n there. Hurry
down and prevent him."

"Is that all I have to do?" says I. "What's the scheme--do I trip him up
and sit on his head?"

"No, no!" says Plummer. "Don't attempt violence. He's a powerful man.
Why, my chauffeur saw him break the chain on our back gate as if it had
been nothing but twine. Just gave it a push--and snap it went. Oh, he's
strong as a bull. Ill-tempered, too."

"Huh!" says I. "And I'm to go down and---- Say, where do you come in on
this?"

"I'll be there with John just as soon as we can quiet Mrs. Plummer and
the maids," says he. "They're almost in hysterics. In the meantime,
though, if you could get there and---- Well, use strategy of some kind.
Anything to keep him from catching that car. You understand?"

"I get you," says I. "And it don't sound enticin' at all. But I'll see
what I can do. If you find me smeared all over the road, though, you'll
know I didn't pull it off. Also, I'd suggest that you make that soothin'
act of yours speedy."

Course this wakes Vee up, and she wants to know what it's all about.

"Oh, a little private panic that Norton Plummer is indulgin' in," says
I. "Nothin' to get fidgety over. I'll be back soon."

"But--but you won't be reckless, will you, Torchy?" she asks.

"Who, me?" says I. "How foolish. Why, I invented that 'Safety First'
motto, and side-steppin' trouble is the easiest thing I do. Trust me."

I expect she was some nervous, at that. But she's a good sport, Vee.

"If you're needed," says she, "of course I want you to go. But do be
careful."

I didn't need any coaxin'. Somehow, I never could get used to roamin'
around in the country after dark. Always seemed sort of spooky. Bein'
brought up in the city, I expect, where the scenery is illuminated
constant, accounts for that. So, as I slips out the front gate and down
towards the station, I keeps in the middle of the road and glances
suspicious at the tree shadows.

Not that I was takin' Plummer's Hun scare real serious. He'd had a bad
case of spy fever recent. Why, only last week he got all stirred up over
what he announced was a private wireless outfit that he'd discovered
somewhere in the outskirts of Flushing; and when they came to trail it
down it turns out to be some new wire clothes-line strung up back of a
flat buildin'.

Besides, what would an escaped German naval officer be doin' up this
way? He'd be more apt to strike for Mexico, wouldn't he? Still, long as
I'd let Plummer put me o