The steering gear broke, and we went over an embankment." "I see." "Are you Mr.Merrick, sir." "Yes." "I owe you an apology for intruding upon your premises in this way, and beg you to forgive the seeming impertinence.

But I've been rather unlucky of late, sir, and without this refuge I don't know what would have become of me.

I will explain, if you will permit me." Uncle John nodded.
"After I had squandered the money you paid me, through Major Doyle, for this farm, in a vain endeavor to protect a patent I had secured, I was forced to become a chauffeur to earn my livelihood.

I understand automobiles, you know, and obtained employment with a wealthy man who considered me a mere part of his machine.

When the accident occurred, through no fault of mine, I was, fortunately, the only person injured; but my employer was so incensed over the damage to his automobile that he never even sent to inquire whether I lived or died.