as the average of men, he could not help a slight feeling of
apprehension concerning the outcome of his enterprise. Of course, he
knew nothing about these people; but the girl was prepossessing and
refined to an unusual degree. It seemed impossible that she could be
acting as a decoy for unworthy ends. He laughed at the thought, and
at the fun he would some day have in recounting his fears to her, and
at her imaginary explanation of the driver's silly talk. At the same
time he examined his revolver, which he kept well concealed, despite
the law, in the depths of a convenient pocket.

When twenty minutes had passed, he began to grow impatient for the
girl's arrival, and, when half an hour was up, started down the road
to meet her. Scarcely had he done so when the sound of approaching
wheels greeted his ears, and directly after Miss Guir was in full
view.

"I hope you have been successful," Paul asked as she drew up beside
him.

"Quite," answered the girl; "indeed, they put in a new spring for me;
and we can now drive home without fear."

"Do you know, I have been half frightened," said Paul, climbing into
the cart beside her.

"And about what, pray?"

"Absurd nonsense, of course; but the old man who drove the coach
talked the most idiotic stuff when I asked him about your people.
Indeed, from his manner, I believe he was afraid of you."