"'Richard Dewey'?" repeated Mrs. Armstrong, in amazement. "Why, I thought you were sick in bed!"
"What made you think so?" asked Dewey, in equal amazement.
"Your own note. Miss Douglas, on receiving it, went away at once with the messenger, and has not returned."
"I have sent no note, and no messenger has come from me. I don't understand you," said Richard Dewey, bewildered.
It was soon explained, and the bitter disappointment of Dewey may well be imagined. This feeling was mingled with one of apprehension for the personal safety of the young lady.
"This is indeed alarming," he ejaculated. "Who can have planned such an outrage?"
"I will tell you, sir," said a voice.
Turning quickly, Richard Dewey's glance rested upon Jones.