"Do step into my brougham," he said, civilly. "Victor, just grab the gee-gee's head again, and keep that idiot quiet until we get away. Now, madam, take my advice. You will be quite safe instantly." Even yet she hesitated. There was, perchance, a timbre in the quiet, cultured tone of the speaker that did not ring truly. The note of a bell cannot be perfect if there is a flaw in the metal, and the human voice often betrays a warped nature when to all outward seeming there is a fair exterior. The man who addressed her was youthful, not much older than herself. He was evidently a gentleman, with the polish and easy repose of society. His words, his attitude, were in the best of taste. Yet---- A loud altercation broke out between the cabman and "Victor." The latter did not appear to be so ready to lay hands on the reins again, and the whip fell viciously on the horse's flank, causing him to plunge forward in dangerous proximity to the couple on the sidewalk. He came close, but not too close. Philip was now quite certain that he was witnessing the dexterous display of a skilled driver. "Really, I am at a loss for words to persuade you that your only course is to use my carriage. Otherwise there will be a confounded row." The stranger's voice was a trifle petulant She was such an unreasonable young lady. She turned to him irresolutely--to find Philip at her side--thrusting himself in front of her would-be rescuer. "You have been the victim of a plot, madam," he said. "Your driver is not drunk. He caused the accident purposely. These two scoundrels are in league with him. If----" "What the devil----" cried the other, fiercely, but Philip swung him bodily against the iron railings. "If you care to take my cab, alone, it is at your service. I will look after these cads." His quick eyes caught a signal from Victor to the cabman. He was sorry for the horse, but this comedy must be stopped. He instantly caught the bridle, and backed the cab violently toward the excavation. The cabman lashed at him in vain, and swore, too, with remarkable fluency for one so drunk. Both wheels crunched on top of the stout barrier, and became locked there. Then Anson ran back toward the girl, whose arm was held by the owner of the brougham. "Take your hands off that lady, or I will hurt you," said Philip, and there was that in his emphatic order which brooked no delay. The stranger dropped his restraining hand, but shouted furiously: "By what right do you interfere? I am only offering the lady some assistance?" Philip ignored him. "What do you say, madam?" he inquired, somewhat sternly, for she seemed loath to trust any of them. "Will you occupy my cab? It is there. Rest assured that neither of these men shall follow you." She stood her ground, came nearer to him. "I believe you," she murmured. "I thank you from my heart. It is inexplicable that such wretches can exist as these two seeming gentlemen, who stooped to such artifice against a helpless woman."