"I hope you will think better of that, Mrs. De Jarnette. Because—" he was drawing from his pocket a yellow envelope marked 'Western Union Telegraph'—"if you don't it will force upon me a very painful duty."
He took a dispatch from the envelope and unfolded it slowly. "I located you last night—saw you first as you and the child were coming down from the light-house." They had been there as they had often gone before to see the light-house keeper light the big lantern. The captain was very fond of the child. "I followed you and found out where you were staying. Then I wired Mr. De Jarnette for instructions. Here they are."
He handed her the dispatch and they gathered around her to read. It said:
"Bring her back peaceably if possible. If she refuses to come, swear out a warrant for her arrest on charge of kidnapping.
"De Jarnette."
"You see," said the man, quietly, "I am given no discretion in the matter. If you refuse to go with me I must swear out this warrant—and then—"
"Then what?" asked Margaret with white lips.
"When once this prosecution is begun even Mr. De Jarnette cannot stop it. It will then be out of his hands and the law will have to take its course."
Margaret drew a quick sharp breath. "If I could only talk with Judge Kirtley!"
"Why can't you telegraph him?" suggested Mrs. Pennybacker. Then, turning to the detective, "You would, of course, allow her to do that?"