CHAPTER X
WHO IS MISS MYSTERY?
Mrs. Adams fell limply into a chair, her round eyes staring in horror.
Miss Bascom had taken upon herself the rôle of dictator and with an accusing finger pointed at Miss Mystery she said:
“What have you to say for yourself?”
“Nothing,” replied Anita Austin, coolly, “except to insist that you leave my room.”
“Leave your room, indeed! I am only too glad to! And I know where to go, too.”
Miss Bascom’s determined air as she strode out of the door gave a hint of her desperate intention and within five minutes she was out on the road toward the village.
Mrs. Adams, still almost speechless with surprise and dismay, looked sorrowfully at Anita. Something in the girl’s face stayed the kindly words the woman meant to say, and, instead, she broke out:
“You must leave this house! What are you anyway? A thief—and a murderer?”
“Oh! Don’t!” Anita put up her hand as if to ward off a physical blow.