THE WOMAN WITH THE RED HANDS JOHN SANDS had infinite faith in his star, and, being a precise and methodical soul, he had early in life chosen Bellatrix, which is the star gamma in the constellation of Orion, to be his celestial representative and guardian. Neither Orion nor γ-Orionis was visible as he came slithering down Whitecross Hill, skid round the danger bend into the straight dip which leads to Moulders Coppice, and straightened his car for the final run. The rain was pelting down as it had been pelting for three days. Above him was a scurry of grey clouds, beneath the wheels of his car was naked clay. All the most wonderful non-skid contrivances in the world would not save him from taking a toss down that steep slope leading to the little river if once the car swung an inch too far.