I. "I chanced to overhear your remark, and I could not refrain from offering you my assistance." I bowed as I spoke. You know my bow, and can realize what its effect was upon the lady.
"I am much indebted to you, sir," said she. "We have had a terrible journey since we left Tavistock. Finally, one of our wheels came off, and here we are helpless in the middle of the moor. My husband, Sir Charles, has gone on to get help, and I much fear that he must have lost his way."
I was about to attempt some consolation, when I saw beside the lady a black travelling coat, faced with astrakhan, which her companion must have left behind him. It was exactly what I needed to conceal my uniform. It is true that I felt very much like a highway robber, but then, what would you have? Necessity has no law, and I was in an enemy's country.
"I presume, madame, that this is your husband's coat," I remarked. "You will, I am sure, forgive me, if I am compelled to" I pulled it through the window as I spoke.
I could not bear to see the look of surprise and fear and disgust which came over her face.
"Oh, I have been mistaken in you!" she cried. "You came to rob me, then, and not to
