ravine. A handful of gravel left an impatient hand and rattled against
the second-story window above. Almost instantaneously the window was
raised and a head came forth.

"Joe?" came a shrill whisper from above.

"What's the matter?" whispered the man below. "I've been waiting out
there for two hours--well, half an hour, at least. Aren't you coming,
dear?"

"I can't get out," came in a whispered wail. "I've had my hat on for
hours, but---"

"Why can't you get out? Good Lord, you just must!"

"They're playing bridge in the front part of the house and the
servants are having a reunion in the back. Oh, I've been nearly crazy.
What are we to do? Shall I jump?"

"Don't! Is there no way to sneak out?"

"I'm afraid of being seen. It would give everything away if any one
saw me in this automobile rigging at this time of night--and in a rain
like this, too. Oh, dear, dear, I know I shall go mad! You poor
darling, aren't you wet to the skin? I really couldn't help it. I just
couldn't be there at 11.30."

"We'll never make that train--never in the world," groaned Dauntless.
"It's ten miles, and the road's horrible all the way. By Jove, Nell,
you must get out some way. It's now or never. I've got everything