Pompton was a large man, more than six feet high, and heavy in proportion, and as he towered above the frightened gypsy women, they could find no words to answer him.

“I’ll find them for myself!” he exclaimed, and taking the children by either hand, he hurried them out of the tent.

As Pompton had surmised, the men had run away to the woods, and hidden themselves, for no trace of them could be seen.  The old basket-maker, too, had disappeared, and there was nothing to prevent their departure.

“Miss Marjorie, you’re a wonder!” Pompton exclaimed, as they crossed the little bridge and made for the road.  “Now, how did you think to shout the very lungs out of you like that?”

“It was the only thing to do, Pompton; they wouldn’t let us run away, so there was nothing to do but holler.  My! but I’m glad you came!”

“Me, too!” cried King.  “I felt awful to sit there and not do anything to rescue Mops, but I couldn’t think of a thing to do.  I never thought of yelling to beat the band!”

“Of course you didn’t, King,” said Marjorie.  “A boy wouldn’t do that.  And, anyway, you can’t screech like I can.”

“I didn’t suppose anybody could, Miss Marjorie; I’m sure such screams were never heard before, outside of Bedlam!”

“Well, we’re safe now, anyway,” cried Marjorie, skipping along gaily by Pompton’s side; “and here’s our dear, blessed car!  Oh, King, I’m so glad we’re safe!”

In a reaction of joy, Marjorie threw her arms around her brother’s neck, and the tears came to her eyes.

“There, there, Mops,” and King patted her shoulders, while there was a suggestion of emotion in his own voice; “it’s all right now!  Hop in, old girl!”

“Yes, hop in, both of you,” said Pompton, “and I’ll get you back to Pelton pretty quick, and then I’ll set somebody on the track of those villains.  They’ll not get away!”

The trip to Pelton took but a short time, for Pompton drove as fast as the law allowed.  But even so, they found a very much alarmed group waiting for them on the veranda of the little inn.

“Where have you been?” exclaimed Mrs. Maynard, as Marjorie flung her arms around her mother’s neck, and burst into violent sobs.  The realization that she was safe brought a nervous reaction, and though she had been plucky and brave in the hour of danger, she now collapsed with emotion.

“I’ll tell you all about it,” said King, grasping his father’s hands.  “Midget was the bravest, pluckiest girl, and she saved both our lives.”

“What!” cried Mr. Maynard, “have you been in danger?”

Marjorie stopped her sobs a moment, and lifted her head from her mother’s shoulder.

“It was P-Pompton saved us!  I didn’t do any saving,—­I only s-screeched!”

“And you screeched good and plenty, Miss Marjorie,” said the chauffeur, “which was what saved the day; and, Mr. Maynard, by your leave, I’ll take the car a minute, to see if there’s anybody in authority in this village.  I’ve a matter to put in their hands.”