two men.

Like a flash Mr. Cross turned, sped back to his car, and in another
instant he and his crony were speeding down the road.

"Oh, he's gone--he's gone," sobbed Nancy on the shoulder of Eline.

"Of course he's gone!" cried Jack. "If he hadn't--" and he glanced
significantly at the tire iron in his hand.

"Jack, dear," said Cora, gently, with a warning glance at Nancy. Cora did
not want her disturbed any more than was necessary.

"Well--" blustered Jack, and let it go at that.

"Was that really your guardian, Nancy?" asked Cora, when her new friend
had somewhat composed herself.

"Yes, it was. Oh, has he gone?"

"Far enough off by this time," declared Jack.

"I didn't know him at first, for he has grown a beard," said Nancy, "but
when he came toward me I could tell by the look in his eyes that it was
he. Oh, what an escape!"

"A very fortunate one," said Cora.

The big car, the appearance of which had been instrumental, perhaps, in
preventing the taking away of Nancy, drew near to the group of young
people and stopped. There were two middle-aged men in it, and they looked
at our friends curiously.

"Has anything happened--can we do anything?" asked the one at the wheel.

"Nothing but some tire trouble, thank you," said Cora, quickly. "And my
brother can manage that; can't you, Jack?"

"Sure, Sis," and he winked at her to show that he understood nothing was
to be said about the affair that had so nearly been a real "happening."

"If you want any help, don't hesitate to ask us," put in the other man.
"We are in no hurry."

"Oh, thank you, I can manage," Jack answered. "I had the repairs almost
made when the girls--thought they saw something, and screamed." He winked
at Cora again.

"Oh, I see!" exclaimed the steersman with a laugh. "A snake. We heard your
screams, and thought perhaps----"

"It was just--nothing," Cora said with a smile. Eline and Nancy had turned
and were walking back toward their car, so the tear-stained face of Nancy
could not be observed.

With renewed offers of aid, which were courteously declined, the two
men proceeded, and Cora and the others were free to discuss the recent
happening.

"Do you really think he meant to take you away--your guardian?" asked Cora
of Nancy.

"I really do. Oh, he must be desperate! He must be trying to get my
property away from me."

"We'll soon have him attended to!" said Jack, fiercely. "Our lawyer says
the case will come before the c