“I judge she’s taking him to her house, and it looks like the rest of the bunch is bound for the same place. They couldn’t git no accommodations at hotels or other places, so she’s goin’ to take them in.” Carey Cameron flung aside his cigarette. “Hasn’t she been warned?” he asked. “No, for nobody reckoned she would be taking strangers in, as she’s been so haughty and high-headed since comin’ here that she’s scarce spoke to anybody, and she don’t have any dealings with the people in the town.” Instantly Cameron descended the steps and hastened to the street, where he planted himself in front of the horse, commanding the driver to stop. “Madam,” he said, “it’s likely you don’t understand what you are doing. I am led to suppose that you contemplate taking your companion and his crowd into your house and giving them shelter. If such is the case you had better change your mind instantly, or you will find yourself in serious trouble.” The woman did not answer, but, rising slightly from her seat, she hissed at the driver: “Whip up! Drive over that man!” The driver’s whip was in his hand, but he hesitated about obeying the order. Turning his head, he answered, in a low tone: “I dare not, Miss Blake. He——” Instantly she sprang erect, snatched the whip and, reaching over the driver’s seat, hit the horse such a cut that the fiery animal instantly leaped forward. By an agile spring, Cameron succeeded in escaping, although he barely avoided the wheels of the carriage. His hand went to his hip as he glared after the woman, but he did not draw a weapon. Frank’s friends had seen this, but were not given time to come up and take any part in the affair. Hodge was inclined to pitch into Cameron, but the others advised against it, and all hurried along after the carriage. There was a glare of fury in the eyes of Carey Cameron as he stood in the street looking after the mysterious woman who had dared defy him. Madison hurried up. “Why didn’t you stop her, boss?” he asked. Cameron turned on him, blazing with wrath. “You idiot, didn’t you see what she did? She tried to run over me!” “I should say she did, boss.” “Confound her! I’ll make her regret it! She doesn’t know me! She doesn’t know my influence in this town. I’ll drive her out of Cartersville!” “Are you goin’ to let her take Merriwell’s crowd in?”