more to the car owner, adding, placidly: "There, there, driver----"

Bostwick broke in vehemently.

"I refuse to abandon these ladies! Your conduct is not only that of a
coward, it is----"

Van looked him over in mock astonishment.

"Say, Searle," he said, "don't you savvy you've lost your vote in this
convention? I told you to do these ladies the kindness to sweeten the
atmosphere with your absence. Now you hit the trail--and hit it quick!"

Bostwick looked helplessly at the girl.

"I am entirely unarmed," he said as before, though she knew there was a
pistol in the car. "This ruffian----"

The horseman cut him short.

"So long, Searle. I trust you'll meet congenial company on the road, but
I advise you even now to return the way you came."

Bostwick glared at him vindictively, but impotently. His jaw was set and
hard. A cold fire glittered in his eyes. How selfishly eager he was to
be started on his way not even the girl could have known. Moreover, some
sort of plan for the horseman's speedy punishment had taken possession of
his mind.

"Have courage, Beth," he said to the girl. "Have courage."