To spring forward was but a natural impulse, and
in a moment the driver reined up his horses at the
sign given by Florence. Leaving his box, he stepped
to the pavement, saying, as he did so, —

" Want a carriage, miss ?"

" I wish to ask you a question or two first," re-
plied Florence, slightly confused at the abruptness
with which she was confronted by the man.
"As many as you please, miss," returned the hack-
driver.
"How long is it since that woman left your
house ?" asked Florence, turning to the girl.
" About two weeks," was answered.
"In the morning or afternoon V

"In the morning."

" And this is the man who drove her away ?"

M



178 THE ANQEL AND THE DEMON.
"I think so. He looks like him, ony way."

"About two weeks ago," said Florence, now
addressing the hack-driver, " a tall woman, dressed
in black, was taken, with her trunk, from a house in
Fifth Street near KToble. Do you remember any
thing about it? Were you the driver?"

" I was," replied the man.
The whole frame of Miss Harper quivered in-
stantly with an eager impulse.
" Can you take me to the house where you left
her?" she asked.
The man stood in thought for some moments, and
then answered, —

" I think so."

"Will you accompany me ?" Florence spoke to
the girl.
"Certainly, miss: Tm at your service."

" Drive me there as quickly as possible." And
Florence stepped toward the door of the carriage,
which was instantly thrown open by the hackman.
