CHAPTER XVII
VERA RECEIVES A LETTER
AFTER leaving Detective Mitchell, Wyndham’s walk increased into a run as soon as he turned a curve in the road, but before reaching Dewdrop Inn he slackened his pace and it was with bowed head and slow step that he entered the house. Entirely ignoring Murray’s efforts to help him off with his overcoat, he brushed by the footman and entered the drawing-room. Mrs. Porter’s voice, raised in angry expostulation, drowned the sound of his approach, and he stood almost at the sheriff’s elbow before that official became aware of his presence. Sheriff Nichols, who had met him several times at the county court house, greeted him cordially.
“How are you, Mr. Wyndham?” he said, relieved by having someone besides an irate woman to argue with. “I’m trying to explain to Mrs. Porter that Dr. Noyes must come along with me, and she won’t listen to reason, nohow.”
“Reason? What reason is there in arresting an innocent man?” fumed Mrs. Porter. “Besides,” a gleam of hope lighting her eyes, “Dr. Noyes is not a citizen of the United States, but an Englishman.”
“Well, ma’am, that doesn’t give him the right to come over here and murder law-abiding citizens,” retorted the sheriff bluntly. “No, he’s amenable to the law.”
“I have not claimed otherwise,” exclaimed Noyes; he had been standing somewhat in the background. Moving forward he laid a persuasive hand on Mrs. Porter’s arm. “Do not worry; I can prove my innocence when brought to trial.”
“But to subject you to such treatment!” wailed Mrs. Porter, her composure showing signs of giving way under the stress of her feelings. “And Craig—what of him? Is my son to die because you insist on taking his physician to jail?” addressing the harassed sheriff.
“Law, ma’am, there’re plenty good American doctors.” But the sheriff’s well-meant suggestion brought no consolation.
“They don’t understand Craig’s case. Secondly,” frigidly, “I don’t place any faith in country doctors.”
“Call in Bev. Thorne, he only came back recently from city practice, and”—brightening—“he’s just across lots; ’most as handy as having him in the house.”