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Billie, on the other hand, was pleased The high-spirited girl was just beginning to fear that she was unequal to the task which she had chided Brea her

"Oh, would you "

Into the glare of the head-lights there stepped a strange figure, strange, that is to say, in these taes he would have excited no comment at all Passers-by would sihts off after the dragons!" and would have gone on their ith a civil greeting But in the present age it is always so to see a helmeted head pop up in front of your autoo further It gave Breaht, but none to be co on top of those shocks, affected him more disastrously than it would have done if it had been the first of the series instead of the last Onethat, as far as Bream was concerned, Sam's unconventional appearance put the lid on it He did not hesitate He did not pause to le cat-like screech which took years off the lives of the abruptly wakened birds roosting in the neighbouring trees, he dashed away towards the house and, reaching his room, locked the door and pushed the bed, the chest of drawers, two chairs, the towel stand, and three pairs of boots against it Only then did he feel co at the man in armour who had noith a ht away that he would stand no nonsense, set the engine going again

"Why--why," she sta on your head?"

"Because I can't get it off"

Hollow as the voice was, Billie recognised it

"S--Mr Marlowe!" she exclaimed

"Get in," said Sa wheel "Where can I take you?"

"Go away!" said Billie

"Get in!"

"I don't want to talk to you"

"I want to talk to you! Get in!"

"I won't"

Sam bent over the side of the car, put his hands under her arms, lifted her like a kitten and deposited her on the seat beside hi speed down the drive and out into the silent road Strange creatures of the night cahts