"What are you doing?—Miss Sterling!" Miss Sniffen came quickly towards her.
"I am going for the doctor!" She was out the door.
Miss Sniffen was almost as quick. "Come back!" she cried. "Come back this minute!"
Juanita Sterling was on the long flight of granite steps, so was Miss Sniffen. The lithe little figure ran swiftly along the walk to the street; the pursuer was close behind. The feet ahead seemed heavy and slow; the steps that followed came nearer, nearer! Miss Sterling could almost feel the big hand upon her shoulder! Her heart beat suffocatingly, her ears thundered defeat, she must drop or die! Then she thought of Nelson Randolph and grew strong! She bounded forward—she was nearly there! No, she was only passing the corner! On, on, on! She reached the gate, bumped against it, sped along the walk, stumbled up the steps, and pushed the bell button—not until then did she venture a backward glance.
A tall figure was walking slowly, very slowly up the street!
"Out—of—breath!" she said softly, with a chuckle that was half a sob.
A light flashed inside, and Mrs. Dudley opened the door.
"Why, Miss Sterling!"
"Is—Doctor—home?" she puffed.
"No, he isn't. He's out of town. Come in! Somebody sick?"