Once she had been really frightened. She had imagined that two shining eyes were staring through the open window from the outside darkness. It had proved to be the reflection of two distant street lights.
But even now, in the light of morning, Betty felt herself shuddering at the thought of that strange, weird man in black whom she had discovered in the study, and who had so mysteriously eluded her.
“Bob,” she said solemnly, “something strange happened last night. I came downstairs very late. I guess — I guess I must have heard a noise. The light was on in the study.”
Bob Galvin laid aside the morning newspaper. A quizzical look came over his face; an ugly look, Betty thought.
“In the study?” Bob’s voice was tense.
“Yes,” said Betty, “and that was not all. There was some one in the study — a man dressed in black. He looked like a great big shadow.”
“A — a shadow!” Bob’s exclamation came suddenly. He caught himself and smiled sourly.
“Was this real?” he asked. “Or was it just your imagination?”
“I’m sure it was real,” Betty declared. “Some one must have been there. For, while I was still trying to believe my senses, the man turned around and the light went off.
“I–I was afraid; but I went in the room just the same. I turned on the light. I was alone!”