He turned to the desk and took up a folded paper. Before he could offer it to her, she had leaned forward and snatched it out of his hand. Instantly her eyes were riveted on the lines:
"Mr. Horace Larkin,
" Dear Sir:
"In answer to the ad. in the Daily Record, we are dealing through you as the agent named by Mrs. Price. We do this as we realize that a lady of Mrs. Price's type and experience would be unable to handle alone so important a matter. Before we enter into details we must again repeat our warnings—not only the return of the child but her life is dependent on the actions of her mother and yourself. If you are wise to this and follow our instructions Bébita will be restored to her family on Saturday night.
"The plan of procedure must be as follows: At eight-thirty a roadster, containing only the driver and marked by a handkerchief fastened to the windshield, must leave the village of North Cresson by the Cresson turnpike, at a rate of speed not exceeding fifteen miles an hour. It must proceed eastward along the pike for a distance of ten miles. Somewhere during this run a car will pass it and from its tonneau flash an electric lantern twice. Follow this car. Make no attempt to hail or to overtake it. It will turn from the main road and proceed for some distance. When it stops the driver of the roadster must alight, place the money at a spot indicated, and submit, without parley, to being bound and gagged. When this is done the child will be left beside him. If agreed to insert following personal in The Daily Record of Saturday morning: 'James, meet you at the time and place specified. Tom.'
"(Signed) Clansmen."
The letter fluttered to the desk and Suzanne sank into a chair. Larkin looked at her; his glance showed some anxiety but his voice was hearty and encouraging:
"Well, you agree, of course?"
She nodded, swallowing on a throat too dry for speech.
He picked up the letter and ran a frowning eye over it:
"It simply confirms what I thought—old hands. It's about as secure as such a thing could be. I don't see a loose end."
She made no answer and he went on still studying the paper:
"I'm not familiar with this country, but they wouldn't have picked it out unless it offered every chance of escape."
"Escape!" she breathed. "They've got to escape."