“You—­work!” exclaimed Sid.

“Well, I heard you was goin’ to take a trip across country, and I thought maybe you’d take me along.  You and me’s pals, ain’t we?”

“Hush!” exclaimed Sid, as if afraid of someone hearing the man’s words.  “Don’t you know better than to follow me?”

“Well, I heard you was comin’ for a new job, an’ I thought—­”

“You think entirely too much.  Now you get hack to Chelton, and stay there.  I may need you.”

Lem’s little, rat-like eyes gleamed.

“You’ll pay me, won’t you?” he asked.

“Of course.”

“Well, I’m a little short now, an’—­”

Sid extended a bill, which the man took quickly.

“Now be off,” ordered young Wilcox, “and don’t ever follow me again.”

He waited until Lem had shuffled off, and then he took a different path.

“He’s getting altogether too familiar,” said Sid to himself as he strolled along.  “But I may find him useful.”

Scarcely had Cora, driving her big car, turned into the turnpike leading from the park to New City, than she again encountered Ed Foster and Walter Pennington.  She instantly realized that they would wonder why she did not stop, for Ed was slowing up his car.  But she knew she could not get back to the bank building to meet Paul if she halted, so, with a smile, as comprehensive as she was able to make it, she sent the Whirlwind ahead at a fast speed.  She noted the looks of surprise on the faces of her friends as she passed them.

“How ever will I be able to explain?” was the thought that flashed into Cora’s mind.  “Walter acted as if he wanted to say something—­ perhaps something about the money.  He looked as if he were pleased.  Maybe he has some good news.”

It took Cora but a short time to make the run back to the city.  She turned her machine toward the depot, as she knew a train would shortly leave for Chelton, and she fancied Paul might try to get it.  Reaching the station she saw his tall figure, clad in the linen duster, pacing up and down the platform.  She was just in time.

“Did you think I ran away?” she asked as she skillfully turned the car up to the platform and stopped.

“Oh, no,” he replied with a happy laugh.  “I happened to see who got into the car, and I guessed that you were run away with.”

“Wasn’t it contemptible of him?” she asked, her fate flushing at the recollection of the ride.  “But perhaps some day I may be able to make him realize it.  He doesn’t seem to—­now.”

“No; he isn’t that kind.”

“I was afraid I wouldn’t be in time to take you back, after your interview with the automobile people, and I fancied you had not come prepared for a train trip to Chelton.”

“That’s very kind of you.  I’m sorry you took the trouble to return.  You have put yourself out considerably on my account, I’m afraid.”

“Indeed, I have not.  I enjoyed it myself—­the ride, I mean —­er—­that is, the first ride,” and she laughed nervously.  “I’m glad we beat Sid.  I fancy he acted as he did for revenge.  But were you successful?”