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178 "We have learned that the Adrell Lumber Company went out of business several months ago," explained Dora. "The old signs were left up and the office was rented temporarily to a man who said he wanted to use it for storage purposes."

"And it was rented that way just to fool your mother," returned Dick.

On learning the truth Mrs. Stanhope had been all but overcome. She had sent word to Mr. Laning, but he could not come, having hurt his ankle as already mentioned.

Then, while Dora and her mother were in the house alone, another message had come. It was signed Tad Sobber, and stated that Sobber had the fortune and would return the greater portion of it provided Mrs. Stanhope would allow him to keep ten thousand dollars and promise not to prosecute him. If she agreed to this, she was to meet a certain man in Cedarville, who would take her across the lake, where she could meet Sobber and get back her valise with her precious belongings. She was particularly cautioned to come alone—otherwise the fortune would not be returned.

"And she went across the lake, and that is the last seen or heard of her," said Dora, and then she burst into fresh tears.