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Dear auntie, well leave it entirely to you, replied Ruth. Although, I dont believe we are likely to be kidnapped as long as we keep the automobile going. The fastest running tramp in Christendom couldnt keep up with us, even when were going at an ordinary rate. From what Major Ten Eyck said, the road is pretty good. We ought to get there in an hour, since its only fifteen miles from here, and the last mile or so is on his estate.
The other girls said nothing, it being a matter for the chaperon to settle.
Very well, my dear, answered Miss Sallie, acquiescing so suddenly that the others almost smiled in spite of the seriousness of their feelings at the moment. But I do feel that we had a narrow escape this morning. If it had not been for the young man on the motor cycle I tremble to think what would have been the consequences. And I certainly believe if we are not going back to New York, the sooner we get into the society of some male protectors the better for us. I am sorry that fifteen miles separate us. I wish those boys had thought to motor back and get us to-morrow.
Oh, well, observed Barbara, fifteen miles is a mere bagatelle, when you come to think of it. Why, we shall be there before we know it.
CHAPTER V THE MOTOR CYCLIST
By this time the automobile had reached the hotel. Miss Sallie led the way to the dining room and they formed rather a weak-kneed procession, for they were beginning to experience that all-gone feeling that comes after a fright.
The luncheon hamper full of good things had been carried back into the hotel, since there had been neither time nor opportunity for the picnic party the girls had planned.
I think a little food is what we really need, now, exclaimed Ruth. Cheer up, Mollie and Grace. Bab, smile for the ladies. Its all over. Here we are, safe, and we are going to have a beautiful time at Major Ten Eycks. Please, dear friends, dont begin to take this gloomy view of life. As for the anarchist person who attacked us in the woods, you may depend upon it that he and his friends are so frightened they will be running in an opposite direction from Tarrytown for another week. As for the foreign young man who stepped up to the rescue, he should certainly be thanked.
Ruth had by nature a happy temperament. She quickly threw off small troubles, and depression in others made her really unhappy.
It was truly a daring deed, replied Barbara, and all the more daring considering that the tramp would have made about two of the cyclist. But the blow he gave was as swift and sure as a prize fighters.
Did you notice that the poor woman was rather pretty? commented Mollie.
My dear child, cried Miss Sallie, I really believe you would notice peoples looks on the way to your own execution. Now, for my part, I could not see anything. I was almost too frightened to breathe. I felt that I should faint at any moment.
Why, Aunt Sallie, you are more frightened now than you were then, exclaimed her niece. You were as calm as the night. As for Grace, she looked like a scared rabbit. Mollie, darling, Im glad you had the presence of mind to scream. If you hadnt Aunt Sallie and the motor cyclist might have looked for us in vain.
While she was speaking the cyclist came into the dining-room.
As soon as Miss Stuart saw him she rose from the table in her most stately manner and walked over to meet him.
Sir, she said, and Ruth gave the merest flicker of a blink at Bab, you did a very brave thing to-day, and I want to thank you for all of us. If you had not been there my niece and her friend would undoubtedly have been kidnapped. You perhaps saved their lives. They might have been killed by those ruffians. Wont you give us your name and address? My brother, I am sure, would like to write to you himself. We shall be indebted to you always.
The young mans face flushed with embarrassment.
It was nothing, I assure you, Madam, he replied. It was easy because the man was intoxicated. He went over at the first blow. My name, he continued, is Martinez. José Martinez. My address is the Waldorf, New York.
I am Miss Stuart, said Miss Sallie, and I would like to present you to my niece, Miss Ruth Stuart, and her friends Miss Grace Carter and Misses Barbara and Mollie Thurston. It would give us great pleasure if you would lunch with us, Mr. Martinez.
When a man saves your life you certainly cant stand on ceremony, commented Miss Sallie to herself.
An animated discussion followed. Mr. Martinez had been to see the chief of police, he said, who would call on Miss Stuart that afternoon, if convenient. He could not offer any hope, however, of catching the men.
Miss Sallie replied that, for her part, she hoped they wouldnt take the creatures. It would do no good and she did not want to spend any time cooped up in a court room in such scorching weather. But did Mr. Martinez think it would be dangerous for them to take a trip up into the hills the next day?
It would depend upon the road, replied Mr. Martinez. That is, if the trip were taken by automobile. Of course my motor cycle can run on any road.
It is a good road, replied Ruth. At the crossroads there is a bad road; but, fortunately, we do not have to take it, since the new road with the bridge has been opened up, so Major Ten Eyck says.
In which case Mr. José Martinez was of a mind with the young ladies that the trip would be perfectly safe.
Miss Sallie gave a sigh of relief. If this estimable young man sanctioned the trip she felt they might take it with clear consciences. But she did hope her brothers views on the subject would be the same.
Then the talk drifted into other channels.
You are a Spaniard, I presume, Mr. Martinez? questioned Miss Sallie.
Yes, Madam, a Spaniard by birth, a Frenchman by education and at present an American by choice. I have lived in England, also, but I believe I prefer America to all other countries, even my own.
Miss Stuart was much gratified at this avowal. She felt that in complimenting America he was complimenting her indirectly.
Have you seen the Alhambra and the Rock of Gibraltar? demanded Mollie, her wide, blue eyes full of interest.
Oh, yes, Madamoiselle, replied the handsome Spaniard, smiling at her gently, I have seen the Alhambra many times, and Gibraltar once only. A curious shade passed over his face as if Gibraltar held memories which he was not anxious to revive.
Does the Rock of Gibraltar really look like a lion? asked Grace, who had not noticed his distaste to the mere mention of the name.
I do not know, Madamoiselle, he replied shortly. I saw it only from land. I was, he added hesitatingly, very ill when I was there.
The waiter announced the chief of police to see Miss Sallie, and the luncheon party adjourned to the shady side of the piazza.
All this time Barbara had been very quiet, so quiet, indeed, that Ruth had asked her in a whisper, as they left the dining room, if she were still feeling the shock of the morning.
Oh, no, replied Barbara, I am simply trying to stifle a ridiculous fear I have that, maybe, we ought not to go to-morrow. It is absurd, so please dont mention it to the others, especially as even Miss Sallie thinks it safe, and little coward Mollie is not afraid.
You are just tired, poor dear, said sympathetic Ruth. Come along up to your room, and we shall have a little relaxation, as my old colored mammy used to say. Well spend a quiet afternoon in our rooms, and at sunset we can take a spin along the river bank before supper. What do you say?