"Run, Philander, or you're a goner! It's worse than snake poison, the bite of a mad dog is. Haven't I seen a bitten man so furious that it required six to hold him down? Faster, professor! on your life!"
With that iron grip on his shoulder poor Philander's feet barely touch the ground as he is whirled through space, and the dog, mad or not, that overtakes Aunt Gwen and her infant must be a rapid traveler, indeed. Thus they reach a house, and in another minute reappear upon a balcony, to witness a scene they will never forget.
Lady Ruth, though naturally quivering with excitement, has plenty of cavaliers to hurry her to a place of safety. Besides, after that one first shock, she shows more grit than might have been expected of her.
She allows herself to be hurried along. A strong hand grasps each arm; and if every one in the path of the mad brute were as well attended, there would be little cause for anxiety or alarm.
Now they have reached a house, and safety is assured, for the hospitable door stands open to welcome them.
Already a number have preceded them, for they seem to be the last in the vicinity.
Just as they arrive, the colonel, who appears intensely excited, is saying, hoarsely:
"Enter quickly, I beg, Lady Ruth."
She turns her head in curiosity for one last look, impelled by an unknown power—turns, and is at once petrified by what she sees.
They notice the look of horror on her lovely face, and instinctively guessing, also cast a glance in the direction where last the savage brute was seen.