Page:Vance--The trey o hearts.djvu/187

Rh Latter followed a furtive young man from the house of Trine to the office of the general manager of the New York Central, where he made arrangements for a special to convey the said Trine and retinue to Chicago. It leaves at three o'clock this afternoon. I was unable to ascertain whether Rose is to participate in this hegira, but I know I shall. I have bribed the train-crew to let me impersonate the porter. So, should you be moved to follow and succeed in catching up with us, and observe anybody who looks rather off-colour in the party, don't shoot, the said body will be Me. "Yours for the quiet life, ""

The second note was a mere hurried scrawl:

"They are taking me West by special train—I don't know where or why. A servant has promised to see that this reaches you. Save me!"

Over this Alan wrinkled an incredulous nose. The hand was the hand of Rose, but the phraseology was not in her spirit. He picked up the envelope to compare the handwriting of the address with that of the enclosure—and shook out a Trey of Hearts. This last was covered, as to its face, with a plainly written message:

"With the compliments of Seneca Trine to Alan Law. We are due in Chicago at eleven to-morrow