When he entered the boy's room Floyd was lying flat on his back, staring fixedly at Miss Shellington, who was deciphering the letter for him. She ceased reading when her brother appeared.
"Horace," she said, rising, "Floyd says he doesn't believe that Fledra went of her own free will. He thinks she was forced in some way."
Horace stooped and looked into the boy's white face, at the same time taking Fledra's letter from Ann.
"Flea can't make me think, Brother Horace," said Flukey, "that she went 'cause she wanted to. Pappy Lon made her go, I bet! There's something we don't know. I want you to take me up there to Ithaca, and when I get there I can find her. Prayin' won't keep her from Lem. We've got to do something."
Horace shot a glance of inquiry at his sister.
"We prayed every morning, Dear," she said simply, "that our little girl might be protected from harm."
"She shall be protected, and I will protect her! Where's the deputy?"
"They called him away the morning Fledra left."
"May I read your letter, Floyd?"
"Sure!" replied the boy wearily.