"No, of course not. But that's the only explanation I could think of, unless she's bowing up and down before an idol."
Godfrey laughed grimly.
"That would be a unique solution," he said. "Fancy our headlines: 'Devil Worship at Elizabeth! Fantastic Midnight Orgies in a Cellar!' Wouldn't that stir the public? But I'm afraid it's a little too fantastic. Could you hear anything?"
"Only the faintest of faint sounds. I couldn't make anything of them."
"Well, there wouldn't be any sounds at all if she were merely bobbing up and down before an idol. Was she alone last night?"
"Yes. Her sister spent the night with Mrs. Lawrence. Godfrey," I added, "you haven't told me yet why you sent that telegram. Has Miss Lawrence returned?"
"Not that I know of. Furthermore, I don't think she will return very soon."
"Then you think she really sailed?"
"I think—I don't know what to think, Lester. Give me a moment more. Isn't there a window to the cellar?"
"Yes, but it's closely curtained."