The Overlanders laughed heartily.
“I reckon that will hold you for a few moments,” interjected Hippy Wingate. “Got anything more to say on the subject, young man?”
“Not a word.”
Stacy did not even join in the laugh that followed.
By this time they had finished their supper, and Elfreda nodded to Grace to indicate that she wished to speak with her, and the two strolled off without attracting attention. They were soon out of earshot, and Grace suggested that they go no farther.
“Now what is it that is troubling you, J. Elfreda?” she asked.
“I have a guilty conscience, dear Loyalheart, and I must confess to you.”
“I knew you had something on your mind,” nodded Grace. “So far as concerns your having a guilty conscience, that is impossible. You only imagine it.”
“After you have heard my story you will think differently. Grace, you don’t know all that took place in the forest cabin—all that occurred in connection with the death of the old prospector.” Elfreda then related the story in detail, giving the real reason, as told to her by Petersen, for the attack of the Murrays. “Have you your lamp, your pocket lamp?”
Grace produced her flashlight, and Miss Briggs, taking it from her, turned a bar of light on the diary that she had removed from her blouse.