Mr. Latham arrived first for the interview with Miss Stuart. He looked worn and tired.
“My ‘Automobile Girls’ have run off with Eunice!” Miss Stuart at once informed him.
“Why should there be any running away with the child?” Mr. Latham asked impatiently. “I could very easily have gone up to the wigwam in the morning. I think, in many respects, it will be wisest to see the Indian woman and child on their own ground. To tell you the truth, Miss Stuart, I shall require positive proofs that this Indian girl is the child that my brother’s Indian wife carried away from our home years ago.”
“Certainly, Mr. Latham,” Miss Stuart replied quietly. “I entirely agree with you; but I think it may be possible to secure such proofs.”
“I have been talking to my sister and nephew of this child,” Mr. Latham continued. “They regard the idea that this little Eunice is the daughter of my brother’s wife as absurd. They recalled the fact that we were positively assured of the child’s death. They do not believe it possible that the Indian relatives would not have claimed the child’s fortune for her. There were a number of educated Indians living in the town of Stockbridge at the time. My brother’s wife took refuge with them after leaving us.”
“Then, Mr. Latham,” Aunt Sallie rejoined, “if the Indian grandmother cannot give you satisfactory proofs of the child’s parentage, possibly you can find the additional proofs in Stockbridge.”
Mr. Latham was silent. He had not been sorry to be persuaded by Mrs. Latham and Reginald that Eunice was an impostor.
Naki knocked at the door.
“I would rather not see visitors, Miss Stuart,” Mr. Latham declared. “I am entirely upset by this present situation.”
“It is only our Indian guide, Naki,” Miss Sallie explained. “I sent for him.”