of further
trouble with the driver or his confederates, for he was certain that
Jake was a coward at heart and the two highwaymen could hardly have
arrived in the vicinity of the cave on foot, since they were driven
off in mad haste in the opposite direction, even if they had been
disposed to make another attack.

"Well, good-night, boys," he said, taking his place in the driver's
seat. "You've done me a service tonight that I won't forget very soon.
Come and see me, all of you, after you have sprung your surprise on
the girls. I'll remember to keep your secret all right. Good night."

He put his foot on the starter, gave the steering wheel a few turns,
and the throbbing machine moved over the sloping stretch of ground
between the cave and the road. The boys, several of them with guns in
their hands, followed him to the road and stood there ready to run to
his assistance if they should see any evidences of another attack.
They continued the watch for fifteen or twenty minutes, until the
lights of the automobile, which pierced the darkness far ahead,
indicated that he had proceeded between one and two miles without
interference.

* * * * *

CHAPTER IX.

MR. STANLOCK SURPRISED.

Perhaps it were better not to attempt to describe with faithfulness of
detail the reception given Mr. Stanlock by his wife and family on his
return home shortly before 9 o'clock that night. The fear that
something of serious nature had intervened to prevent his appearing at
the usual dinner hour had taken firm hold of Mrs. Stanlock, Marion,
sister Kathryn, and brother Harold. The fact that the police had been
searching for him for two hours or more and had been unable to make
any hopeful report, had not tended in the least to relieve the tension
of suspense, which became almost unbearable.

Then came the vague announcement from Mr. Stanlock's stenographer at
the latter's home that he had been called away somewhere, but left no
definite information. He had been called unexpectedly and left in a
hurry. That was all the stenographer could say.

This information was communicated to the police, who increased the
family's alarm by asking a string of questions over the telephone
indicating the most direful suspicions. Had Mr. Stanlock seen or heard
anything which caused him to believe that the strikers might do him
bodily harm if they had an opportunity? Had he received any
threatening letters? Had he ap