under the lights, and they could see the passengers as they came down
the steps. Two or three got out, but these were men. Then came an
apparition that caused Captain Jerry to gasp and clutch at Perez for
support.

Down the steps of the car came a tall, coal-black negress, and in her
hand was a canvas extension case, on the side of which was blazoned in
two-inch letters the fateful name, "M. B. Snow, Nantucket."

Captain Eri gazed at this astounding spectacle for a full thirty
seconds. Then he woke up.

"Godfrey domino!" he ejaculated. "BLACK! BLACK! Run! Run for your lives,
'fore she sees us!"

This order was superfluous. Captain Jerry was already half-way to the
fence, and going at a rate which bid fair to establish a record for
his age. The others fell into his wake, and the procession moved across
country like a steeplechase.

They climbed over stone walls and splashed into meadows. They took every
short cut between the station and their home. As they came in sight of
the latter, Captain Perez' breath gave out almost entirely.

"Heave to!" he gasped. "Heave to, or I'll founder. I wouldn't run
another step for all the darkies in the West Indies."

Captain Eri paused, but it was only after a struggle that Captain Jerry
was persuaded to halt.