“Perfect marvel how we escaped at all!” said Philip. “I did what I could, but, when I see the narrow margin we had on either side, I wonder we weren’t smashed to bits, anyway.”
“It is a wonder!” said the stranger. “Most marvellous thing I ever saw,—and I’ve seen lots of motor accidents. My name’s Hampton,—Henry Hampton,—and now, if you’ll help me rig up the tow, I’ll pull you home.”
And so, after a short time, Philip and Patty, still seated in the damaged Camilla, went swiftly along, towed by kind-hearted Henry Hampton’s powerful car.
Of course, when they reached “The Pebbles,” an anxious crowd awaited them.
“It’s getting to be sort of a habit, our getting home late, with an accident to report,” said Philip, as they turned in the gate, and Patty couldn’t help smiling, though her nerves were still tingling from the recent shock, and from the realisation of their wonderful escape.
The laughing crowd on the veranda grew suddenly still as they saw a strange motor enter the gate with the Camilla in tow.
“What has happened?” cried Nan, as they came within hearing distance.
“We’re all right, father!” called out Patty, anxious to allay the look of fear and consternation on her father’s face.
“Patty, dear child, what is it?” exclaimed Mr. Fairfield, as he lifted Patty, still white and trembling, out of the car.
“An accident, father,—an awful accident! And Philip was the hero this time; he saved my life, and he did it in a most wonderful way! I’ll tell you about it sometime, but I can’t now;” and Patty fell limply into her father’s arms.