The great master had just reached the ears when Cathead who was holding one of the candidate's arms, relaxed his grip somewhat in order to make a survey of the nearly finished masterpiece. In a flash Biscuit wrenched loose the arm and struck the can of paint from Sube's hand, splashing the contents over his captors as well as himself. In another flash he was free and on his feet, and making good his escape. Sube gave chase, wiping the paint from his face as he ran. The others followed for a short distance, but were soon turned back by their modesty. At first Sube was actuated by motives of revenge. He was going to show Biscuit that nobody could throw a can of paint in _his_ face with impunity. But as Biscuit reached the highway and started for home the episode assumed a different aspect. If Sube had put his thoughts in words they would have sounded something like this: "Why, he's startin' for home!--The crazy nut!--Hear 'im holler!--He's scairt!--He's scairt to death!--He's scairt crazy!--He don't know what he is doin'!--I got to catch 'im!--What if we'd meet somebody!--What if I couldn't catch 'im!--If he should ever get to his mother!--" The mere thought quickened Sube's pace. But at the same moment something quickened Biscuit's pace and turned on a little more noise. An automobile occupied by four young ladies came in sight. As it approached it drew out to the side of the road and stopped to watch the progress of the chase. Then it turned around and followed along like an observation train. Pedestrians stepped aside and looked on in amazement at the strange sight, but fortunately not many were abroad. As Biscuit came abreast of the Presbyterian Church he hesitated; and hearing his pursuer thundering along behind him, turned in, rushed up the steps, threw open the door and disappeared within, slamming the door behind him. Sube noted this maneuver with a gasp of relief. "Now I've got 'im cornered!" he muttered approvingly as he leaped up the steps and burst into the church. CHAPTER XVI SANCTUARY While these events had been taking place the members of the Coral Strand Missionary Circle were gathered at the church in solemn conclave. Mrs. Westfall, the president, had called a special meeting to deal with events of unusual importance that had brought out the entire membership. The circle had lately been the object of a cowardly attack from the pen of one Bill Busby, who devoted nearly a column of the valued editorial space of the _Citizen_ to a whimsical commentary on foreign missions. Of course he had mentioned no names, but his poison-tipped innuendoes were too pointed to be overlooked. On behalf of the Coral Strand Missionary Circle Mrs. Westfall had demanded a retraction of the alleged libelous statements, and an apology that should be given the same publicity as the defamatory matter.