Page:Chipperfield--Unseen Hands.djvu/283

Rh sane purpose, we must consider every contingency, no matter how remote."

Closing the front door after the attorney, he started thoughtfully for the stairs, when a young man who had been standing in the shadow of the library doorway stepped forward.

"Sergeant Odell, I hope you will forgive my flare-up yesterday; but I was very anxious about Miss Chalmers's safety. Have you discovered anything yet?"

"Several things, Mr. Traymore." Odell regarded the young man pleasantly. "Your anxiety was natural, and under the circumstances your suggestion was not ill-timed. Miss Chalmers is in no danger; but I think it would be a relief to her stepfather's mind if she were to go away until this investigation is over. Did I understand you to say that your mother wished her to come for a little visit?"

The boy's face flushed and then paled.

"My God!" he whispered. "Then there is danger. I knew it, I felt it. My mother will be more than glad to receive her and take care of her as long as she can stay. Sergeant; I'll run back and tell her at once and return for Nan. For God's sake see that no harm comes to her."

"None shall, my boy," the detective responded. "Nor will it be necessary for your mother to extend her hospitality for very long; for I think the end of the case is in sight."