It was only nine days to the wedding.
Out of the street's commotion came a sharp cry of warning. It was followed
by a shriek and a crash. Allan looked out of the window, and then with a
low exclamation he jumped from the taxi and slammed the door.
CHAPTER XX
Roger had been spending a long quiet evening at home. He had asked John to
dine with him and they had chatted for a time. Then John had started up to
his room. And listening to the slow shuffling step of the cripple going
upstairs, Roger had thought of the quick eager feet and the sudden scampers
that would be heard as the silent old house renewed its life. Later he had
gone to bed.
He awakened with a start. The telephone bell was ringing.
"Nice time to be calling folks out of bed," he grumbled, as he went into
the hall. The next moment he heard Deborah's voice. It was clear and sharp
with a note of alarm.
"Father--it's I! You must come to Edith's apartment at once! Bruce is hurt
badly! Come at once!"
When Roger reached the apartment, it was Deborah who opened the door. Her
face had changed, it was drawn and gray. She took him into the living room.
"Tell me," he said harshly.
"It was just outside the theater. Bruce and Edith were out in the street
and got caught by some idiot of a chauffeur. Bruce threw Edith out of the
way, but just as he did it he himself got struck in the back and went under
a wheel. Allan brought him here at once, while I telephoned for a friend of
his--a surgeon.
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