"Don't be afraid. Take your hand away from that revolver," came the voice of Gladys Schweiring.
"Miss Gladys!" exclaimed Hal in surprise. "What are you doing here?
It is almost midnight."
"I was waiting for you," was the low response. "I was afraid something might have happened."
"It has," replied Hal, "but it is good news and not bad. Where is your mother?"
"In the drawing-room."
"Are the others there?"
"Just your friends. The guests have gone, and father has retired."
"Good. I have important information for them,"
Hal followed the young girl into the drawing room. Chester rose to his feet.
"By George! I'm glad to see you back safely," he said. "I was afraid something had happened."