new life--but a life of its own. It was no longer a slave, but a master.
Phineas's face grew white. Thus far he had been able to keep to the
road, but just ahead there was a sharp curve, and he knew he could not
make the turn--something was the matter with the steering-gear.

"Look out--she's got the bits in her teeth!" he shouted. "She's bolted!"

There came a scream, a sharp report, and a grinding crash--then silence.

* * * * *

From away off in the dim distance Phineas heard a voice.

"Phineas! Phineas!"

Something snapped, and he seemed to be floating up, up, up, out of the
black oblivion of nothingness. He tried to speak, but he knew that he
made no sound.

"Phineas! Phineas!"

The voice was nearer now, so near that it seemed just above him. It
sounded like--With a mighty effort he opened his eyes; then full
consciousness came. He was on the ground, his head in Diantha's lap.
Diantha, bonnet crushed, neck-bow askew, and coat torn, was bending over
him, calling him frantically by name. Ten feet away the wrecked
automobile, tip-tilted against a large maple tree, completed the
picture.

With a groan Phineas closed his eyes and turned away his head.