Arriving at Millvale without incident, but feeling very much concerned as to how he should conduct himself with his charges, he found Edith and Star both laboring under great mental and physical strain, as a consequence of their experiences, with Star at that moment the worse of the two, by reason of the tragic ending of her brother. Both young ladies were bedraggled. Their fine clothes were bespattered with mud and their shoes soaked with water. They trembled from the strain, and shook from the cold. But John could do nothing at that hour to give them relief, except to wrap them up in blankets and bundle them into the cab; which he did with much tenderness and courteous behavior toward each, slighting neither in any little attention that would tend to their immediate comfort. Then, after giving orders for the disposition of the body of Mike Barton, he seated himself within the cab, and they were directly speeding homeward. On the way, Edith related to John, with many a break in her story, of all that had befallen them since leaving the office that afternoon. "A very sad ending, indeed, for you, Miss Barton," said John, after Edith had concluded. Star was not of an emotional nature, consequently she bore up under the ordeal with great fortitude. She felt very sad; naturally, very sad. "It is a miracle that we both were not killed," said Edith. "The car was left a total wreck by the roadside. It struck a telegraph pole in making a turn, and Star was struck unconscious, while I was thrown to the road. Star's brother was thrown at least forty feet away, so terrific was his driving." "What impelled him to such a trick, do you suppose?" asked John. "I cannot fathom his motive," answered Edith. "Nor I," said Star. "Poor boy!" "Perhaps he was unawares of whom you were," suggested John; "and was out for a lark to give some one a scare." "Poor boy!" said Star. "I will forgive him." "Oh--my--I am so dizzy!" suddenly exclaimed Edith. "I do not know whether it is this car or my head that is whirling round so. Oh, o--o!" She was sliding forward on her seat, and her head was falling to one side. She sighed. "Oh--o--o!" she uttered. Sighed; then was quiet. In the darkness of the cab John could not discern her movements plainly; but he knew, by her heavy breathing, that something was wrong with her. Star being in a very distressed condition herself, failed to understand or comprehend the suffering signs of Edith; so John, noting all these things, lent his personal attentions to Edith, who was just then in a mortal state of suspended animation.