In a little while he was off. He had to go horseback and as the horse he usually rode was lame he took Billy who was little more than a colt. Before Mary retired she went to the door and opened it. It was fearfully dark but John had said it was only a few miles. His faithful steed could find the way if he could not. John always got through somehow. With this comforting assurance she went to bed. By and by the 'phone was ringing and she was springing up and hastening to answer it. To the hurried inquiry she replied, “He is in the country.”
“How soon will he be back?”
She looked at the clock. Nearly three hours since he left home.
“I expected him before this; he will surely be here soon.”
A message was left for him to come at once to a certain street and number, and Mary went back to bed. But she could not sleep. Soon she was at the 'phone again, asking central to give her the residence of James Curtis.
“Hello.”
“Is this Mr. Curtis?”
“Yes, ma'am.”
“Is Dr. Blank there?”
“He was, but he started home about an hour ago. He ought to be there by this time.”