ch he wrapped her before
they left the station-shelter. Ralston's little two-seater car shed
dazzling beams of light through the dripping dark. She floundered
blindly into a pool of water before she reached it, and was doubly
startled by Monck lifting her bodily, without apology, out of the mire,
and placing her on the seat. The beat of the rain upon the hood made her
wonder if they could make any headway under it. And then, while she was
still wondering, the engine began to throb like a living thing, and she
was aware of Monck squeezing past her to his seat at the wheel.

He did not speak, but he wrapped the rug firmly about her, and almost
before she had time to thank him, they were in motion.

That night-ride was one of the wildest experiences that she had ever
known. Monck went like the wind. The road wound through the jungle, and
in many places was little more than a rough track. The car bumped and
jolted, and seemed to cry aloud for mercy. But Monck did not spare, and
Stella crouched beside him, too full of wonder to be afraid.

They emerged from the jungle at length and ran along an open road
between wide fields of rice or cotton. Their course became easier, and
Stella realized that they were nearing the end of their journey. They
were approaching the native portion of Kurrumpore.

She turned to the silent man beside her. "Is Tommy expecting me?" she
asked.

He did not answer her immediately; then, "He was practically unconscious
when I left," he said.

He put on speed with the words. They shot forward through the pelting
rain at a terrific pace. She divined that his anxiety was such that he
did not wish to talk.

They passed through the native quarter as if on wings. The rain fell in
a deluge here. It was like some power of darkness striving to beat them
back. She pictured Monck's face, grim, ruthless, forcing his way through
the opposing element. The man himself she could barely see.

And then, almost before she realized it, they were in the European
cantonment, and she heard the grinding of the brakes as they reached the
gate of The Green Bungalow. Monck turned the little car into the
compound, and a light shone down upon them from the verandah.

The car came to a standstill. "Do you mind getting out first?" said
Monck.

She got out with a dazed sense of unreality. He followed her
immediately; his hand, hard and muscular, grasped her arm. He led her up
the wooden steps all shining and slippery in t