“What do you mean?” asked Judy. “Oh—” she interrupted herself, “there’s a man turning down our road. Maybe it’s just as well he didn’t see us.”
“We can drive down the North Hollow road, take that short-cut through the woods, and head him off. Want to?” asked Peter.
“It seems silly,” she admitted, “but I think I do want to. Look, Peter!” Judy exclaimed a few minutes later, as she stopped the car and they both climbed out. “Someone’s broken a path through here. It should be easy to head him off. I’ll run ahead and meet him before he gets to the bridge.”
“Wait!” Peter called, but Judy was already running. As she passed her house she thought she heard someone else call to her. Lights blazed from almost every window, so she knew her mother must be there.
Just before she reached the bridge Judy slowed down and caught her breath before she approached the oncoming stranger. He was taking his time, apparently in no hurry to reach the house.
“Hi!” Judy called out bravely. “Are you on your way to our house?”
“Greetings and salutations!” said the stranger, bowing politely. “I’m Pastor Valentine. You must be Judy. My daughter, Clarissa, has invited me to your party. I believe you know her.”
“Yes, I know her,” Judy said, “but I’m not giving a party. Or am I?”
For a moment she almost believed the man was the real Pastor Valentine. But in the next moment the terrifying realization swept over her. He was Clarence Lawson! She smiled at him, trying to conceal her terror.
“It must be a surprise party. Well, I’m—surprised. I’ll walk the rest of the way with you, Pastor Valentine, and introduce you to my guests.”