Schuyler started to run, but was quickly captured.
"What are you about, you scoundrel?" asked his captor.
"Trying to relieve the victims of the disaster," answered Schuyler. "On my honor that is all I was doing."
"Is this true?" asked his captor, turning to Mark.
"Yes; he was trying to relieve us of our valuables. He had that gentleman's watch out of his pocket when I first whistled. As you came up, he was trying to rob me."
Two strong men tied Schuyler's hands together and marched him away.
"I'll get even with you for this, you young rascal!" he exclaimed in a rage, shaking his fist at Mark.
Just then Solon Talbot recovered consciousness.
"There has been an accident, Uncle Solon," said Mark, now on his feet. "We went over an embankment and were spilled out. Are you all right? Are any of your limbs broken?"
"I--I don't think so, but I have had a shock, and my head is bruised."
"You'll do!" said a surgeon, who was one of the relief party. "You'll be as good as new in a day or two."
"Is there a hotel near by? I want to be moved."
"As soon as we can attend to the matter. We are looking for the bad cases."
"I'll look after you, Uncle Solon," said Mark. "See if you can't get up."
With much ado Mr. Talbot arose, and leaning on Mark's arm left the scene of the disaster. Mark procured a carriage and directed the driver to take them to the nearest hotel.
When they reached it the messenger ordered a room and helped his uncle up to it.
"Just look and see if you've lost anything," he suggested. "I saw a thief trying to relieve you of your watch, but I interrupted him and gave him in charge."
With a look of alarm Solon Talbot examined his pockets, but ascertained to his relief that nothing was missing.
"Can't you stay with me, Mark?" he asked almost imploringly, for the nervous alarm inspired by the accident had made him quite a different man for the time being. "There is another bed in the room, and you can lie there."
"I will stay with you till morning, Uncle Solon, but I shall have to leave you then, as I have business to attend to."
"I don't care to mention it just now. I am traveling for another party."
"I had no idea there would be an accident," said Mr. Talbot. "Good heavens, we might have been in eternity by this time," he added with a shudder.