“Anne, Clyde was after your book from the very first!” she cried. “Probably his own formula is worthless, and he hoped to get possession of your Father’s work and claim it as his own.”
“But if he saw us hide the book, why didn’t he take it last night?”
“I think he did try. I heard someone in the kitchen during the night. When I went down to get the key, he must have heard me coming and ducked into his bedroom which is on the first floor. Oh, if only I’d kept that key instead of returning it to the cupboard!”
“It was all my fault. I chose the hiding place.”
“Clyde won’t get away. We’ll make him give the book back.”
Old Bill had been listening attentively to the conversation which he only partially understood. Now he decided it was time to add his startling contribution.
“Guess you’ll have to ketch him first. He checked out mor’n an hour ago.”
“Checked out?” Madge asked sharply.
“He cleaned out bag and baggage while you was over to the island. I offered to row him across the lake but he said he’d do it himself. Guess he was afraid he’d have to give me a quarter.”
“Which way did he go, Bill?”