’t +kill him, but I guess it will do enough damage to +keep him out of the race.” +</p> +<p> +He brought the revolver to his shoulder and took +deliberate aim. +</p> +<p> +“Get down quick!” he commanded. “You might +get hurt!” +</p> +<p> +Mabel glanced about her. +</p> +<p> +Hanging on a nail from the side of the stall she +saw a curry comb and brush. With a quick leap she +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_224'></a>224</span> +seized them, and then, running forward, she threw +them with all her strength. +</p> +<p> +Her aim was perfect, and true to its mark the +heavy brush shot forward, catching Jones squarely +in the forehead. +</p> +<p> +Jones staggered back and dropped his weapon. +</p> +<p> +But the blow was not hard enough to knock him +down, and he sprang up again with a cry of rage +and stooped to pick up the gun. +</p> +<p> +At that instant Mabel opened wide Gabriel’s stall. +</p> +<p> +With an almost human cry, Gabriel, who had been +jumping about angrily, charged through the door +straight at Jones. The latter saw him coming, and +leaped aside, and Gabriel, striking out with his forefeet, +missed. +</p> +<p> +Jones ran quickly toward the door and laid hold +of the knob. +</p> +<p> +But before he could turn it the horse was again +upon him. Snorting, he shoved out his head, and his +teeth met in Jones’ arm. +</p> +<p> +Jones shrieked with the pain of it. +</p> +<p> +Mabel, cowering down in the stall, began to cry. +</p> +<p> +Three times Jones, his arm dripping blood, dashed +around the place with Gabriel in pursuit. The man +was badly frightened, but fear lent fleetness to his +feet. He avoided Gabriel’s teeth narrowly several +times and so far had succeeded in dodging the flying +hoofs. +</p> +<p> +But such a struggle could have but one outcome. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_225'></a>225</span> +</p> +<p> +Suddenly Jones found himself in a corner from +which there was no escape. +</p> +<p> +Gabriel reared high in the air, and his forefeet, +in their descent, struck Jones squarely upon the head. +The man went down in a heap. Gabriel, seeing +his foe prostrate on the floor, stood off and made +ready to leap upon him again. +</p> +<p> +But at that moment the door opened and Jimmy +dashed inside, closely followed by Shirley and the +others. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy leapt for Gabriel’s halter, but missed. +</p> +<p> +Once more the animal reared high in the air, +and his heavy feet would have crushed out Jones’ +life had it not been for Shirley’s prompt action. +</p> +<p> +She jumped in front of Gabriel and into the air, +caught him by the halter; then, springing aside, she +drew herself clear of the heavy hoofs just as they +came down with a crash. +</p> +<p> +But she had succeeded in her object, and Gabriel’s +feet missed Jones’ head by the fraction of +an inch. +</p> +<p> +Shirley clung tightly to the halter. +</p> +<p> +For an instant Gabriel’s eyes continued to flame, +but after one quick glance at the girl who had him, +he became quiet. His nostrils still quivered with +anger, but the fire had left his eyes. He stood perfectly +still. +</p> +<p> +Leonard bent over the still form of Jones. Stooping, +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_226'></a>226</span> +he lifted the man’s head to his knee, and at +the same moment Jones’ consciousness returned. +</p> +<p> +He took in the scene before him, and staggered +to his feet, blood covering his face. He glanced +once at the faces about him, and then made for +the door. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing intercepted him. +</p> +<p> +“I have had enough of you. The next time you +cross my path I shall turn you over to the authorities. +I have a notion to do it right now. Get out +of my place, and stay out!” +</p> +<p> +Without a word, Jones slunk to the door and disappeared. +</p> +<p> +“Where is Mabel?” demanded Mr. Ashton in +great anxiety, at this juncture. +</p> +<p> +Mabel was not in sight. +</p> +<p> +All glanced about, and then, from the direction +of Gabriel’s stall, came a faint moan. +</p> +<p> +Shirley ran forward ahead of the others, and +in an instant had her friend’s head in her lap. +</p> +<p> +“Water quick!” she commanded. +</p> +<p> +Leonard hastened forward with a bucket of +water. +</p> +<p> +“Is she hurt?” asked Mr. Ashton, excitedly, pushing +the others away. +</p> +<p> +Shirley made a careful examination of her friend. +</p> +<p> +“No,” she replied. “I don’t see a mark. She +must have fainted.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel moaned again, and a moment later opened +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_227'></a>227</span> +her eyes. Seeing Shirley, she threw her arms +around her friend’s neck and broke into tears again. +The excitement had been too much for her. +</p> +<p> +A few minutes later, however, the flow of tears +ceased and Mabel sat up. +</p> +<p> +“Tell us all about it,” said Shirley, stroking her +chum’s hair. +</p> +<p> +In a few words Mabel complied. +</p> +<p> +“You are a brave girl,” Shirley told her. “Gabriel +might have killed you when you entered his +stall.” +</p> +<p> +“No, he wouldn’t do that,” was Mabel’s reply. +“We had already become friends.” +</p> +<p> +She rose, walked over to the big horse and threw +her arms about his neck. Gabriel submitted to the +caress. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Mr. Willing, “let’s get back to the +hotel.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley led Gabriel back to his stall, and leaving +Leonard once more on guard, the others set out +for their hotel. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_228'></a>228</span><a name='chXXVIII' id='chXXVIII'></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.—THE JOCKEY.</h2> +<p> +It was the day of the great race. +</p> +<p> +Shirley jumped out of bed eagerly, and shook +Mabel, who was still sleeping soundly. +</p> +<p> +“Mabel! Mabel!” she called. +</p> +<p> +Mabel turned sleepily. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter?” she asked. +</p> +<p> +“Time to get up,” was the reply. “It’s almost +eight o’clock. This is Derby day.” +</p> +<p> +“So it is,” exclaimed Mabel, awake in an instant +now. +</p> +<p> +She jumped out of bed and the girls dressed +quickly. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing and the others were already up and +dressed when the girls came from their rooms, and +they all went down to breakfast together. +</p> +<p> +It was during the meal that Mr. Willing was +suddenly called by a page. +</p> +<p> +“Gentleman to see you sir,” said the boy. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing excused himself and left the dining +room. He was back in a few minutes, however, +and said to Shirley: +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_229'></a>229</span> +</p> +<p> +“The rest of you will have to come to the track +by yourselves. I have some business to attend to. +I’ll meet you there. I’ll leave the car for you.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Ashton spoke up. +</p> +<p> +“I have some business matters to see about also,” +he said. “I’ll go with you, and Jimmy and the +girls can use the car.” +</p> +<p> +This plan was agreed upon. +</p> +<p> +“By the way, Dad,” said Shirley suddenly, as +her father rose to go, “Dick is going with us.” +</p> +<p> +“Dick!” repeated Mr. Willing. “Who in the +world is Dick?” +</p> +<p> +Shirley explained. +</p> +<p> +“Bring him by all means,” said her father. “I +shall be glad to see him.” +</p> +<p> +At the door he turned. +</p> +<p> +“Meet me in our quarters at 1 o’clock,” he said; +then to Jimmy: “Jimmy, you had better dress here +in the hotel.” +</p> +<p> +Jimmy answered that he would do so, and Mr. +Willing and Mr. Ashton took their departure. +</p> +<p> +The girls waited impatiently for Dick to arrive. +He was announced sharp on the stroke of ten, and +was shown to their suite. +</p> +<p> +“We had better leave here about noon,” he said. +“The crowd will be immense and it may take us +some time to get to the track.” +</p> +<p> +This was agreed upon. +</p> +<p> +The four strolled about the street until eleven +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_230'></a>230</span> +o’clock, when they returned to the hotel for lunch. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy partook of a very light meal, for he wished +to be in exact condition for the race. He left +the table before the others, announcing that he +would go upstairs and change to his jockey clothes. +</p> +<p> +Fifteen minutes later the others followed him. +</p> +<p> +There was not a sound in the room when the +three entered and a peculiar feeling came over Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“Jimmy!” she called suddenly. +</p> +<p> +There was no answer, and again the girl called. +</p> +<p> +Still no answer. +</p> +<p> +“What in the world can be the matter?” asked +the girl anxiously. She turned to Dick. “Will you +go into Jimmy’s room and see what is wrong?” she +asked. +</p> +<p> +Dick disappeared into the other room and the two +girls waited nervously. +</p> +<p> +They heard Dick’s voice raised in an exclamation, +and he came dashing back. +</p> +<p> +“Don’t be alarmed,” he said quietly, as the girls +rose and ran to him. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter?” demanded Shirley, wringing +her hands. “Where is Jimmy?” +</p> +<p> +“He is in there,” said Dick. “But he has been +hurt.” +</p> +<p> +“Hurt!” exclaimed both girls in one voice. +</p> +<p> +“Yes.” +</p> +<p> +“How?” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_231'></a>231</span> +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Dick quietly, “he was struck over the +head with a club.” +</p> +<p> +The girls cried out in dismay. +</p> +<p> +“He is still unconscious,” Dick continued. “I +found him on the floor. I tried to revive him, but +it was no use. I laid him on the bed.” +</p> +<p> +“What are we to do?” said Mabel. “Gabriel will +not be able to run.” +</p> +<p> +“Never mind the race now,” said Shirley. “Let’s +call a doctor for Jimmy. His life is more important +than the race.” +</p> +<p> +She stepped quickly to the telephone and summoned +the hotel physician. Then all went into +Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +The lad had not had time to change into his jockey +costume. Apparently he had been struck down the +moment he entered the room. +</p> +<p> +As Shirley bent over him, he moved restlessly +and opened his eyes. He saw Shirley, and smiled +slightly. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter, Jimmy?” asked the girl +gently. “How did it happen?” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know,” came the weak reply. “Something +hit me as I stepped in the door.” +</p> +<p> +Dick came up to the bed at this point. In his +hand he held a short cudgel. +</p> +<p> +“Here is the weapon,” he said quietly. +</p> +<p> +“But who did it?” asked Shirley. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_232'></a>232</span> +</p> +<p> +“It’s some of Jones’ work, I should say,” said +Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“Of course,” agreed Dick. +</p> +<p> +At this moment Jimmy tried to sit up. +</p> +<p> +“What time is it?” he asked in a feeble voice. +</p> +<p> +Shirley looked at her watch. +</p> +<p> +“Quarter after twelve,” she said. +</p> +<p> +“Then I must get up,” declared Jimmy. “I must +get to the track.” +</p> +<p> +A knock sounded at the door, and the hotel physician +entered. He made a quick examination. +</p> +<p> +“Can I ride in the Derby this afternoon?” asked +Jimmy eagerly. +</p> +<p> +The doctor shook his head. +</p> +<p> +“You’ll stay in bed for a week,” he said quietly. +</p> +<p> +“But I must get to the track,” said Jimmy. “Mr. +Willing is depending on me! I must go.” +</p> +<p> +“It is impossible,” said the physician. +</p> +<p> +“Then what shall we do?” cried the boy. “Who +will ride Gabriel?” +</p> +<p> +“I guess Gabriel will not run,” said the physician +quietly. +</p> +<p> +“But he will,” cried Shirley, “and he shall win +too.” +</p> +<p> +The others looked at the girl in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“What do you mean?” demanded Mabel. +</p> +<p> +The girl took a long breath, then said quietly: +</p> +<p> +“I will ride him!” +</p> +<p> +The others uttered exclamations of surprise. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_233'></a>233</span> +</p> +<p> +“But you can’t, Shirley,” protested Mabel. +</p> +<p> +“But I will,” came the firm reply. +</p> +<p> +“Your father would never hear of such a thing.” +</p> +<p> +“He doesn’t need to know anything about it. +But the rest of you must help me. I’ll dress here +in Jimmy’s clothes. No one will know the difference. +I have played Jimmy once and I can do it +again. But you, Mabel, and you, Dick, must keep +between me and father as much as possible.” +</p> +<p> +“What will your father say when he fails to see +you at the track? He will want to know what has +become of you.” +</p> +<p> +“Then you must tell him something that will satisfy +him for the time.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley looked at her watch again. +</p> +<p> +“Twenty minutes past twelve. I shall have to +hurry,” she said. +</p> +<p> +Quickly she went to Jimmy’s trunk and pulled +forth his jockey clothes. Then she hastened to her +own room. +</p> +<p> +The others waited her return without a word. +</p> +<p> +“How do I look?” came a voice from the doorway +at last. +</p> +<p> +Jimmy, Dick, Mabel and the doctor took one +look and cried out in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Great Scott! I wouldn’t have believed it possible,” +declared the physician. +</p> +<p> +In her red and blue costume—the Willing colors—Shirley +indeed made a pretty picture. Her cap +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_234'></a>234</span> +was pulled down well over her face and her thick +hair was coiled up under it. In her hand she held +Jimmy’s short whip. +</p> +<p> +“Will I do?” she asked. +</p> +<p> +“You look enough like this lad to be his twin,” +said the physician quietly. “You’ll do.” +</p> +<p> +“We must hurry,” declared Shirley. “Ready, +Mabel? Ready, Dick?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” they answered. +</p> +<p> +Shirley approached Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll try not to lose your reputation,” she said +gently. “I’ll do the best I know how, and I am +sure that Gabriel will try for me.” +</p> +<p> +“There is no doubt about that,” replied Jimmy. +“With you on Gabriel’s back, I feel more certain +of the outcome of the race than I would if I were +there myself.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley held out her hand and the lad grasped it +warmly. +</p> +<p> +“Be very careful,” he warned her. “Watch the +others closely. They will probably try some crookedness, +for they must all be in it together. Keep +as clear of the field as possible, and let Gabriel run +his own race.” +</p> +<p> +“I shall remember,” said Shirley. “And now +good-bye.” +</p> +<p> +She pressed Jimmy’s hand gently and stepped toward +the door. The physician stopped her. +</p> +<p> +“I want to say,” he declared, “that you are the +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_235'></a>235</span> +bravest girl I have ever seen. I am sure that you +will win.” +</p> +<p> +“Thank you, doctor,” replied Shirley with a +slight smile. “Take good care of Jimmy.” +</p> +<p> +“I shall stay right here until you return,” said +the doctor, knowing this would make Shirley less +worried about Jimmy during her absence. +</p> +<p> +Shirley nodded and passed out of the room ahead +of her friends. +</p> +<p> +The Willing touring car stood in front of the +hotel, and the chauffeur—a man Mr. Willing had +hired because he knew the town—was waiting. +</p> +<p> +Shirley stood aside while Mabel and Dick climbed +in, and then she got in after them. +</p> +<p> +“To the race track,” she commanded, “and +hurry.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel looked at her watch. +</p> +<p> +“Twenty-five minutes to one,” she remarked. +</p> +<p> +“Good,” replied Shirley. “We’ll make it.” +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_236'></a>236</span><a name='chXXIX' id='chXXIX'></a>CHAPTER XXIX.—THE DERBY.</h2> +<p> +All Louisville, it seemed, was at the Derby that +day. +</p> +<p> +From early in the morning until after the races +started, crowds continued to pour into the grandstand +and overflow into the paddock. Thousands +of women, in brilliant costumes, gave a picturesque +touch to the scene. It was indeed a gala day. +</p> +<p> +Gaily decked in bright colors, the grandstand +presented an attractive appearance. Everywhere +happiness and light-heartedness prevailed. It was +the day of the year when Louisville gave itself over +to frolic. +</p> +<p> +The races were scheduled to start at 2 o’clock, +and as the winner of the first event flashed under +the wire the crowd cheered. But in spite of these +first events—good races though they were—the +crowd waited impatiently for the superb horses that +were to fight for the Derby. +</p> +<p> +It was a few minutes after 1 o’clock when Shirley, +Mabel and Dick reached the track, and hurried +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_237'></a>237</span> +to the Willing quarters. Mr. Willing was pacing +up and down anxiously when they appeared, and +Mr. Ashton and Leonard were beside him. +</p> +<p> +Gabriel, all ready for the race, stood quietly +nearby. +</p> +<p> +“Well, here you are at last,” said Mr. Willing as +the three approached them. “Where is Shirley?” +</p> +<p> +“Oh, she will be here soon,” said Mabel. “Don’t +worry about her. Let me introduce Dick Stanley, +Mr. Willing, the boy who came so nobly to our +aid.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing extended his hand and the lad +grasped it. +</p> +<p> +“I am glad to know you,” said the former. “Allow +me to thank you for the service you rendered +me.” +</p> +<p> +“It was nothing,” said Dick and stepped back. +</p> +<p> +All this time Shirley had contrived to keep her +back to her father, for she was well aware that if +he should recognize her he would not permit her +to ride. +</p> +<p> +At that moment Leonard approached. +</p> +<p> +He looked sharply at the supposed jockey, and +then stepped back suddenly and opened his mouth +to speak. +</p> +<p> +Shirley laid a finger to her lips in a quick gesture, +and Leonard closed his mouth without a word. +Nevertheless he continued to stare at her in amazement. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_238'></a>238</span> +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing, not suspecting anything of this +nature, did not glance closely at the jockey, which +was fortunate. Shirley kept her cap pulled well +down, and thus avoided detection. +</p> +<p> +“The Derby will be called a few minutes after +three,” said Mr. Willing. “Are you ready, Jimmy?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes, sir,” replied Shirley, imitating Jimmy’s +voice as nearly as she could. +</p> +<p> +“Are you feeling perfectly fit?” +</p> +<p> +“Yes, sir.” +</p> +<p> +“Good.” +</p> +<p> +He led the way to the scales, where Shirley was +weighed. +</p> +<p> +“Ninety-eight,” said Mr. Willing, stepping back. +“Good.” +</p> +<p> +The time came at last, and Shirley, seated firmly +upon Gabriel’s back, rode slowly toward the barrier. +Mr. Willing followed, giving last advice. +</p> +<p> +“Get away as well as you can,” he told her, “and +give Gabriel his head. Under no circumstances use +the whip. Let Gabriel run his own race.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley nodded her understanding of these orders, +but made no reply. Mr. Willing stepped back +and joined the others. +</p> +<p> +“I wonder where Shirley is?” he said. +</p> +<p> +“Oh, perhaps she stopped to talk to some one,” +said Mabel quietly. +</p> +<p> +“Well, I guess she is safe enough,” said Mr. +Willing. “Come.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_239'></a>239</span> +</p> +<p> +He led the way to the paddock and the others +followed. +</p> +<p> +After some trouble they succeeded in gaining advantageous +places, and turned their eyes toward the +track. And at that moment a familiar voice near +Mabel said: +</p> +<p> +“Great Scott! Gabriel is going to run.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel turned and glanced at the speaker. It was +Jones, and even as Mabel looked he turned upon +the man beside him. +</p> +<p> +“I thought you told me you had fixed the jockey!” +he exclaimed. +</p> +<p> +“I did,” he declared. “I knocked him cold.” +</p> +<p> +“Then how is it that he is in the race?” +</p> +<p> +“I don’t know. I don’t see how it is possible. +Maybe they got another boy at the last minute.” +</p> +<p> +Jones looked long through his field glasses. +</p> +<p> +“No. It’s the same,” he declared. +</p> +<p> +Again he whirled upon the man angrily. +</p> +<p> +“You have betrayed me,” he cried. +</p> +<p> +“It’s a lie,” said the other. +</p> +<p> +Jones moved toward him, and the other turned +and ran. Jones ran after him. +</p> +<p> +In the meantime, Shirley, hunched almost on +Gabriel’s neck, had ridden forth with the others. +The reins she held in her right hand with the whip, +while with the other she stroked her horse’s neck. +</p> +<p> +“You know me, don’t you, Gabriel?” she whispered. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_240'></a>240</span> +</p> +<p> +Gabriel’s reply was a low whinny. +</p> +<p> +Shirley patted him gently. +</p> +<p> +“And we are going to win, aren’t we, Gabriel?” +</p> +<p> +Again the big horse whinnied. +</p> +<p> +At the post Shirley turned in alongside the others. +Upon her right, nearest the rail outside, was another +great black horse, and Shirley did not need +to be told that this was Jupiter, the animal upon +which the bookmakers were depending to win the +race. +</p> +<p> +He was a wicked-looking brute, and his eyes were +fiery red. +</p> +<p> +“I’ll have to watch him,” thought the girl. +</p> +<p> +She gazed at the other eight entries. Noble-looking +animals they were, the best of Kentucky +stock. She noticed several of the jockeys eyeing +her queerly. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, I shall have to be careful,” she said. +</p> +<p> +The signal to line up at the barrier was given. +</p> +<p> +The high-strung horses moved about nervously. +A pistol cracked, and they were off down the track. +But the starter called them back. It was a false +start. +</p> +<p> +Shirley showed superb horsemanship. She +maneuvered for position as well as any of the rest, +and just before the pistol cracked the second time, +she was but two removed from the inside rail. +</p> +<p> +Next to her, closer to the rail, was Jupiter. +</p> +<p> +“They’re off!” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_241'></a>241</span> +</p> +<p> +The cry came from the grandstand, and was followed +by a prolonged cheer. +</p> +<p> +Shirley found herself slightly behind the leaders +at the first jump, but she did not worry. She knew +what Gabriel could do, and she was perfectly satisfied +with her position. +</p> +<p> +In a bunch the field swept down the track. Shirley +found herself wedged in between Jupiter and a +powerful sorrel on her other side. In this way they +continued for the first half-mile. +</p> +<p> +Gradually the three leaders, Jupiter, Gabriel and +the big sorrel forged ahead of the field, and at the +three-quarter mark the sorrel dropped behind. He +was unable to keep up the terrific pace. +</p> +<p> +Jupiter was still running slightly ahead and going +easily. Not once had his jockey used his whip +or urged him to greater effort. Nor had there as +yet been any attempt at unfairness. +</p> +<p> +Shirley held a tight rein upon Gabriel, and the +animal had not yet let himself out. In spite of her +father’s instructions, Shirley was riding her own +race. She believed that she knew more about Gabriel +than either her father or Jimmy. +</p> +<p> +And now, with the finish a quarter of a mile +ahead, Shirley let Gabriel out slightly, and he came +up on even terms with Jupiter in a few strides. +</p> +<p> +Then Jupiter’s rider got busy. He loosened his +reins and began to coax. But Gabriel remained on +even terms. Jupiter’s jockey stopped coaxing and +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_242'></a>242</span> +began to ply his whip, and at the first smart blow, +Jupiter leaped ahead. +</p> +<p> +Shirley let Gabriel out another notch, and then +another, and once more the two big black horses +were neck and neck. Try as he would, Jupiter +could not shake Gabriel off. +</p> +<p> +Glancing ahead, Shirley saw that the finish was +close in front. The crowd had gone wild. With +the horses rushing for the wire, bedlam had broken +loose. Flags and pennants waved and men and +women shouted hoarsely. +</p> +<p> +But of this Shirley neither heard nor saw anything. +Her eyes were fixed upon the wire and she +knew nothing but that Gabriel must be the first +under it. +</p> +<p> +And now, as the two great horses thundered down +to the finish, Shirley leaned forward on Gabriel’s +neck and whispered to him. The noble animal responded, +and with a tremendous leap forged ahead +of his rival. +</p> +<p> +At the same moment, Jupiter’s rider, realizing +that he could not overtake his opponent, lashed out +with his whip. +</p> +<p> +The blow caught Shirley squarely across the face, +and she reeled, and for a moment Gabriel was almost +thrown off his stride. But the gallant horse +recovered quickly, and with a last desperate effort, +leaped forward under the wire—a winner by a +neck. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_243'></a>243</span> +</p> +<p> +Shirley, in great pain, still had the presence of +mind to pull Gabriel in, and sick and faint, she +headed him quickly for the Willing stable. +</p> +<p> +But Mr. Willing and the others, as well as the +rest of the crowd, had seen the cowardly act, and +a great cry of anger rose in the air. Mr. Willing +made for his stable at top speed, the others following. +</p> +<p> +At his stable, Gabriel stopped. +</p> +<p> +Shirley swayed in the saddle and toppled over; +and Mr. Willing, running up at that moment, arrived +just in time to catch her in his arms. +</p> +<p> +Gently he laid her on the ground. Her cap fell +from her head, and her long hair came tumbling +down. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing stood still in his surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Shirley!” he cried, and gathered her up in his +arms. +</p> +<h2><span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_244'></a>244</span><a name='chXXX' id='chXXX'></a>CHAPTER XXX.—THE PUNISHMENT OF JONES.</h2> +<p> +“Shirley!” cried Mr. Willing again, and looked +at his daughter in alarm. +</p> +<p> +At this moment Mabel and Leonard came running +up, having outdistanced Mr. Ashton. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing turned to them quickly. +</p> +<p> +“Dr. Thompson is back there in the paddock,” +he said, pointing. “Hurry! and see if you can find +him.” +</p> +<p> +Mabel hurried away in response to this command. +She was fortunate enough to find the physician +after a brief search, and she conducted him back +to where Mr. Willing still held Shirley in his arms. +</p> +<p> +The doctor laid her gently on the soft ground +and bent over her. +</p> +<p> +“Nothing serious,” he said rising at last. “She +seems to have fainted more because of the excitement +than anything else. She’ll come to presently.” +</p> +<p> +Dr. Thompson proved a good prophet. Five +minutes later Shirley opened her eyes and smiled +up at her father. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_245'></a>245</span> +</p> +<p> +“Did we win?” she asked somewhat feebly. +</p> +<p> +“Yes, you won,” replied Mr. Willing in a low +voice. “But, Shirley, why did you do it?” +</p> +<p> +“Somebody had to do it, Dad,” was the reply. +“I knew I was the only one that could ride Gabriel +outside of Jimmy.” +</p> +<p> +“But I would rather have had Gabriel scratched +than to have you take such a risk,” said Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“I know that. That’s why I didn’t tell you.” +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing turned to Mabel, as Shirley fell back, +tired out, and closed her eyes. +</p> +<p> +“What is the matter with Jimmy?” he demanded. +</p> +<p> +Mabel explained. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing grew very angry. +</p> +<p> +“I have had enough of this,” he declared. “I +shall notify the police as soon as we get back down +town. I’ll see that Jones answers for his actions. +I’ll prosecute him to the full extent of the law.” +</p> +<p> +Half an hour later, with Shirley lying in the +rear seat, the car, also bearing Mr. Willing, Mr. +Ashton, Dick, Mabel and Leonard, was speeding +down town. +</p> +<p> +By the time it reached the hotel Shirley had so +far recovered that she was able to make her way +to their apartments unassisted. True to his promise, +the hotel physician had remained with Jimmy all +this time. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_246'></a>246</span> +</p> +<p> +“And did you win the race?” was his first question, +as Shirley entered the room. +</p> +<p> +“Yes,” was the girl’s smiling rejoinder. “We +won.” +</p> +<p> +“Good,” cried the physician. He rose from his +chair. “You have no further need of me,” he said, +“I shall be going.” +</p> +<p> +He bowed and made his departure. +</p> +<p> +After a few words with Jimmy, Mr. Willing announced +his intention of going immediately to the +police station and swearing out a warrant against +Jones. Shirley tried to turn him from his purpose, +but in vain. Then she declared that she would go +with him. +</p> +<p> +All Mr. Willing’s objections went for naught, so +the two started out together. As they were driving +along the street, Shirley cried out suddenly and +caught her father by the arm. +</p> +<p> +“What’s the matter now?” he demanded. +</p> +<p> +“There is Jones,” said Shirley, pointing to the +sidewalk. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing followed the direction of her finger. +Sure enough, there was Jones, deep in conversation +with another man. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing ordered the chauffeur to stop the +car, and he leaped out. +</p> +<p> +“What are you going to do, Dad?” called Shirley, +in alarm. +</p> +<p> +Mr. Willing vouchsafed no reply. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_247'></a>247</span> +</p> +<p> +He walked directly up to Jones, who at that moment +was looking the other way. He took him +by the arm and swung him about, so that they stood +face to face. +</p> +<p> +As Jones, greatly surprised, would have stepped +back, Mr. Willing raised one arm, and deliberately +slapped the man across the face. +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps that will teach you, sir,” he exclaimed, +“to let me and mine alone in the future.” +</p> +<p> +Jones was no coward. He wiped a few drops +of blood from his lips, and stepping suddenly forward, +aimed a heavy blow at Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +But the latter, in spite of his age, was still agile +and strong. He sprang to one side, and avoided the +blow, but then, stepping in close, sent his fist into +the other’s face with all his power. +</p> +<p> +Jones struck the sidewalk like a log. His companion +took to his heels. +</p> +<p> +A crowd, attracted by the scuffle, began to gather. +</p> +<p> +Presently Jones pulled himself together and +scrambled to his feet. Mr. Willing still stood with +clenched fists and set lips. +</p> +<p> +“Have you had enough?” he asked. “Or shall +I give you another dose?” +</p> +<p> +For one moment it seemed that Jones would renew +the fight; but after a look at the rapidly gathering +crowd, he turned and walked away. +</p> +<p> +“Three cheers for the old boy,” shouted a youngster +in the crowd. +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_248'></a>248</span> +</p> +<p> +The cheers were given with a will. +</p> +<p> +At that moment a hand was laid on Mr. Willing’s +shoulder. The latter turned to face a policeman. +</p> +<p> +“You are under arrest,” said the officer. “Come +with me.” +</p> +<p> +In vain Mr. Willing protested. The officer was +firm. Finally Mr. Willing consented to go without +trouble. +</p> +<p> +“If you’ll step into my car, I’ll drive you to the +station,” he said. +</p> +<p> +The policeman accepted this offer. +</p> +<p> +Shirley, perceiving her father in the hands of the +law, was frightened. Mr. Willing reassured her, +however, when he stepped into the car, and ordered +the chauffeur to drive to police headquarters. +</p> +<p> +As they continued down the street, the crowd +gave three more ringing cheers. Mr. Willing was +forced to smile. +</p> +<p> +At the police station Mr. Willing had little difficulty +explaining matters satisfactorily to the sergeant, +and he was allowed to go. +</p> +<p> +“You did perfectly right,” declared the old sergeant. +</p> +<p> +He shook hands with Mr. Willing and his daughter, +and wished them good luck. The latter then +returned to their hotel. +</p> +<p> +“I guess that was enough punishment for Jones,” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_249'></a>249</span> +said Mr. Willing cheerfully in relating the occurrence +to Mr. Ashton a short time later. +</p> +<p> +“Indeed it was,” was the reply, “and it also saved +you a lot of court trouble and notoriety.” +</p> +<p> +“Right you are,” agreed Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +Two days longer the party stayed in Louisville, +and then set out for home. Jimmy’s injuries were +getting along nicely and no serious results were anticipated. +The mark on Shirley’s face, caused by +the blow of the whip, was also rapidly disappearing. +</p> +<p> +An hour before it was time for their train to +leave, Dick was announced. Shirley welcomed him +warmly, as did Mr. Willing. +</p> +<p> +“My daughter has told me of you,” said the latter, +“and I should be glad to have you go home with +us. I can offer you work on my farm.” +</p> +<p> +“Thank you, sir,” replied Dick, “but, for the +present, I prefer to remain here.” +</p> +<p> +“But,” protested Mr. Willing, “surely you have +not such a remunerative place here that makes you +so anxious to stay?” +</p> +<p> +“No, sir. I am only an office boy in a big newspaper +office, but some of these days, sir, I hope to +climb. Within the year I expect to be on the reportorial +staff of the <em>Star</em>.” +</p> +<p> +“Well, you know your own mind best. However, +I should be pleased to have you go with us.” +</p> +<p> +“And I should be pleased to go, sir.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_250'></a>250</span> +</p> +<p> +“Perhaps he will come and spend Christmas with +us,” suggested Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“I certainly shall, if it is possible,” replied the lad. +“But you know, Miss Willing, a newspaper man +works holidays as well as others. However, it +may be that I can get off.” +</p> +<p> +“You must get away,” declared Shirley. “We +shall expect you.” +</p> +<p> +“I will do my best,” the lad promised. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Mr. Willing, “we shall have to be +getting down toward the station. It is getting late.” +</p> +<p> +Dick shook hands all around and bowed himself +out +</p> +<p> +“A very manly and likeable boy,” said Mr. Willing, +as he disappeared through the door. +</p> +<p> +“Indeed he is,” replied Shirley. +</p> +<p> +An hour later the party was speeding along in the +direction of Lexington. +</p> +<p> +Gabriel already had been shipped home, and they +knew that they would find him there, safe and +sound, when they returned. Shirley had not seen +the horse since just after the race, and was anxious +to call upon him in his own home. +</p> +<p> +So, the first thing after their arrival at the farm, +she, Mabel, Leonard and Jimmy made straight for +Gabriel’s stall. The racehorse received them with +whinnies of joy. +</p> +<p> +“Good old Gabriel,” said Shirley, dashing into the +stall and throwing her arms around the animal’s +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_251'></a>251</span> +neck. “I knew you would win for us. And think +what you have accomplished. You have saved the +farm for Dad and me.” +</p> +<p> +The others now approached, and Gabriel put +aside his customary unfriendliness toward strangers, +and allowed all to pat him to their hearts’ content. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Leonard, “I have had the time of +my life here, and I am sorry to say that I shall +have to leave you to-morrow.” +</p> +<p> +“Leave us?” exclaimed Shirley in surprise. +</p> +<p> +“Yes. I start home to-morrow night.” +</p> +<p> +Both girls heard this piece of news with regret, +for both had become greatly attached to young +Wolfe. +</p> +<p> +At this juncture Jimmy, who was now able to +get around, turned to Shirley. +</p> +<p> +“And had it not been for you, Miss Shirley,” he +said seriously, “there is no telling what might have +happened to me. Certainly you saved me from myself.” +</p> +<p> +Shirley extended her hand, and the boy grasped +it warmly. +</p> +<p> +“I could never have rested in peace had you +gone away, Jimmy Smith,” she said with a faint +smile. “I shall never forget that it was a few +unthoughtful words of mine that almost sent you +on the wrong road.” +<span class='pagenum pncolor'><a id='page_252'></a>252</span> +</p> +<p> +“Don’t talk like that, Miss Shirley,” said Jimmy. +“You know better.” +</p> +<p> +“Of course, she does,” said Leonard and Mabel +in the same voice. +</p> +<p> +“Well,” said Shirley, laughing, “we won’t argue +about it. Everything has turned out all right, and +I am sure that each of us has had a good time.” +</p> +<p> +“Indeed we have,” exclaimed the others. +</p> +<hr class='tb' /> +<p> +Here for the time being, we shall take our leave +of the girls, their fathers and friends. But we shall +meet them again before long, in a second volume +entitled “The Blue Grass Seminary Girls’ Christmas +Holidays” or “A Four-Weeks’ Tour with the Glee +Club.” +</p> +<div class='center'> +<p>THE END</p> +</div> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<p> +<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>The Girl Comrade’s Series</span> +</p> +<p> +ALL AMERICAN AUTHORS. +</p> +<p> +ALL COPYRIGHT STORIES. +</p> +<p> +A carefully selected series of books for +girls, written by popular authors. These +are charming stories for young girls, well +told and full of interest. 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Harris. +</p> +<p> +BILLOW PRAIRIE. A Story of Life in the Great West. +By Joy Allison. +</p> +<p> +DUXBERRY DOINGS. A New England Story. By Caroline +B. Le Row. +</p> +<p> +FUSSBUDGET’S FOLKS. A Story For Young Girls. By +Anna F. Burnham. +</p> +<p> +HAPPY DISCIPLINE, A. By Elizabeth Cummings. +</p> +<p> +JOLLY TEN, THE; and Their Year of Stories. By Agnes +Carr Sage. +</p> +<p> +KATIE ROBERTSON. A Girl’s Story of Factory Life. +By M. E. Winslow. +</p> +<p> +LONELY HILL. A Story For Girls. By M. L. Thornton-Wilder. +</p> +<p> +MAJORIBANKS. A Girl’s Story. By Elvirton Wright. +</p> +<p> +MISS CHARITY’S HOUSE. By Howe Benning. +</p> +<p> +MISS ELLIOT’S GIRLS. A Story For Young Girls. By +Mary Spring Corning. +</p> +<p> +MISS MALCOLM’S TEN. A Story For Girls. By Margaret +E. Winslow. +</p> +<p> +ONE GIRL’S WAY OUT. By Howe Benning. +</p> +<p> +PEN’S VENTURE. By Elvirton Wright. +</p> +<p> +RUTH PRENTICE. A Story For Girls. By Marion +Thorne. +</p> +<p> +THREE YEARS AT GLENWOOD. A Story of School +Life. By M. E. Winslow. +</p> +<p> +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publishers. +</p> +<p> +A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 East 23d Street, New York. +</p> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<p> +<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS SERIES</span> +</p> +<p> +By CAROLYN JUDSON BURNETT +</p> +<p> +Handsome Cloth Binding +</p> +<p> +Price, 40c. per Volume +</p> +<p> +<em>Splendid Stories of the Adventures +of a Group of Charming Girls</em> +</p> +<p> +THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS’ VACATION +ADVENTURES; or, Shirley Willing to the Rescue. +</p> +<p> +THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS’ CHRISTMAS +HOLIDAYS; or, A Four Weeks’ Tour with the Glee +Club. +</p> +<p> +THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS IN THE +MOUNTAINS; or, Shirley Willing on a Mission of +Peace. +</p> +<p> +THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY GIRLS ON THE +WATER; or, Exciting Adventures on a Summer’s +Cruise Through the Panama Canal. +</p> +<p> +<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>THE MILDRED SERIES</span> +</p> +<p> +By MARTHA FINLEY +</p> +<p> +Handsome Cloth Binding +</p> +<p> +Price, 40c. per Volume +</p> +<p> +<em>A Companion Series to the famous +“Elsie” Books by the Same Author</em> +</p> +<p> + MILDRED KEITH<br /> + MILDRED’S MARRIED LIFE<br /> + MILDRED AT ROSELANDS<br /> + MILDRED AT HOME<br /> + MILDRED AND ELSIE<br /> + MILDRED’S BOYS AND GIRLS<br /> + MILDRED’S NEW DAUGHTER<br /> +</p> +<p> +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publishers. +</p> +<p> +A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 East 23d Street, New York. +</p> +<p> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> +</p> +<p> +<span style='font-size:1.2em;font-weight:bold;'>THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS SERIES</span> +</p> +<p> +By HILDEGARD G. FREY. +</p> +<p> +The only series of stories +for Camp Fire Girls endorsed by the officials of the Camp +Fire Girls Organization. +</p> +<p> +PRICE, 40 CENTS PER VOLUME +</p> +<p> +THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS IN THE MAINE WOODS; or, +The Winnebagos go Camping. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +This lively Camp Fire group and their Guardian go back to Nature in a +camp in the wilds of Maine and pile up more adventures in one summer +than they have had in all their previous vacations put together. Before +the summer is over they have transformed Gladys, the frivolous boarding +school girl, into a genuine Winnebago. +</p> +<p> +THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT SCHOOL; or, The Wohelo +Weavers. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +It is the custom of the Winnebagos to weave the events of their lives +into symbolic bead bands, instead of keeping a diary. All commendatory +doings are worked out in bright colors, but every time the Law of +of the Camp Fire is broken it must be recorded in black. How these +seven live wire girls strive to infuse into their school life the spirit of +Work, Health and Love and yet manage to get into more than their +share of mischief, is told in this story. +</p> +<p> +THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT ONOWAY HOUSE; or, +The Magic Garden. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +Migwan is determined to go to college, and not being strong enough to +work indoors earns the money by raising fruits and vegetables. The +Winnebagos all turn a hand to help the cause along and the “goings-on” +at Onoway House that summer make the foundations shake with +laughter. +</p> +<p> +THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS GO MOTORING; or, Along +the Road That Leads the Way. +</p> +<p style='margin-left: 2em;margin-right: 2em;'> +The Winnebagos take a thousand mile auto trip. The “pinching” of +Nyoda, the fire in the country inn, the runaway girl and the dead-earnest +hare and hound chase combine to make these three weeks the +most exciting the Winnebagos have ever experienced. +</p> +<p> +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publishers. +</p> +<p> +A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 East 23d Street, New York. +</p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Blue Grass Seminary Girls' +Vacation Adventures, by Carolyn Judson Burnett + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BLUE GRASS SEMINARY *** + +***** This file should be named 37307-h.htm or 37307-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/3/0/37307/ + +Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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