CHAPTER IX
A Significant Title
Madge was impatient to tell Anne her new theory regarding the missing formula but it was not easy to get away early that evening. Bill did not return with his load of stone until nearly dark, and Clyde Wendell, who had a habit of being late for meals, failed to appear until supper was nearly finished. Then he lingered over his coffee long after the others had gone outside. When he finally joined them on the veranda, Madge snatched the dishes from the table and had them in and out of the pan in a twinkling.
It was growing dark as she flew to her room for the things she meant to take with her to the island. She wrapped up a small bundle and tucked “Kim” under her arm.
Mr. Brownell and the chemist were arguing about something but they broke off as she crossed the veranda.
“That book must have a fascination,” the former remarked jokingly. “Do you sleep with it under your pillow, Miss Sterling?”
“What book?” Clyde asked.
She pretended not to hear but Mr. Brownell supplied the title.
“‘Kim,’” the chemist repeated. “Did I understand you correctly?”
Madge did not care to be drawn into the conversation nor did she wish to answer questions about the book. Without waiting for Mr. Brownell’s reply, she hastily made her way down to the lake.
Anne was waiting for her when she reached the island and immediately plunged into an account of Clyde’s afternoon visit.