Page:The Mystery of Central Park.djvu/65

Rh was concerned, though; but he did not give voice to his fears.

"My dear child," laughed the aunt, with that pleasant ring. "Do not talk such nonsense! Richard is able to take care of himself, and especially now that he knows some one is following him."

Shortly afterwards Dick took his leave of Penelope. She maintained an air of cheerfulness as he said farewell, but though the mouth was merry, the sad eyes which met his seemed to whisper the nearness of tears.

Catching up his walking-stick, Richard hastily left the house. He was feeling so blue that he was almost savage. He thought of the man who had been watching the house, and he looked to see if he was still there, half tempted to hunt the fellow out and pull his nose.

Sure enough, the man was there and, as Richard started down the Avenue, he sneaked