“He said he knew Slocum and he was in all probability drunk when he sent the message.”
“Why, what a queer conclusion to arrive at. The doctor may be right but I think we ought to know.”
“I called up their house after I came back from Dr. Brown's office, but nobody answered. So she can't be very sick or she'd be at home.”
Mary put up the receiver hesitatingly. She was not satisfied about this matter. She went about her work, but her thoughts were on the message and the sick wife. Suddenly she thought of something—the Slocum children were in school. The mother had not been able to get to the 'phone to answer it. The thought of her lying there alone and helpless was too much. Mary went swiftly to the telephone and called the office.
“Johnson, you have to pass Mrs. Slocum's on your way to dinner. I think she may have been too ill to go to the 'phone. Please stop and find out something definite.”
“All right.”
“And let me know as soon as you can. If she isn't sick don't tell her anything about the telegram. Think up some excuse as you go along for coming in, in case all is well.”
In about twenty minutes the expected summons came.
“Well, I stopped, Mrs. Blank.”
“What did you find?”