But Hilda was not in the pantry.
"I don't think she'll tell," I said, "and after all what does it matter? Let's take a chance."
Mentally I resolved to communicate with Hilda at the earliest possible moment, and to use whatever influence I had upon her. So I was no sooner in my room at home than I took the receiver from my private telephone and gave the number of the Fultons' house. After an interval I heard Hilda's voice.
"It's Mr. Mannering, Hilda."
"Yes, sir."
"I want to see you about something important."
"I know."
So she knew, did she?
"Can you meet me at ten o'clock tonight?"
"Where?"