CHAPTER XIII
A TRAP IS SET
They went indoors at last and tried to settle down to reading, but it was very difficult to distract their minds from disturbing thoughts. Miss Marcia retired early, as the ride had tired her, and they were left to their own devices. At length they gave up the attempt to read and sat talking in whispers over the dying fire. When there was nothing left but ashes, Leslie suggested, with a shiver, that they go to bed, and they withdrew to Leslie’s room.
Needless to say they did not go to bed at once, but sat long by the side window, staring across at Curlew’s Nest. And it was then that Phyllis suddenly had her great idea.
“Now, see here, Leslie Crane, I have an idea and I’m going to do something, and I don’t want you to interfere with me. Do you understand?”
“What do you mean?” whispered Leslie, looking alarmed.
“I mean just this. You’re going to stay right where you are, with Rags, and keep watch. And I’m going to get out of the window and go over and explore Curlew’s Nest by myself!”
“Phyllis, are you crazy?” implored Leslie. “I think that is one of the most dangerous things you could do!”