He speeded up his motor, dropped in his clutch, and the car slowly
started on its way.




CHAPTER II

INTO THE MOUNTAINS

Beth stood perfectly still beside the road, watching the auto round the
hill where it presently disappeared from view. The station owner
picked up a sliver of wood and began to whittle industriously. The
horseman remained with his bridle reins in hand, amusedly looking at
his captive. The maid sat down upon the suitcase, dropped her skirt in
a modest little manner, and cast her gaze upon the ground.

Beth was the first to speak.

"Well, Elsa, I hope you are comfortable."

"Yes, Miss, thank you," said the maid.

Thereupon Miss Kent turned to the horseman and laughed. Someway she
could not feel alarmed, in the presence of this man of the hills, in
whose eyes merry devils were dancing.

"Isn't this absurd?" she said.