"Leave the Falcon?"

"Yes, at Cayuga."

"Are we there already?" gasped Dora in dismay.

"We soon will be."

"I don't wish to go with you."

"But we want you to go. If you go quietly all will be well—and I'll promise to see you safe home in less than twenty-four hours."

"You wish to keep me away from home that length of time?"

"If you must know, yes."

"And why? So Josiah Crabtree can—can—" She did not finish.

"So that Mr. Crabtree can interview your mother—yes," put in
Mumps, who had just appeared. "Baxter, there's no use in beating
around the bush. Crabtree is bound to marry Mrs. Stanhope, and
Dora may as well know it now as later."