"But how? How?" demanded Leslie eagerly.
"I have one or two fragmentary theories in my mind. In the first place--"
But he got no farther, for there was suddenly an alarming clash and clatter in the back hall. Both Burton and Leslie sprang for the door But the sight that met their eyes was not nearly so alarming as the noise. It was merely Mrs. Bussey, gathering up the broken pieces of a starch box which lay in curious proximity to a kitchen chair which stood in curious proximity to the transom of the door to the surgery.
"I was jest a-trying to get down them cobwebs," she gasped, and retreated hastily to the safe precincts of the kitchen with the unreliable box.
Burton took up his theme as though he had not been interrupted, deeming it wisest to take no further notice of this curious domestic situation.
"Your son does not wish to take advantage of his unquestionable privilege of bail," he said to the doctor. "He goes on the theory that things will continue to happen and that he will therefore be cleared by implication. I can't say I feel sure of it. This unknown enemy seems to be quite astute enough to suspend operations while Mr. Underwood is under lock and key, merely to avoid giving him the vindication which he would like to secure in that way. But perhaps it might be as well to let him carry out his plan for a time. It will probably give you a temporary respite from further disturbances."
"Even that will be gratefully received," said the doctor wearily.
"It will at least give us time," said Burton.
And then, feeling that his friends needed to be taken away from the thought of the burden which they were carrying, he turned the conversation upon impersonal matters. He deliberately laid himself out to be entertaining,--and the effort was more of a compliment than they were apt to realize. When finally he said good night, he had to admit that he had enjoyed the evening very much. Of course it wouldn't do to ask Miss Underwood if she had had as good a time as he had,--but at any rate she had not looked bored. But then, she could hardly have told a man to his face that she found him dull!
His thoughts were running along after this idiotic fashion when he became aware that a man was following him in the street. He noticed it at first merely because the street was otherwise so entirely deserted, and it did not occur to him that the man was actually dogging him until he had turned a corner or two, and found that the man did the same. Then he slackened his pace and the man fell back. By this time he began to be curious. He took a couple of unnecessary turns, and satisfied himself that the pursuit was no accident. Then he turned sharply on his heel and made a jump toward his pursuer. But the man dodged, jumped from the sidewalk, and ran off between two buildings.