“I did not deceive you!” replied the woman, sharply. “It was for the good of your mother that I asked you to meet me here. I will explain all to you later, but not here. I can do you good. Only trust me. Come with me. I have a carriage waiting outside.”
Again she caught Freda’s arm.
Then the harassed and nervous girl burst into tears. A kindly-faced hack driver, waiting outside in the hope of having some belated traveler hire him, heard. Dick Bently was a benevolent sort of chap, with daughters of his own. Hearing a girl crying he went into the depot.
“What’s the matter, Miss?” he asked, and his tone was reassuring.
“Oh, it’s my mother!” gasped Freda. “She isn’t here, and this—this person sent me a message——”
“It was for your good, my dear,” interrupted the strange woman, with an evil smile. “I’m trying to settle that property matter for you, my dearie!”
“Who are you, anyhow?” asked Dick belligerently. He did not like the appearance of the woman, nor her tone.
“It is not necessary for me to tell you anything,” she replied, with assumed dignity. “If I am not wanted, I will go.”
“Maybe it would be better,” said the hackman. “Now, can I help you, young lady?” he asked kindly, as the woman hurried off.
“I only want to go home to Crystal Bay, and to my mother,” said Freda, and she briefly explained the circumstances.