“Sometime this evening.  But when John and Betty go off in the car it is hard to tell when they will return.  You will have time to go to the quarry.  Most likely they will be home when you get back.”

Mrs. Hampton tried to conceal her agitation as she waited to learn how the man would treat her suggestion.  It was her only hope, and she watched him closely.  She felt like a drowning person grasping at a straw.  If she could get this man away, and if John and Jess would soon return, something yet might be accomplished.

“Well, I suppose I might as well go on to the quarry,” Randall growled as he pulled out his watch.  “I expected that my journey would end here, and by this time I would have that foolish girl safe under my care.  I do not know what is coming over young people these days.”

In another minute he was gone, and when the car had disappeared in a whirl of dust, Mrs. Hampton sank down upon the top step of the verandah and buried her face in her hands.  She was trembling violently, and felt very weak.  The ordeal through which she had just passed had unnerved her.  What was she to do? she asked herself.  How was she to save her child?  She lifted her head and listened intently, hoping to hear the purr of John’s car.  But no sound greeted her attentive ears, listen as she might.

Presently she aroused herself and rose quickly to her feet.  An idea had come into her mind which stirred her to activity.  Going at once into the house, she set busily to work both upstairs and down, and in less than a half hour she had several rolls of blankets and quilts lying on the hall floor, and two baskets filled with dishes and provisions.  She was standing wondering what else she needed, when she heard John’s quick step upon the verandah.

“Mother,” he began, catching sight of her.  Then he paused in amazement when he saw the bundles and baskets lying upon the floor.  “What in the world are you going to do with these?” he asked.  “Is anything the matter?”

In as few words as possible Mrs. Hampton explained the situation, and the urgency of speedy flight.  “We must go to the lake, John, and hide Jess there.  You don’t want Mr. Randall to take her away, do you?”

“Indeed I don’t,” was the emphatic reply.  “Oh, mother, it is good of you to do all this, and help us to keep Jess.  We can go at once before Randall comes back.”

Picking up the two bundles, he hurried out of the house, and was back again in a few minutes for the baskets.

“You lock up, mother,” he said.  “I will turn the car.  We can explain everything to Jess on the way.”

As they sped down the road, Mrs. Hampton explained the reason for their hurried flight.  The girl was greatly pleased, and delighted at the idea of hiding in the wilderness.

“It is so good of you to help me in my trouble,” she replied.  “My father is a determined man, if he once gets his hands on me I shall be helpless.  But suppose he finds out where I am?”