He stared at her in amazement and then, realizing the meaning of her words, sprang to his feet. Beth was equally amazed and looked at her cousin in wonder.
“Oh, Patsy!” she exclaimed, “the baby hasn’t been lost at all.”
“Of course not,” declared Patsy, her great eyes brilliant with inspiration. “She’s imprisoned!”
[CHAPTER XII—ANOTHER DISAPPEARANCE]
For a time the three stood regarding one another with startled eyes. Then Arthur gasped: “Great heaven! what fools we’ve been.”
“Come!” cried Patsy. “The nursery.”
They rushed down the corridors to the staircase and thence into the court. The door of the nursery stood ajar and Arthur first entered and lighted a lamp.
The light fell full upon the face of a man seated in a low rocking chair and holding a half smoked cigarette in his mouth. He was fast asleep. It was old Miguel, the ranchero.
Arthur shook his shoulder, savagely, and the man wakened and rubbed his eyes. Then, seeing who had disturbed him, he quickly rose and made his characteristic low, sweeping bow.
“What are you doing here?” demanded Weldon, angry and suspicious.