k with
success, began speeding.

Along the railroad tracks the noise of their speed drew a tumult of
wild sounds from a string of gaily painted cars on the siding. The
snarls and howls of beasts were mingled with the angry cries of men who
seemed to be at work on the other side of the cars.

To Pauline the noises came faintly, but with a horrid and unearthly
note. She, who had been the victim of so many cruet and fantastic
plots, knew not what new danger the roaring of the beasts threatened.

In a moment, though, her mind was set at rest on this point. For
Rocco, the young bandit, turning to the man next him, asked: "What does
it mean? What are they doing?"

"It is a circus train," answered the man. "They are loading the beasts
into the cars."

Pauline felt the machine swerve sharply and evidently take to a
by-road, for she could hear the swish of leaves on overhanging branches
as they brushed through.

"This place will do," she heard Wrentz say. "Now, be quick about it."

"It has come," breathed Pauline to herself. "This is the place where
I am to die."

Through her mind, in piteous pageant, flashed thoughts of home, of
Harry, of even Raymond Owen. There was a great loneliness in the hour
of doom. But it would be over quickly. She shut her eyes tight and
clenched her tied hands as the trunk was taken from the machine and
placed upon the ground.

"Open it," commanded Wrentz. "I don't want her to die in there."

The men quickly unclamped the locks and lifted Pauline out.

"Take off the ropes and the bandages," ordered Wrentz.

"Take them off? Why, she'll scream," exclaimed one.

"If she does you may choke her to death in the car," replied Wrentz.

"Why not here?" asked the oldest of the men. "Didn't Mr. --"

"Hush your mouth! You confounded rascal!" Wrentz screamed. "Are you
going to mention that name here?"

"What harm--as long as she is to die? Dead women tell no more tales
than dead men."

"I will name all names that are to be spoken," declared Wrentz.

"Well, he of the name that is unspoken--at least he did say that we
must have no delays. We want to earn our money as well as you, Louis
--remember that."

"Come, come," he said. "This is no way to be arguing among friends.
You'll get your money all right; but there is one thing to remember-you
ain't get it except through me. So let me handle the matter. Put the
girl in the car."

Pauline, although her bonds had been cut aw