Just as Elinor Crouch relaxed with a groan of despair, two eager young women dashed into the room. In a jiffy, the late mistress of the situation was bound securely, hand and foot, and Linda Blake stood triumphant and lovely over her foe.
"We'll turn you over to the police," she said, smiling down upon the ghastly face of Elinor Crouch.
"For God's sake, spare me," groaned the unhappy captive. "It was all for love, Cuthbert. I—"
But Cuthbert Reynolds had already passed from the room, leaning feebly on the arm of his deliverer.
"How did you trace me here, dear?" he asked as they slowly descended the stairs.
"I found out that she was having her mail forwarded to the village over yonder, and I knew that she owned this place in the woods. I only had to put two and two together, Cuthbert. You—you don't mind if I call you Cuthbert, do you?"
He pressed her arm closer to his side. "You are a darling, Linda. I'll marry you tomorrow if you say the word."
She kissed him rapturously.
"It's too good to be true," she sighed.