ttention was called to an
old lady, who, in attempting to cross the street, had imprudently
placed herself just in the track of a rapidly advancing cable car.
Becoming sensible of her danger, the old lady uttered a terrified cry,
but was too panic-stricken to move.

On came the car, with gong sounding out its alarm, and a cry of horror
went up from the bystanders.

Luke alone seemed to have his wits about him.

He saw that there was not a moment to lose, and, gathering up his
strength, dashed to the old lady's assistance.

CHAPTER XI

A HOUSE ON PRAIRIE AVENUE

The old lady had just become conscious of her peril when Luke reached
her. She was too bewildered to move, and would inevitably have been
crushed by the approaching car had not Luke seized her by the arm and
fairly dragged her out of danger.

Then, as the car passed on, he took off his hat, and said,
apologetically: "I hope you will excuse my roughness, madam, but I
could see no other way of saving you."

"Please lead me to the sidewalk," gasped the old lady. Luke complied
with her request.

"I am deeply thankful to you, my boy," she said, as soon as she found
voice. "I can see that I was in great danger. I was busily thinking,
or I should not have been so careless."

"I am glad that I was able to help you," responded Luke, as he
prepared to leave his new acquaintance.

"Don't leave me!" said the old lady. "My nerves are so upset that I
don't like being left alone."

"I am quite at your service, madam," replied Luke, politely. "Shall I
put you on board the cars?"

"No, call a carriage, please."

This was easily done, for they were in front of the Palmer House,
where a line of cabs may be found. Luke called one, and assisted the
old lady inside.

"Where shall I tell the driver to take you?" he asked.

The old lady named a number on Prairie Avenue, which contains some of
the finest residences in Chicago.

"Can I do anything more for you?" asked our hero.

"Yes," was the unexpected reply. "Get in yourself, if you can spare
the time."

"Certainly," assented Luke.

He took his seat beside the old lady.

"I hope you have recovered from your fright," he said, politely.

"Yes, I begin to feel myself again. Probably you wonder why I have
asked you to accompany me?"

"Probably because you may need my services," suggested Luke.

"Not altogether. I shudder as I think of the danger from which you
rescued me, but I have another object in