daughter are
very fond of each other. I believe that he is the cause of all this
trouble."

"I am surprised to hear you say such a thing, sir. Are you sure that
my son lured your daughter away from home?"

"I am certain of it, and what is more, I intend to push this matter to
the extreme limit of the law. I must see your son. When do you expect
him back?"

"Sometime this evening. But when John and Betty go off in the car it
is hard to tell when they will return. You will have time to go to the
quarry. Most likely they will be home when you get back."

Mrs. Hampton tried to conceal her agitation as she waited to learn how
the man would treat her suggestion. It was her only hope, and she
watched him closely. She felt like a drowning person grasping at a
straw. If she could get this man away, and if John and Jess would soon
return, something yet might be accomplished.

"Well, I suppose I might as well go on to the quarry," Randall growled
as he pulled out his watch. "I expected that my journey would end
here, and by this time I would have that foolish girl safe under my
care. I do not know what is coming over young people these days."

In another minute he was gone, and when the car had disappeared in a
whirl of dust, Mrs. Hampton sank down upon the top step of the verandah
and buried her face in her hands. She was trembling violently, and
felt very weak. The ordeal through which she had just passed had
unnerved her. What was she to do? she asked herself. How was she to
save her child? She lifted her head and listened intently, hoping to
hear the purr of John's car. But no sound greeted her attentive ears,
listen as she might.

Presently she aroused herself and rose quickly to her feet. An idea
had come into her mind which stirred her to activity. Going at once
into the house, she set busily to work both upstairs and down, and in
less than a half hour she had several rolls of blankets and quilts
lying on the hall floor, and two baskets filled with dishes and
provisions. She was standing wondering what else she needed, when she
heard John's quick step upon the verandah.

"Mother," he began, catching sight of her. Then he paused in amazement
when he saw the bundles and baskets lying upon the floor. "What in the
world are you going to do with these?" he asked. "Is anything the
matter?"

In as few words as possible Mrs. Hampton explained the situation, and
the urgency of speedy flight. "We