“You fainted,” I replied. “Don’t worry. Everything is all right.”

“But where is Dr. Dorp?”

“Just went in the house to look around. He’ll be out in a few minutes, no doubt.”

We waited a full twenty minutes, but still the doctor did not appear. Miss Van Loan had taken one of the wicker porch chairs, assuring me that she had fully recovered. I was sitting in another. All sounds in the house had ceased, and I began to feel some apprehension for the doctor’s safety.

“Do you mind staying alone for a few minutes?” I asked. “I should like to go and see if my friend is all right.”

“I’ll go with you,” she replied, rising.

“Are you sure you are strong enough?”

“Of course. Oh, I do hope nothing happened to him. I should never forgive myself.”

We met the pale houseman in the hall.

“Where is the doctor, Riggs?” she asked.