a hissing sound. She used the speech of the
Gypsy folk, and the others--even the rough men in the road--were very
respectful to her. They explained the stoppage of the caravan, and
pointed out the auto and the girls above.

It was evident that one of the men had suggested something which pleased
the hag, in regard to the strangers in the motor-car. She grinned
suddenly, displaying gums and fangs in a most horrible grimace.

Nodding vigorously, she gave them some commands, and then spoke to the
comely woman beside the driver. The latter passed the sleeping infant
back to the old woman, who disappeared into the interior of the van. The
younger woman leaped down into the road, and waiting beside the two
rough men, allowed the entire caravan to pass on, leaving them behind.

It was fast growing dark. The sun had disappeared behind the hills in
the west, and long shadows were stretching their gaunt hands out for the
girls in the auto. The chill wind which came after the tempest made them
shiver, although they were somewhat sheltered by the curtains which Tom
had arranged.

"I suppose we _could_ snuggle down here with the robes, in the tonneau,
and spend the night in some comfort," suggested Ruth Fielding.

"Oh! don't mention it!" exclaimed her friend. "If Tom doesn't come back
with a team, or with another auto, I'll never forgive him."

"Of course he will return. But he may be delayed, Helen."

"This auto-touring isn't as much fun as I thought it would be," groaned
Helen Cameron. "Oh! what's that?"

She peered out of the automobile. There was a handsome, smiling, dark
young woman standing in the road beside the car.

"Young ladies," said the stranger, in a pleasant voice, "are you in
trouble? Can I help you at all?"

"My goodness me! do you live near here? Can we go home with you?" cried
Helen, in excitement.

"Wait!" breathed Ruth, seizing her chum's arm, but Helen was too anxious
to escape from her present situation to listen to Ruth.

"For if you'll take us in till my brother gets back from Severn
Corners----"

"We are going to Severn Corners--my husband and I," said the woman,
smiling.

"Oh! then you do not live near here?" cried Helen, in disappointment.

"Nobody lives near here, little lady," explained the stranger. "Nobody
lives nearer than Severn Corners. But it is lonesome here. We will take
you both on in our wagon--nobody shall hurt you. There is only my
husband and baby and the old grandmother.