So, gathering up her riding skirt, the old lady left the office and went up the hall to the door on her right hand, where she stopped and rapped.
“Come in!” the gentle voice of Elfrida Force responded.
And Miss Sibby opened the door and entered the room, to be received with acclamation by Wynnette, Elva and Mrs. Anglesea, all of whom were present.
Meanwhile, Mr. Force, seated at his desk in his office, with Dr. Peters by his side, filled out two blank warrants for the arrest of Leonidas Force, of Greenbushes, and Roland Bayard, of Forest Rest.
By the time he had completed them, Jake appeared and announced that the horses were at the door.
“Very well. We shall be ready in a few minutes. Go and tell some one to take Miss Sibby Bayard’s mule to the stable.”
“I done put that beast up and fed it more ’an an hour ago, sah! I knowed Miss Sibby was going to stay all day, ’cause she allers does. So I ’tended to her animal right off.”
“Quite right. Bring me my riding boots.”
The servant did as he was bid, and the squire and his guest got ready for their ride.
On their way out to the hall door they stopped at Mrs. Force’s parlor, to bid good-by to the ladies sitting there.