"Don't thank me yet," was the reply. "Remember the old saying, 'There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip.' You have a dangerous job ahead of you, my boy." CHAPTER XXX. HARD LUCK. Among the passengers that arrived at the Grand Central Depot by a train which reached the city about three hours before Al Allston's arrival, were a trio who attracted some attention from their fellow passengers; attention that was evidently unwelcome and annoying to at least two of the three. There were two women and a man. One of the women, slight and heavily veiled, was supported, almost carried, by her companions. She seemed to be very ill. As she was lifted from the car, one of the passengers, an elderly gentleman, overheard her say: "Where am I? Where are you taking me?" The gentleman stepped forward and asked: "Can I be of any assistance? The lady seems to be sick." His voice and manner showed very plainly that he suspected there was something wrong, but the two persons he addressed either did not notice this, or willfully ignored it. "You are very kind, sir," responded the male member of the party of which the apparent invalid was one. "The lady is ill, and we are anxious to get her to her home as soon as possible. Would you be kind enough to call a carriage for us? I would not ask this of a stranger had you not so kindly proffered your assistance." "I will do so with pleasure," replied the gentleman, evidently a little surprised at the manner in which his offer was received. "But may I ask what is the matter with the lady?" The man he addressed tapped his forehead significantly. "Brain disease?" questioned the gentleman. "Yes. Brought on by overwork at school. Poor girl! But we have hope that in a few weeks she will be herself again." "It is very sad." "Very; and now, sir, if you will kindly call the carriage for me, I shall be greatly indebted to you." "Certainly, sir." As the gentleman hurried away, the woman whom we have mentioned as the third member of the party, a tall, showy-looking brunette, said: "What's your game, Jack? Why did you send that old fellow for a carriage?" "It was the easiest way to get rid of him," was the reply. "Didn't you see that he was very suspicious?" "Of course." "The way in which I accepted his offer took him off his guard, and, perhaps, saved us some trouble." "Hush! here he comes." "I see him. Don't say a word. Leave all to me." "I have found a very good coach for you," announced the old gentleman, hurrying toward them. "Come this way, please." Murmuring his thanks, Jack Farley, whom the reader has, perhaps, ere this, recognized, hurried toward the entrance, supporting the alleged invalid, who was now moaning piteously. A few moments later the three were ensconced in the carriage. "Where shall I tell the driver to go?" asked the gentleman. Farley gave an address. As the carriage started, Miss Hollingsworth asked: "Why did you give that address?"