“I was explaining this morning's troubles.”
“Oh, I heard a little of them from Mr. Knapp. Have you had any more of your adventures at Borton's and other dreadful places?”
I glanced at Luella. She was leaning forward, her chin resting on her hand, and her eyes were fixed on me with close attention. “I should like to hear of them, too,” she said.
I considered a moment, and then, as I could see no reason for keeping silent, I gave a somewhat abridged account of my Livermore trip, omitting reference to the strange vagaries of the Doddridge Knapp who traveled by night.
I had reason to be flattered by the attention of my audience. Both women leaned forward with wide-open eyes, and followed every word with eager interest.
“That was a dreadful danger you escaped,” said Mrs. Knapp with a shudder. “I am thankful, indeed, to see you with us with no greater hurt.”
Luella said nothing, but the look she gave me set my heart dancing in a way that all Mrs. Knapp's praise could not.
“I do hope this dreadful business will end soon,” said Mrs. Knapp. “Do you think this might be the last of it?”
“No,” said I, remembering the note I had received from the Unknown on my return, “there's much more to be done.”
“I hope you are ready for it,” said Mrs. Knapp, with a troubled look upon her face.