fore they got on the right one.
But had the watchdogs come along a few minutes earlier they would have
found their way blocked effectively. One of the thieves had fired a
torpedo in the road just behind the G.-G. to scare the chauffeuse (one
of those big, fat torpedoes motorists and bicyclists sometimes use to
frighten dogs) and so had secured a clear road to the nearest ferry.
The policemen found the fragments of the torpedo in the dust--after I
had suggested their looking for it.

That is the way I entered Miss Moore's service as temporary chauffeur,
combining the duties as best I may with secretarial work for Mrs.
Shuster. I'm not sure yet how the two parts are to be doubled
successfully, but I'm sure of one thing: I don't mean to throw either
part up at present, so there's no use in your grumbling or preaching.

Some new people have come to stay in the hotel, a jolly family of boys
and girls, and a few days' motor trip is suggested, with me at the helm.
The party will consist of the jolly Family, about whom more later; Miss
Moore as conductress; and Captain and Mrs. Winston accompanying in their
own car, as chaperons. For some extraordinary reason, which puzzles me,
Mrs. S. is not going. Apropos of this excursion, I warn you, my dear
friend, that you needn't fash yourself to answer my letter in a hurry.
You may take time to think. Mrs. Shuster is not only willing, but
anxious, for me to drive for the party. I can't imagine why. But I shall
certainly _know_ why, and perhaps to my sorrow, when I get back. If I
hadn't taken on the job, Caspian would. He spent two days away from
Kidd's Pines, and Moncourt (just back from a trip to town as I finish
writing) saw him in N. Y. in a Grayles-Grice, apparently taking a lesson
how to drive. (His own car is a Wilmot.) When he returned, it was
without the Wilmot. Said he'd had an accident, and his auto would be
laid up for a week; he hoped Miss Moore would let him avail himself of
her G.-G. when necessary. He was too late, however, for this particular
occasion. All arrangements had been made in his absence. I've nobly
refused an extra salary; but I expect to have heaven knows how much
extra fun. I bet Caspian's car will be mended unexpectedly soon, as
another is booked to drive the G.-G. this time.

Yours, P. S.

The Wilmot has arrived from New York, and doubtless will follow us like
a tame dog. If my hand has not forgot