Part 27 (1/2)

Ben promptly produced it. ”In with you now.”

”Sure, I'll have to speak to Pete,” the boy demurred. ”He can't walk out to the farm with them phony legs.”

”In with you,” repeated the tall stranger firmly. ”Go now or not at all.” He held the bill before the boy's eyes. ”I have my car at the inn.

I'll take care of Pete.”

The boy looked eagerly at the money. ”Can't I tell the boss?”

”I'll fix it with the boss. Here's your money. In with you.”

The next minute the car was rattling down the street and Ben went back into the store where Pete was still being badgered by a laughing crowd persisting in questions about the angel.

As Pete caught sight of him, the obstinate expression in his dull eyes did not at first change, but in a minute something familiar in the look of the stranger impressed him, and suddenly he knew.

”Was it you? Was it you?” the boy blurted out, elbowing the others aside and approaching Ben eagerly.

The bystanders looked curiously at the stranger and at the excited boy.

”I want to have a little talk with you, Pete,” said Ben. The dwarf's staring eyes had filled.

”Is she here? Has she come down again?” he cried, unmindful of the gaping listeners.

”Be quiet,” returned Ben. Then he turned to the grocer. ”I've sent your boy on an errand,” he said, and he handed the man a bill. ”Will that pay you for his time? I've paid him.”

He put his hand on Pete's shoulder and led him through the crowd out to the street.

”Master's car has gone,” cried the dwarf, looking wildly up and down the street.

”I have taken care of it,” said Ben quietly.

”But I must find it,” declared Pete, beginning to shake.

Ben saw his abject terror.

”There's nothing to be afraid of, Pete, nothing any more,” said Ben. ”Do you want to see Miss Melody?”

”Oh, Master!” exclaimed the boy, looking up and meeting a kindly look.

”Then come with me. Let us hurry.” Reaching the inn, Ben paid his bill while Pete's eyes roved about in all directions for his G.o.ddess.

Leading the boy out to the garage he bade him enter the machine. Even here Pete hesitated, his weight of terrifying responsibility still hanging over him.

”Master's car!” he gasped, looking imploringly up into Ben's face.

”It has gone home, back to the farm,” said Ben. ”Don't worry. There's nothing to worry about.”

Pete was trembling as he entered the roadster. He wondered if he were dreaming. All this couldn't be real. Nothing had ever happened to him before except his G.o.ddess.

Ben put on speed and the car flew out of the village and along the highroad. They entered another village, but halted not. Through it they sped and again out into the open country.