"You couldn't--you wouldn't do it to him, father."
"And you so in love with him, my dear! We must go to the police."
"No, we mustn't. He said that if we tried to play any tricks, we might get him, but never Wilmot, alive. Don't you see? Father, the man isn't fit to live. He's insane."
"Answer wanted, Miss Barbara." Bubbles entered hesitatingly, a note in his hand.
One glance at the superscription, and Barbara ripped open the envelope. She read the note and her brows contracted with pain. "Read that, father."
Dr. Ferris read:
DEAREST BARBS:
I can't help breaking my silence to say I love you with my whole heart and soul. Only tell me that you are safe and sound in your father's house. I want much to know that, for I am on the brink of a great, a dangerous, and I think a noble venture.
WILMOT.
"What did I tell you!" she exclaimed. "Who brought this, Bubbles?"
"Nobody--a messenger-boy."
"Barbara," said her father, "write that you are safe at home. I'll tell Lichtenstein what has happened. He's our best advice. Where is Mr. Lichtenstein, Bubbles?"