“Suppose you had met one of them, Mrs. Parker?”

“I did. It was about half a mile from the house.”

“Did he recognize you?”

“Yes. He asked in some surprise where I was going. I was obliged to make up a story about our being out of sugar. He accepted it without suspicion, and I kept on. I hope I shall be forgiven for the lie. I was forced to it.”

“You met no further trouble?”

“No.”

“I must tell you of my adventure,” said Frank.

“I came across the very man whom I most dreaded—the man who made me a prisoner.”

“Since he knows that you have escaped, he is probably on your track,” said Mrs. Parker. “It will be hardly safe for you to go to Mr. Wharton’s.”

“Why?”