“Honest ter Gawd, lady!” Mr. Connors spoke earnestly and his eyes wore their frankest appeal. “Dis guy is liable ter croak if he don’t git a doctor. He’s a pore skate. Meself, I don’t know him personally, but I’se sorry fer him.” “Some disreputable drunk!” growled the gentleman savagely. “Some contemptible hobo like this man here.” “It occurs to me,” suggested the young woman in a level voice, “that up to this point you have been very obedient to this person you call a contemptible hobo. At all events I’m not going to leave an injured man by the roadside. I’m going with this person. Do you care to come along?” “Oh, he’ll come along all right,” Mr. Connors assured her. “I needs him ter run de car.” * * * * * The gentleman’s face went white with anger; then, as he turned his eyes on Mr. Connors, his expression grew quizzical, even amused, and a light of sudden recognition came to his pupils. “Mr. Rat Connors,” he said with deliberate courtesy of address, “I congratulate myself that I have fallen under the bow and spear of so distinguished a crook as yourself. I retract the ‘contemptible hobo.’ I have just recognized you.” “Mr. High-Brow Reformer Burrow,” replied Mr. Connors with instant promptness, “t’anks fer dem kind woids.” “May I inquire,” purred Mr. Burrow, “how you knew me?” “After you, after you!” returned the young gentleman modestly. “How did yer git hep ter me?” “You see,” explained the Honorable Alexander suavely, “the Chief of Police was speaking of you this morning. He had a good deal to say about you.” Mr. Connors grinned, as one whose greatness has been duly recognized. “Will yer give me best ter de Chief? Will yer tell ’im I’m well an’ doin’ business an’ I hopes he’s de same?” “I shall be honored to do so,” declared the Honorable Alexander gravely. “I shall also look forward with pleasure to a meeting when all three of us shall be present—you, the Chief and I. But you haven’t told me how you came to recognize me.” Mr. Connors smiled broadly. “Yer name was printed in gold letters on yer pocket-book—an’ I kin read.” “Oh,” murmured Mr. Burrow. Mr. Connors waved his weapon with a gesture of energy. “Let’s beat it,” he suggested. “Dis busted-up guy’s liable ter git homesick.” CHAPTER IX ON THE RAILROAD TRACK Mr. Rat Connors superintended the arrangement of the car. The Honorable Alexander was requested to take the wheel, and the lady to sit at his side. Mr. Connors disposed himself in the tonneau, from which vantage-point he issued orders after the fashion of an Admiral from the bridge of his flag-ship. Two hundred yards from the railroad track Mr. Connors gave the word to halt. Having disembarked, he marshalled his cavalcade in what he deemed the most advisable formation.