“I was swimming,” said Rick.
“I only came home a little while ago,” Mazie said. “I was over to Helen’s house.”
“And I’ve been so busy that all I remember is that Uncle Tod came in,” said Mrs. Dalton. “I didn’t hear him go out.”
However the fact remained that Uncle Tod had gone out, and had taken a few things with him in a valise, which would seem to indicate that he intended remaining some time.
“He must have come down the back stairs when I was in the front of the house,” decided Mrs. Dalton.
“And he could easily get over the back fence and go to the station that way,” added her husband. “I think I’ll make some inquiries at the railroad station.”
He did this, with the result that it was easily established Uncle Tod had met a man there, and had bought a ticket for a western city. But this was all that could be learned.
“I guess we’ll just have to wait until he sends that telegram he speaks of in his letter,” said Mrs. Dalton.
“Yes,” agreed her husband. “But I don’t see the need for all this mysteriousness.”
“Uncle Tod knows what he’s doing,” said Rick. “I thought he was crazy when I was cruising with him on the Sallie, but it turned out all right, and I’m sure it will now.”