“Fust house off the square on the yon side of the postoffice—a big two-story brick, with a gallery and po’ches all round it.” 218
Having thanked his informant, the stranger passed down the street. The curious saw him pass in at the mayor’s gate and knock at the door. It opened presently, and disclosed a flash of white, which they knew to be the skirt of a girl.
“I reckon that’s Miss ’Lissie,” the others were informed by the unshaven one. “She’s let him in and shet the door.”
Inevitably there followed speculation as to who the arrival might be. That his coming had something to do with the affair of the West kidnapping, all were disposed to agree; but just what it might have to do with it, none of them could do more than guess. If they could have heard what passed between Melissy and the stranger, their curiosity would have been gratified.
“Good mornin’, miss. Is Mayor Lee at home?”
“No—he isn’t. He hasn’t got back yet. Is there anything I can do for you?”
Two rows of even white teeth flashed in a smile. “I thought maybe there was something I could do for you. You are Miss Lee, I take it?”
“Yes. But I don’t quite understand—unless you have news.”
“I have no news—yet.”
“You mean——” Her eager glance swept over him. The brown eyes, which had been full of questioning, flashed to understanding. “You are not Lieutenant O’Connor?”