Part 38 (1/2)

I've got to keep him, too,” added Lieutenant Benson, gravely.

As he spoke, the submarine boy drew a pair of handcuffs from an inner pocket.

”By Jove, do naval youngsters in this country carry such jewelry?”

murmured Lieutenant Abercrombie, R.N.

”They do, I guess, when they're engaged on work like mine at present,”

smiled Lieutenant Jack, United States Navy.

”Now, then, by Jove, I think I'd better go back to the young lady,”

suddenly decided Abercrombie, for Millard still showed no signs of recovering his senses. One of the other two men who had been ridden down now recovered enough to begin to crawl away furtively.

”Do you want that chap?” asked Abercrombie.

”I have no facilities for keeping him a prisoner,” Jack answered.

”For that matter, I guess he's nothing but a hired tough. The Was.h.i.+ngton police can find and take care of him at their convenience.”

”Good enough,” nodded the British lieutenant. ”And now--”

”Would you mind if I go to her, instead?” inquired Benson, hastily.

”Not in the least, dear old fellow. And, while you're gone, I'll const.i.tute myself a special 'bobby' to look after this chap of yours in the bracelets.”

So Jack hurried off up the road, wondering how Daisy Huston fared with a revolver and a hostile cabman.

CHAPTER XXIII

”FOREIGN TRADE” BECOMES BRISK

The cab horses were browsing quietly by the roadside.

Miss Daisy looked anything but perturbed.

In fact, she had pa.s.sed all uneasiness of spirit on to the cab driver.

That worthy had come back to his senses, but Miss Huston had compelled him to sit on the ground, his back to a tree. She stood a few yards away, watching the surly fellow and holding the pistol as though it were not the first time she had had such a weapon in her hand.

”Oh, I'm so glad you've come, Mr. Benson!” cried the girl, with true feminine relief. ”I was so worried about you. But you're not hurt--badly. I hurried a horseman on to you. He reached you?”

”Yes, thank you,” nodded Lieutenant Benson. ”And now, Miss Huston, I must inform you that we have Millard--your Donald Graves--a prisoner and manacled. I must first find a way of getting you back into town.

Then I must turn Millard over to the authorities.”

”Why can't he go back in the same cab with me?” asked Miss Huston, quickly.

”You--could you endure that?”

”Yes,” replied the girl, bravely. ”I took you to him. I sent the a.s.sistance that enabled you to take him prisoner. Do not fear for me, Mr. Benson.”