“You think they’ll try to get me again?”
“It is highly possible.” Her father got to his feet and put his hands on her shoulders. “So promise me you won’t go running about country byroads in your car, even during daylight hours. If you must go out at night, either I or Arthur must be in the car with you.” (Arthur was the Dixons’ chauffeur-gardener.) “There’s no use trying to pretend I’m not worried about this mysterious business. Be a good girl and don’t make it harder for me, please.”
“I’ll be good, Daddy. If I find out anything tomorrow, I’ll report at dinner.”
“That’s my girl,” he beamed, and kissed her good night. “I shall nose about, myself, a bit. I’m sure that you and Terry know that bearded aviator or some of his friends. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be so perturbed about recognition. Unless we’re all wet, Dorothy, this affair is made up of local people. Mind your step—and we’ll see. Go to bed now and get a good rest—I’m coming upstairs as soon as I’ve locked up.”
Chapter IV
THE THUNDERHEAD
Dorothy telephoned the Walters next morning, to learn from a maid that Terry was still missing, and that Mr. Walters was down in the village, putting the matter in the hands of the police.
“May I speak to Mrs. Walters?” she asked.
“I’m afraid not, miss. Mrs. Walters has been up all night. Doctor Brown has given her a sleeping powder and issued orders that she is not to be disturbed.”
“If there is anything that I can do,” said Dorothy, “telephone me.”
“Thank you, miss. I’ll tell Mr. Walters when he comes home.”