chapter 8 of mystery at number 6 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the mystery at number 6 by Augusta Hill Seaman chapter 8 charred pages Bernice looked at it with curiosity and awe never before had she been so close to a mystery with fingers that shook a little from excitement she unfolded the wrappings and brought to light a few dirty and discoloured pages looking as though they had been torn from a fair-sized notebook they were blackened and charred with fire all around their edges and so far in that often words were indistinguishable and they were covered with fine and precise handwriting still legible where the fire had not interfered. Bernice was eager to examine them closer but the wind caused by the speed of the car blew them about and made the task almost impossible furthermore Sydney warned them that it was about time to land delight near her home I am going to beg a great favour said Bernice taking a sudden determination will you allow us delight to take these papers home with us and examine them at our leisure tonight perhaps we may be able to make something out of them that even you have not made we will keep them just as safely as you would and we'll return them to you tomorrow you promised that you won't show them to anyone question the girl in hesitation I feel that somehow I ought not to to share this secret with anyone but I trust you so much you can depend upon it delight Bernice assured her I have never broken a promise yet then take them and delight thrust them into our hands again if you'll meet me tomorrow afternoon near the largest Palmetto clump across the pool from the house I'll be there as they made the opening to the trail that led to the pool delight asked them to let her out there so that she might walk the rest of the way I feel safer that way she said and added oh there is one thing more I forgot to tell you Bernice the word on the cover of the book I could not keep the cover it was too big and hard I was afraid it would be found out but I remembered the word it was J O U R N A L I am not very sure I know what it means but goodbye I mustn't stay another minute and she hurried down the trail drive home like the wind said commanded Bernice when she was out of sight I've so much to tell you that I'm just about thirsty and I can't do it till we can be quiet somewhere when they got to the hotel Sydney suggested going on to his bungalow for the proposed colloquy but Bernice voted against it she knew that her mother was visiting his mother that day and that they would have difficulty finding a place where they could be undisturbed then Sydney suggested a live oak grove half a mile down the road but Bernice voted that down also it will be hot there she decided and there's no comfortable place to sit let's just get rocking chairs and go in the east corner of the hotel veranda it's nice and shady there and a good breeze and absolutely no one about at this time of day and so they did before examining the papers Bernice retailed to her cousin every word she could remember of the long account Delight had given her of her past history Sydney listened with absorbed attention but without interruption till she was through my word but that's some earful he exclaimed slangingly but in deadly earnest nevertheless hand over those papers quick I want to see what we can make of them guess you were right old girl there sure is some mystery here again Bernice undid the packet of charred papers she said the book cover that she destroyed had the word journal on it so it's not difficult to guess what these must be she commented before they proceeded to examine them critically then with baited breath they gave themselves to the study at the child pages after a long interval Bernice looked up an expression of blank dismay in her gray eyes but said what does this all mean I can't make head or tail out of it look here for instance it reads air roots a fecus aura become fused together when remain pressed in contact cases of natural in arcing very unusual cocal biz floreander in abundance on this hammock ground in this region probably lifted after great Pleistocene subsidence the bursar and some of the eugenias are second migrants I just can't make anything out of it at all I know agreed her cousin it is pretty confusing but I'm beginning to think I see daylight somebody has evidently been making notes naturalists or geologists or botanists notes about something somewhere probably in the glades by the look of it I don't wonder the poor kid was rather mixed up by all this naturally she couldn't understand a word of it just like so much great to anyone who hasn't studied that sort of thing but do you suppose it's all just this cried Bernice disgustedly what's the use of waiting through it there are quite a number of pages you can't tell about that if it were a journal perhaps there might be some other entries more personal ones and if that's the case we can't afford to miss them they might explain something you know well let's look them all through then side Bernice residedly we can skip slightly over the the scientific parts here you take that bunch and I'll go over this one if we don't come across something in that way I give it up they settle down to quiet and silent study at the closely written and now all but illegible notes suddenly Bernice set up with a start look here see what I came across right in with a lot of incomprehensible stuff found the child the light with a perfect specimen of the cryptopodium punctitum a native orchid in her tiny hand this morning she must have picked it off the bark of tree under which she was sitting attracted by the colors no doubt cried when I took it away the child the light there can't be any mistake about that cried Sydney but who can the person be that's writing and what relation to her if any doesn't sound like any near relation I must say but you're not the only person that has discovered something listen to this the inutility of all this grows upon me I have no longer any desire to live when it's all over with me wants to be done about her but she shall not go back a thousand times no there's a whole book full in that little item if we only had the key to it commented Sydney wisely somebody's tired of playing the game and the little kid is going to be the sufferer I'm quite convinced now that there's been something queer somehow in growing excitement they continued to scan the scraps of paper sure that every other word or line would bring further enlightenment but they were doomed to disappointment except for one further little personal item there was not another clue to anything in all the maze of incomprehensible Latin botanical and geological illusions this item arrested the eye of the niece just as she was about to throw down the remainder of her papers in despair I have paid Jerry generously for what he is to do he did not wish it so but the future is the future and must be provided for it is the wisest solution the child must be kept from one at least but she must never know what I have known that's the most enlightening thing yet she declared when she had read it to Sydney do you know I have a brand new idea about this whole thing what she told us combined with this has made me certain that Jerry Sawgrass has been paid by somebody to get rid of her to do away with her somehow or other because she wasn't wanted where she belonged there have such things happened you know they have but why he hasn't done a jet I can't quite understand oh she's in awful danger that poor little thing and you were trying to tell me only today that she didn't need our help oh wait a minute exclaimed Sydney his head in his hands you talk so fast and hard I can't even think you do jump at conclusions in the most illogical way to Jerry Sawgrass hasn't the faintest intention of doing away with her as you so chiefly express it nor has he ever been asked to probably those blood thirsty deeds aren't pulled off quite as frequently as you seem to imagine I have another explanation and I hope a more sensible one there's one thing maybe you don't know but I've heard of it a good many times especially since I lived in Florida the Everglades are a great hiding place and shelter for a certain class of people escaped criminals and those who are dodging the law for some reason best known to themselves deserting soldiers and a heap more of a life variety might not be likely then that the one who made those notes was a fugitive from justice or something of the kind living in the glades and chumming around with Jerry what in the world he'd have a child within four I can't imagine though I can easily see if he did how we want that child protected perhaps from the consequences of his wrongdoing and even kept in ignorance of the whole affair as it grew up yes that certainly seems more sensible said admitted Bernice Mekli you do know a lot more than I and yet I hate to think of that dear little delight being connected in some way with the criminal the weak point in the argument news Sydney is where all this scientific business comes in I somehow can't picture anyone with with criminal tendencies being so absorbed in the fauna and flora and all that sort of thing of the glades and making elaborate notes about them no there's a screw loose in that argument somewhere well anyhow I think it's the best explanation we've struck yet declared Bernice but suddenly she sat up very straight and caught her breath Sydney Conant if we really think that what are we going to say to little delight tomorrow I just couldn't tell her any such supposition as that don't say anything about it of course it would be cruel to put such an idea into her head have you thought what connection that man that mr. Treadwell may have with all this Sydney demanded suddenly going off on a new track Bernice look blank really I'd forgotten all about him she acknowledged such a lot has happened since what do you think about it I think there's some very close connection he admitted Jerry recognized him and was well to get out of his way Jerry knows him and fears him for some reason therefore I'm not drawing too long about as they say when I take the liberty of thinking mr. Treadwell has some bearing on things I'm going to watch him and what's more I'm going to cultivate his acquaintance something may come of it the next afternoon they drove over to number six to keep the twist with delight the precious packet ready to be handed back into a keeping when they reached the pool they reconnected carefully to be sure they might not be observed by the occupants of the farmhouse on the other side but as no one was in sight anywhere they sat down in the shadow at the big scrum pelmetto clump designated by the light and waited the time drifted by as imperceptibly as the few light down the clouds above the pool that scarcely seemed to move in the immeasurable depths of the blue sky cardinals and mocking birds sung and flirted their tails at them a moccasin snake asleep near the edge of the pool uncoiled himself presently and slipped into the water even the old alligator appeared his head like a mare floating log on the surface of the pool near the middle and still the light did not come whole battalions of fish drifted by idling infuriatingly near the shore Sydney set a line for them and caught one or two suddenly however he could stand at no longer you stay here he commanded rising and preparing for departure I'm going to slip around the pool keeping undercover and just get over near the house and see what's the matter there's something unusual about it she hasn't usually kept away like this maybe she's sick or someone else is or an accident or something I'll be back presently he slipped away behind the bushes and was soon out of sight while venice remained patiently watching from where she sat she could not see what he did when he reached the other side of the pool indeed he had no intention that she should for if he were visible to her he would also be visible to the dwellers in the house sooner than she expected he came scurrying back singularly enough without much precaution for keeping out of sight and breathlessly he seized her arm if you want to see something strange come with me and be quick about it end of chapter 8 chapter 9 of mystery at number 6 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the mystery at number 6 by Augusta Hulves Seaman chapter 9 the white flag when at last they got around to the farmhouse Bernice was completely out of breath but she managed to pant this is very risky Sid the light would not like it they'll see as sure as anything what's the matter anyway are they all away just come along and see for yourself he retorted and let her boldly up to the front frander hesitatingly she mounted the rickety steps I suppose they're all away somewhere but Sid even if they are we haven't any right to go into the house have we and besides they may come back any minute come along and don't fuss he ordered her you'll see for yourself when we get inside still doubting she crept in after him and looked about the first glance revealed nothing very different from what it had been in their earlier visit there was the decrepit rocker by the empty fireplace the rough table and the two other chairs stood in their usual positions but a closer scrutiny revealed the subtle difference though this furniture was still in evidence there was not a single sign of any more personal belongings in sight various little articles they had observed in their earlier visit were missing a glance into the two little bedrooms disclosed the rude old beds bear of every vestige of mattress or covering the kitchen beyond possessed no trace of cooking or eating utensils then at last the truth dawned on Bernice Sidney she gasped they've they've gone gone cleared out beat it he a bird must have done it in a dickens of a hurry sometime between yesterday afternoon and this probably sometime last night it would be most likely but why why should they have done it so suddenly and delight never said a word about it to us yesterday of course she didn't say a word because the poor kid never knew a thing about it I'd be willing to swear to that probably they were planning it and wanted to get her out of the way while they got ready so sent her off on that long errand must have been some shock to her when she learned the news but I can't understand why they did it they've only just come here recently why move so soon again plain as the nose on your face Jerry's afraid of that mr. Treadwell wants to get out of his vicinity thinks no doubt that the gentleman will try to hunt him up naturally he doesn't feel safe around here anymore what do you suppose Jerry is afraid of him for cried Bernice if we knew that we'd probably know the explanation of a lot of this mystery answered Sydney sage Lee then why not try to find out for mr. Treadwell why not ask him right out if he knows anything about it demanded Bernice you forget your promise to delight Bernice clapped a hand to her mouth oh I did forget for a minute why why but this is maddening Sydney how in the world are we going to solve the mystery when when we're so hampered by a promise like that perhaps it isn't intended that we should solve it perhaps it's none of our affairs but what about poor little delight moaned Bernice for her sake we surely ought not to give it up she wanted to solve the mystery about herself think how she learned to read and all that in order to do it I'm just certain she must be heartbroken over this change she glanced about the room again perhaps they really haven't gone for good see they haven't taken the furniture with them I've a very strong suspicion that this furniture went with the house and didn't belong to them anyway they wouldn't be likely to cart heavy things like this around with them in their wanderings and if they were going in such a hurry they couldn't arrange to take it of course so that doesn't mean anything Bernice continued to roam disconsolidly about the forsaken rooms hoping against hope to discover some clue to the mystery of this new development wouldn't you think the light would have tried to get word to us in some way let us know she was going and where she undoubtedly hadn't a ghost of a chance probably it was all sprung upon her when she got back here yesterday afternoon maybe not till well toward night what chance would she have to get word to us I can just see them scurrying around and packing up and loading their traps in the little mule wagon the meals gone to of course I looked in the shed outside and hustling off in the darkness you can warrant your last dollar that they left at night and got well away from here before morning so they wouldn't be seen on the roads in the vicinity Sidney where do you suppose they went would it be possible to trace them to follow them there's only one place they're aiming at the Everglades of course declared Sidney that's the only spot where Jerry is safe where he's pretty sure he can't be followed or found but it will take them some time to get there traveling in that mule wagon if they are going to travel that way and of course there are a dozen different routes they might follow yes I presume they could be traced until they get into the glades but who's going to trace them and why I confess that I should have neither time nor opportunity nor sufficient cause to show for such a useless course they went out and sat on the rickety veranda many of whose boards were half rotted away or completely missing out beyond the straggling orange trees the pool lay like a sheet of turquoise under the afternoon sky but the charm of the spot had largely fled so far as Bernice was concerned now that the chief actor in the scene was gone suddenly she sat up very straight inspired with a new idea Sidney I'm simply certain that delight never went away from here without trying to leave some sort of a message for us can't you see how likely it would be not only because she was growing quite fond of us but also because we still have the package of papers that belong to her surely she would want them back some time she would try to let us know where she was going and how to get them to her perhaps yes it is likely agreed Sidney after thinking it over do dishes Lee but just how she could manage it is rather a puzzle she simply couldn't send a message to us at Jasper that's out of the question she could write us a letter she knew how to write why not she knows how to write yes but think of the difficulty of trying to get a letter to us in the first place she undoubtedly had no envelopes or stamps these she'd certainly have to get somewhere and it's all together probably she had no money then how would she get it in a post office without being discovered no I feel pretty certain it would never even occur to her to do it that way but she might have written a note and left it around here somewhere quietly after the others were out of the way hoping we'd find it when we came oh fine cried Bernice happy once more to have some thread no matter how tenuous to hold to I'm simply certain that is what she's done now let's get right to work and hunt this place over thoroughly and I know we'll come across it they began systematically each taking a separate room and went over every nook and cranny hoping every moment to come upon the look for missing but the search was fruitless then Sydney suggested that they exchange each searching the rooms the other had gone over in case some hiding place had escaped notice this they did with no more satisfactory result the old house was empty of any clue that would lead to their further enlightenment again they went out on the brand in despair and sat dangling their legs over the unrailed edge it's strange said Sydney after a long silence but in spite of our not finding anything here the more I think of it the more certain I feel that she has left a message somewhere we know it's not in the house let's just try to think where would be the most likely place she'd put the thing come to think of it the house wouldn't be a good place after all for she'd always have run the chance of having it discovered before they left of course Jerry couldn't read and I rather doubt if the cracker woman could either but they'd be sure to sense something queer about it they both sat with their heads in their hands for some time thinking with deep concentration of the problem they placed it was Bernice who had the first idea said she exclaimed radiantly what geese we are not to have thought of it before the light expected to meet us down by the big palmetto clump across the pool of course that's where she's left the message Sydney merely gave a grunt expressive of thorough disgust at his own destiny and shouting come on quick set off at a run for the point indicated in due time they reached the great spreading scrub palmetto clump Bernice always said that these clumps reminded her of the expensive palms in the flora shops up north the kind that was always used as decoration at weddings and parties when she drove along the wild Florida roads line with them she said it made her feel as if they'd just been decorated for a ceremony of some festive kind this clump was larger than usual the great leaves falling over in such a way that they formed a tent like appearance in its depth look out how you search in there worn Sydney these cumps are a great retreat for rattlesnakes especially in this form spring weather they accordingly reconnoitred the ground with the greatest care before venturing to poke around much in the depths of the growth but finding no unwelcome occupants anywhere about they boldly penetrated to its very depths nowhere about the bush did they seem to be the slightest sign of a communication but a sudden look from Sydney around at a father side brought Bernice to him at a run look at that he pointed to a little twig not more than five or six inches high sticking out at the ground a few feet away from the edge of the clump it would never have been noticeable except that a small white rag had been tied to the top in such a way as to wave out bravely on the breeze like a miniature flag or signal isn't it the queerest thing cried Bernice I sat here and gazed at that thing for 15 minutes while you were away and while I thought it a little peculiar it never dawned on me for a minute what it was really intended for of course she meant to attract our attention to it in that way wasn't that clever of her but come let's dig down under it and see what's there this time their search had its reward down in the fine white sand only a few inches under the surface they came upon the message delight had left for them it was a note written on a small and not very clean scrap of paper a piece of the paper bag in fact the writing appeared to have been done with a piece of sharpened and charred foot doubtless she had possessed neither pen and ink nor pencil and while the spelling was correct the choreography with step and peculiar showing a great lack of practice they are going away from here for good it began with marked lack of ceremony I do not know why but I must go with them Bernice I love you you have been my friend you are both my friends keep the papers for me they are safe with you and I know you will not tell my secret perhaps sometime we will see each other again if there is any way I can ever get a message to you I will but I do not hope for so much for I know where we go to the Everglades again he says it is the only place we can live and be safe I do not know why this has come so suddenly he did not intend to go back something strange must have happened there is no time to write anymore I hope you will find this Bernice if you will dig down further you will find something I leave for you it is all I have to give I wish you to have it I was so happy with you my heart is breaking but I can do nothing but go goodbye to you both I will never never forget you delight they looked at each other without speaking when Bernice had finished reading it aloud there was something deeply touching about the little message it brought a lump into their throats Bernice turned to dig down further in the hole where the note had been and presently brought to light a long string of the light blue glass beads that the Seminole Indian women were so fond of wearing she laid it in her lap and looked at it for a long moment then she put her head down on her knees and sobbed quietly while Sydney walked away a bit and whistled a loud tune to escape likewise indulging in any unmanly show of emotion there's no use said declared Bernice getting up and wiping her eyes after an interval we just can't let that dear little thing go like this you can't begin to think what a a whole she's taken on me why I feel almost as if it were a sister of mine that was being dragged away and hidden for some unknown reason I've made up my mind to one thing I'll keep my promise to her of course literally but I'm going to spend every moment from now on solving this matter somehow or other I'm simply sure it can be done needless to say I'm with you agreed her cousin and what's more I've a very distinct notion how it's going to be done oh have you said cried Bernice smiling up at him with eyes to which tears had again started that's great of you what is your idea I'm crazy to know the first step is to pump Mr. Treadwell as skillfully as possible about what he knows of Jerry Sawgrass and then but Sid objected Bernice you don't even know Mr. Treadwell yet how are you going to get acquainted with him to begin with don't bother your head about that detail miss Conant replied her cousin loftily the matter is already adjusted yours truly made that gentleman's acquaintance last evening in a long chat we had on the hotel veranda after you had retired to your downy couch Sydney Conant and you never even told me how did you do it and what did he say I was keeping you the surprise I got some information out of him that is going to be rather valuable I expect but I can't tell you now it's growing late and we've got to be making tracks for home and I must do a little tinkering with that self-starter before we do it's been bothering me this afternoon Bernice slipped the beads into our handbag and trailed after him acquiescently enough as they made their way to the car but her mind was a seeding cauldron of questions and determinations and longing to meet again with delight they were almost ready to go when Sydney glanced up and beheld I've messy grinning at them from a palmetto clump not 50 yards away end of chapter 9 chapter 10 of mystery at number 6 this is a Libra box recording all Libra box recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Libra box.org the mystery at number 6 by Augusta Huell Seaman chapter 10 I messy becomes a nuisance suffering cats do you see that exclaim Sydney under his breath of all the people we didn't want to see he's the worst I've got all I want out of him now he's just going to be troublesome what shall we do demanded Bernice in the same fashion bluff it out make him think we're just here for fishing if we can just leave him to me they pretended to be unaware of his presence as long as they did but I was not easily to be shaken off hey he shouted lustily what you doing out here again hello I Sydney returned with a parent good nature here you are again we seem to meet frequently nowadays come to try your luck at number 6 we'll partly house fishing today pretty poor you see we haven't more than one or two to show for it going home now as soon as I can jack up this self-starter then fish and all the time demanded I a curious glitter in his eye something about his manner warned Sydney that the man had been lawtering around unseen longer than they suspected and he made his answer all the more wary then tinkering with this thing about half the time he loved roofily as a matter of fact realizing that he had only set up his rod in a perfunctory way while they were waiting for the light and had had but the one catch he did not dare to stretch the time any further well I was over to the other side down in the cove there and the biting was fine remarked I who seemed determined for some reason to get him in a hole in confirmation of the statement he exhibited a heavy catch lying in his old leather pouch must have been some reason it was better there than here then answered Sydney searching his toolbox for pliers plague take this thing we'll never get back at this rate bang the crank up the other day and it won't catch either all this time veneese had been standing by conscience that I had a definite purpose in questioning them she knew that he must have been across the pool probably concealed by the vegetation that grew close to the edge at that point long before they had arrived that afternoon else they must surely have seen his approach how much had he seen how much had he heard what did he surmise the speculation turned her fairly cold with dismay she longed to get into the car and fly from the scene but this was not possible meanwhile I had devised a new form of torture seeing you take a flying trip over to the house there he pointed to the deserted farmhouse it had come Sidney perceived that there was no use of dodging the issue any longer I could probably seen even more than he was going to acknowledge why surely I went over to see if that kid was at home Bernice wanted to see her and talk to her a bit she's rather scary of old Jerry is Bernice that's why she didn't go herself he did not know whether I could discovered for himself that the birds had flown or not considering however that even if he had not it would be best in the end to be open about the matter he went on funny thing though the whole outfit seems to have moved out gone away on a visit or something yeah I know acknowledged I secondly found that out myself earlier in the day devoutly trusting this within the matter Sidney went on with his tinkering in silence but I was by no means satisfied you wasn't at all disturbed about they're going so sudden like was you he queried sitting down on a hammock and refilling his pipe disturbed why should we be Paris Sidney bending lower over his work to hide the flush of indignation that would surge up over his fair skin face as for the nice she had turned actually pale under a tan well I see you running back here and then the both of you pelted back to the house that all you was worth and was in and out of it considerable for a spell paired like you was rather upset somehow of course we were considerably surprised to find them gone admitted Sidney with as much dignity as he could muster I ran back and told my cousin here and we both went over to the house and tried to see if we could find any trace of them but we weren't successful but if he thought this explanation was going to satisfy Ike he was sadly mistaken the attack was instantly renewed from another angle this time I warrant you give a good deal to know why they plugged out of here so sudden wouldn't you it's none of my business that I know of retorted Sidney those people have a right to go and come as they please sure sure acknowledge Ike nodding wisely I ain't saying they haven't had a right I just remarked you'd mighty well like to know why they lit out well wouldn't you retorted Sidney turning the tables on him oh I admit I'm curious about them I'm always just naturally interested in other folks affairs seeing I ain't got any particular of my own but I don't reckon I'm so ill fired wrapped up in this affair as you too seem to be you sure did hit me as all cut up about this here vanishing of Jerry and his clan well Vanessa's got sort of fond of that girl and they chum it around a lot while I'm fishing and altogether we were rather struck all of the heat by a sudden disappearance it isn't strange didn't strike any clue as to where they've gone did you demanded Ike aiming suddenly at a vital spot and here Sidney was non-plussed had Ike seen them when they discovered the light signal and hiding place it was altogether likely and if he had wasn't any use to the symbol and try to throw him off the track he did not want to tell a direct untrue and any further evasion seemed impossible now he was sick and disgusted with the grueling he had been subjected to an indignant beyond words that they should be so victimized moreover it was growing late and they should be home now the self-starter was so far repaired that it worked even though there were further adjustments that ought to be made a sudden bright idea occurred to him a way out of the unpleasant dilemma how in the world could I have spotted a clue he exclaimed testily now then Bernice I believe we're already get in quick as you can we ought to have been home long ago Bernice was quick to take the hint and scrambled in without further remark but I was not done with them yet he leaned across the door of the car in such a way that they could not very well start and continued his third degree of questioning before you go I'd just like to ask for reasons of my own whether you did get any idea where that lots lit out to personally I think it's the grades but I wouldn't put a past jury to light on some other choice now that he's labelled as belonging in the grades it was only what Sydney had expected he did not suppose for a moment that I was going to let him off so easily but he had his scheme well-planned stepping on the self-starter he replied I tell you I I don't know any more than but he got no further for at this point the car shot suddenly forward into the thicket hurling I unceremoniously out of the way and landing him rather forcibly head first into a palmetto clump on plow the car through the thicket and out towards the road while Bernice held on for dear life and shrieked lustily before it had quite landed head on into a pine tree that stood directly in its path Sydney managed to bring the unruly vehicle to a stop gee whiz he exploded getting out and mopping his forehead that was some unexpected jump you aren't hurt are you Ike he called to the man who was just scrambling out of the bushes Ike was decidedly shaken up and huffed he felt himself all over solicitously and sat down to extract a sharp splinter from his forearm no I guess there ain't any serious damage done but it was a close call what's the matter with that old coffee mill of yours anyway guess that self-starter isn't just right yet I only stepped on it a second and the old thing leaped ahead like a young gazelle think I know what's wrong with it she won't do it again come along Ike can't we take you back to town not on your tin type growl dyke rubbing an abrasion you don't catch me in that thing again not for a gold mine I'll get back on shanks me thank you well it's too bad life Sydney I don't believe it will happen again but you're going to have a long hike well so long if we can't persuade you to come and the little car shot away and was out of sight before Ike could change his mind when they were out of sight at the pool and out of hearing too Sydney stopped the car at the side of the road and lay back in his seat helpless with laughter Bernice stared at him in wonder and alarm what on earth is the matter she demanded at length oh oh cried Sydney holding his sides that was too rich I'd stand at all over again to see the way he went heels overhead into the bushes that's what you might call poetic justice well it's mighty lucky it happened so anyhow sighed Bernice I was scared to death I'll confess but the accident was certainly fortunate for us fortunate did you say I'll have you know young lady that the recent little miss chance was carefully planned and executed by yours truly you don't mean you did it on purpose cried Bernice and when Sydney nodded they both relapsed into another spell of helpless laughter it was the only thing I could think of to give us a chance to get away without answering him acknowledged Sydney when he recovered sufficiently to speak the chap's getting to their downright nuisance he's on to the fact that we're deeply interested and he'll never let go till he knows the reason why we're going to have a lot of trouble with him I'm afraid I wish I'd never question him in the first place well come ahead we must be making tracks for home or I will be hooking it along and discover us here I couldn't very well pull off that bluff about the self-starter not working right again end of chapter 10 chapter 11 of mystery at number six this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the mystery at number six by Augusta Heal Seaman chapter 11 the force of a promise on the way home they tried to forget Ike and Sydney gave Bernice an account of his interview with Mr. Treadwell the previous evening he was sitting on the veranda smoking when I came out after bringing you folks home from our bungalow I didn't think of speaking to him singularly enough he opened the conversation with me by asking if I happen to have a match about me I always carry a box around in my pocket so I obliged him and gradually we got to talking it ended in my sitting down by him and remaining there till nearly midnight he's a very interesting man has traveled all over especially in Florida and knows the state like a book and by the way we found out that he had known your mother's father very well had gone to the same college with him though he graduated two or three years later than your grandfather but was quite a friend of his they rather lost sight of each other in later years for he went to Europe for a long stay but he was very much interested and wanted to meet you and your mother queer how small the world is isn't it that'll make it all the easier to get acquainted with him won't it interrupted Bernice no trouble at all about that declared Sidney I'll introduce him all around tonight but that isn't all we talked about by and by we got to discussing this town and the people in it and the queer specimens you see coming in from the wild outside districts he began it by speaking particularly about a curious cracker fellow who tackled him that day for a job in the mines said he was a good hand to make other fellows work and would like to be a foreman Mr Treadwell had a hard time assuring the chap that he didn't have anything to do with hiring the mine workers then he went on to speak of other queer characters he'd come across and suddenly to my amazement he asked me if I'd ever noticed that half Indian chap who came to town once in a while I wondered just how much I ought to tell him how much I could tell him without breaking that promise to the kid but concluded it wouldn't do any harm to admit at least to seeing Jerry so I said yes I had seen him once or twice he went on to say that he had reason to be more than usually interested in that particular person in fact would like very much to meet him and have a talk with him then he told me the incident of last Saturday when he saw Jerry in line at the movie show and tried to get across to him and found him gone when he managed to reach the other side of the street I asked him if he'd ever met Jerry before what do you think he said yes once down in Fort Lauderdale see how that dovetails in with what little delight told us remember her saying that Jerry left there once in pretty much of a hurry and went deep into the glades for a long time afterward I spoke quite casually about Jerry being a famous guide and trapper in the glades and he said yes so he'd heard but that there was something else that was singular about him besides that and then then here Sydney paused dramatically he up and asked me if I knew that Jerry had in his care a girl who it was thought did not belong to him I was really put to it to answer him if I admitted I knew it might involve delight and yet I couldn't very well say that I didn't so I compromised by simply remarking is that so he went on to say that he had heard so when he was down at Fort Lauderdale some years before but when he met Jerry and had questioned him about it Jerry had denied it flatly and then disappeared for good but he said he had been asking some questions about the town here concerning the guide and found that it was rumored that he did have the child with him though no one had seen her and that he was also supposed to be married to a cracker woman rather recently he said that he hadn't discovered just where he lived yet but when he did was going to try to have another interview with him I didn't say a word about my knowing where Jerry lived but just let him ramble on and tell me all he would he went on to say that there were very serious legal reasons why he should talk to the fellow that he had been trying to find him for years without success and that it was utterly unexpected coming across him in this region he had certainly never dreamed of finding him anywhere but around the Everglades of course I was absolutely handicapped by that promise to delight and could not tell him a thing I knew partly because I haven't figured out yet whether his business with Jerry will bring more trouble to her or not and partly because it didn't seem fair to the whole outfit at number six or rather that were once number six I can't feel that they are criminals or anything like that and I want to know more about what Mr. Treadwell wants with him before I give him so much as a hint if I ever do I didn't get any more out of him after that for it was growing so late that we both decided to go to bed but you can see now that we are in for some new developments perhaps through him I'll stay to dinner with you folks tonight at the hotel and get a chance to introduce you all afterward in the pleasant twilight after supper on the hotel veranda they found Mr. Treadwell sitting in a corner by himself smoking the inevitable cigar and apparently just enjoying the fading afterglow glimpsed through the huge live oak trees so heavily draped with Spanish moss Sydney walking by with Bernice and her mother stopped to introduce them and Mr. Treadwell rose with alacrity and after the introduction found them all chairs they discovered him to be a quite delightful and entertaining person full of enthralling incidents of his many travels which he could recount very realistically Mrs. Conant and he spent considerable time exchanging reminiscences of her father so that in a very short interval they felt quite as if they had known each other all their lives it was not until the interview was nearly over that Mr. Treadwell electrified the two young folks by turning to Sydney and casually remarking remember that half Indian chap we were speaking of the other night I found out quite by chance today that he is supposed to be living out somewhere near one of the old mine pools known as number six some 12 or 14 miles from here no one could give me the exact location at least not so as I could find it without some difficulty I believe you have to leave the main road at a certain point and take some obscure trail through the woods now I am very anxious to get at him as soon as possible for I can't stay in this region much longer I have urgent business elsewhere and more than that my car is laid up with a broken connecting rod and won't be ready for use short of two or three days I was wondering whether you would as a favor be willing to drive me out there tomorrow afternoon in your car if you weren't otherwise engaged it's a great deal to ask I know but I understood you to say that you knew the region around here pretty thoroughly and must confess I'd rather take the expedition with you than go when a public taxi the affair is just a little in the nature of a matter I don't want to make to public Sydney and Bernice glanced at each other with one startled look could anything be more singular than this particular request had it come a few days earlier they would have been hard put to it to know what to reply as it was Sydney saw no reason why you should not cheerfully comply the expedition promised rather interesting and unusual features indeed I'll be delighted to he replied won't we Bernice I've been out that way fishing once in a while I think I know how to get there without difficulty we'll all go and tell see wouldn't you like to take the drive to you haven't been out that way we can stay in the car or ramble around and explore the pool while Mr. Treadwell has his interview but Mrs. Conant thank them and refused declaring she had made the engagement to go to Tampa with her sister-in-law next day as nothing however would have persuaded Bernice to give up her chance to be one of this curious expedition it was arranged that the three should meet at the hotel next afternoon at two o'clock when they were alone just before Sydney left he whispered to Bernice isn't this the greatest piece of business you ever heard of us taking him out to number six lucky thing the kid isn't there now say he'll get some shock when he finds they flown the coop again won't he but don't you dare to show by so much as the faintest sign that you've ever been there before or have the least inkling about the thing you'll have to do a nice little bit of acting I fancy and I do hope Ike Massie keeps out of the way of course I won't show that I know anything about it declared Bernice indignantly I wouldn't for delight's sake anyways gracious I can hardly wait for the time to come it was with the strangest presentiment of pending complications that they set out on the following afternoon Bernice alternated between wishing madly that delight had never extracted that promise from them and being thankful that they were not permitted to tell what they knew but what she chiefly dreaded was being put in a position of having to answer complicating questions that could not be evaded as however there was not the slightest use in borrowing trouble she wisely decided to see how things turned out and not to worry beforehand the conversation during the ride was on general subjects and when at last they reached the pool Bernice inwardly thanked fortune that they had not once touched on the ticklish topic Sydney halted at the spot where he usually parked his car got out his fishing rod and announced that he in Bernice would stay on that side of the pool and try their luck while Mr. Treadwell went round to the other side to find Jerry he pointed out the old house in the orange grove saying he understood that must be where Jerry lived they watched Mr. Treadwell make his way around the edge of the pool after having satisfied themselves that Ike was nowhere in the vicinity and they watched him approach the tumble down veranda reconnoiter about him a bit and finally ascend to knock on the still half-open door I feel as if I were standing over a mine that was about to explode Bernice confided to her cousin it makes me feel rather mean added Sydney to think that I know all the while what he's going to strike and yet what in the world can I do we're just bound hand and foot by that promise delight extracted from us sometimes I think it isn't right as if it might be better for her in the end if we did not keep it I don't know it's a puzzle they could see Mr. Treadwell standing patiently by the door waiting for an answer to his knock then they saw him knock again and after an interval a third time at last they saw him push the door open look about and walk in and after that nothing happened for a very long time and they almost held their breath for the coming explosion as Bernice insisted on calling it much later they saw him emerge from the house and hurry around the pool in their direction and they knew the struggle was on its singular very singular panted Mr. Treadwell when he at last came around to where they were standing what singular demanded Sydney as nonchalantly as though he were not perfectly well aware of the facts all the time that house it's absolutely empty are you sure this is the right place I think I can be quite sure of it replied Sydney cautiously it's the only farmhouse around here for miles and one day not so long ago I was out fishing at this pool and happened to notice that the house seemed occupied are you sure that it is empty or are they perhaps just temporarily away from home it's uninhabited no doubt of it some furniture is still there but not the slightest sign of anyone really living in the place very queer that he should move away so suddenly commented Sydney more for the sake of saying something then for any better reason no it isn't strange exploded Mr. Treadwell at last in thorough exasperation it's only about what I expected as a matter of fact Jerry has alluded me before and I quite suspected he'd try it again only I thought that this time I'd been too quick for him didn't think you'd imagine it necessary to slip away so soon as he was so well hidden here he's a slick article the slickest thing I've ever come across he has given me the slip every time Sydney said nothing except to murmur his regrets at Mr. Treadwell's disappointment later he ventured to ask if that gentleman intended to try to trace the fleeing guide but Mr. Treadwell deep in thought paid no attention to his query instead he suddenly confronted Sydney and looked straight into his eyes tell me he commanded in a tone that was not to be gained said did you ever happen while fishing here to have noticed a young girl about this young lady's age pointing to Bernice anywhere about that house or around this pool and so at last was Sydney brought to be end of chapter 11 chapter 12 of mystery at number six this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the mystery at number six by Augusta Huell Seaman chapter 12 cross purposes in the brief space of time before he answered Sydney managed to keep his head and hastily review the possibilities as a matter of fact he considered Delight had not extracted any promise from them never to disclose the simple occurrence of their knowing her the promise related mainly to the curious papers she had confided to them and to the history of her life as she had told it to them perhaps then there was no reason why Sydney should not answer fully and truthfully Mr. Treadwell's query accordingly while Bernice held her breath to the stifling point he replied calmly well yes as a matter of fact we did see a young girl in and about the place also there seemed to be a woman there perhaps that was Jerry's wife Mr. Treadwell ignored the latter side issue you saw the girl and what was she like may ask did you ever get close enough to her to describe her his keen blue eyes seemed to bore into Sydney's very soul she came around the pool to where we were admitted Sydney she looked like an Indian at first glance or a very dark cracker type black hair very tanned complexion but her eyes were quite beautiful deep iris blue with long lashes did she speak did she talk to you Mr. Treadwell probed still deeper why uh yes I was fishing and she was rather shy but she got talking to Bernice and they had quite a conversation I believe immediately Mr. Treadwell whirled around to Bernice what did she say may ask how did she speak did she seem very very ignorant Bernice could have cheerfully scalped Sydney for thus involving her in the affair but she replied bravely she seemed a very sweet little thing gentle and shy and and very attractive truth to tell Bernice was somewhat irritated at this rather autocratic cataclysm and suddenly had a bold inspiration so that she ended with but may I ask why you are so interested in her Mr. Treadwell I thought it was Jerry you particularly wanted to see the effect on Mr. Treadwell of this sudden turning of the tables was instantaneous oh I uh I well that is a matter I can't very well explain just at present he stammered to be frank with you this matter is very uh very involved a legal difficulty it would be uh very indiscreet to discuss it for a moment he was silent puzzled apparently as to how to proceed he sensed the fact that the young people did not quite relish this cross questioning yet they were plainly admissions that he was still very anxious they should make Sydney and Bernice said nothing and let him struggle with the difficulty without aid there is one thing I would very much like to ask he began again presently did she did you in the course of your conversation with her discover what she was called what was her name the two young people glanced at each other in rather a panic what was it best to answer to this to disclose that might be a decidedly damaging admission especially if this man's interest was not friendly yet how could they evade the truth Sydney took the matter in his own hands we asked her her name when we told her hours and she said she was called Dell but that her real name was Delight the effect of this statement on Mr. Treadwell was very singular his eyes opened wide for an instant and he drew a gasping breath and turned and walked off toward the pool there he stood with his hands crammed in his pockets staring down into the limpid water while the cousins eyed him uneasily and wondered what was coming next oh are we doing right Sydney murmured Bernice ought we to have told so much can't very well help ourselves he has us cornered good and proper but that was a great dig you gave him Bernice you quite bold him off his feet for a minute don't worry about the thing if I were only sure what his motives were I'd know better how to answer the trouble is we don't know we may be doing Delight a lot of harm or we may be holding back when it's all for her good I wish I knew here he comes back again but in the short interval of time Mr. Treadwell's manner had changed entirely and when he again approached them it was to take an entirely new tack his manner was open and frank but exceedingly firm it may seem very unwarranted of me to question you so closely he began but there are reasons the best of reasons why I must sift this matter to the bottom I do pardon me for this rather abrupt way of putting it I feel absolutely certain that there are aspects of this affair that you are acquainted with and have not for some reason seen fit to disclose to me of course I do not know why and perhaps have no right to ask but you would oblige me very much if you would tell me whether you knew before we came here today that Jerry and the rest had decamped yes admitted Sidney manfully we did but there were reasons why why we felt we had no right to tell you so then you really do know more of this matter may I inquire further if you knew where they went and by what route Sidney drew a long breath that I cannot tell you I have no right I we have given a promise not to Jerry I hope flashed Mr. Treadwell no to delight Mr. Treadwell appeared relieved at this admission I suppose I have no right to inquire but I should very much like to know why she extracted that promise I'm sorry but I don't believe I can tell you that either replied Sidney firmly then perhaps you would be willing to answer this do you know anything about this child's relations with the other two she lived with were they kind to her did she seem fond of them I think it's all right to answer that agreed Sidney they were very kind to her so I understand especially Jerry she called him Uncle Jerry and said she was extremely fond of him I do not think she felt the same way toward the his wife he has only married her recently thanks that at least gives me a new impression of things may I inquire if you knew whether she went away with them this last time willingly again Sidney was obliged to hedge this was very dangerous ground I I cannot tell you that he said firmly I see acquiesced Mr. Treadwell suddenly he changed his ground again if I were a mind to he added I think I could give you a little piece of information that would startle you quite a bit on further consideration I believe I will give it do you know this last Tuesday afternoon you two folks sat in the east corner of the hotel veranda and had a long and animated discussion of this very affair much of which I could not help but overhear as my room is right at that corner I had come back to the hotel in the early afternoon feeling a trifle unwell and laid down on my bed for a nap after a while I woke out of a sound sleep and heard voices conversing outside I'm rather used to that as my window opens right on the veranda and I'm forced occasionally to be an unseen third party to conversations outside much against my will I tried to go to sleep again and shut out your voices but suddenly I caught the name Jerry and something about the Everglades and then I confess I listened with all my ears for it is of the utmost importance that I get to the bottom of this manner unfortunately for me you spoke in the main in rather low tones and I lost often quite important items but I want to tell you very frankly that I gleaned enough to give me almost all the clues I need almost but not quite I apologize deeply for having had to do this I detest and despise the role of eavesdropper but in this case if you knew all the facts I think you would say I was justified I heard you Sydney announced that you were going to seek deliberately to cultivate my acquaintance and I made the task easy as I was equally anxious to cultivate yours he stopped short to mark the effect of his amazing disclosure a bomb suddenly exploded in their midst could not have astounded them more in a veritable panic of dismay they gazed at each other why had they not been more careful why had they not realized that the hotel veranda was no place to discuss an affair so secret that it might not be as deserted as it seemed but there was no hope for it now one phase of the matter angered Sydney and he demanded in a tone of repressed annoyance why then have you kept a synignance of all this since you have discovered what you did why did you not tell us right away that you had overheard turnabouts fair play laughed Mr. Treadwell you seem determined to hold me off and pump me as hard as you could without my realizing it I determined I'd do the same and see what each could make out of it but isn't it time we stopped working across purposes what is the advantage it isn't a question of advantage answered Sydney relaxing a bit since you have been so frank with us I may as well tell you that we have become deeply interested in the girl she has confided to us as much as she knows of her history and I confess there seems to be a dark mystery about it all somewhere but she made a solemnly promise we wouldn't tell anyone and we're not going to break it we don't want any harm to come to her if I were to assure you began Mr. Treadwell on my word of honor that no harm is going to come to her through my investigations but only good would it make any difference in your feeling about the matter most certainly it would cried Sydney brightening up and Bernice nodded a vigorous assent only only I don't see how that's going to affect the matter of the promise that'll have to hold good no matter what the circumstances are won't it perhaps we can circumvent that in another way smiled Mr. Treadwell for instance if I were to tell you a few things I overheard the other day and you realized how much I knew barring certain rather necessary details that escaped me perhaps you might feel that it would not be violating her confidence to supply those details well I might have a try at it volunteered Sydney cautiously but I do not have to answer if I think it best not to you are going to make a true lawyer laughed Mr. Treadwell I can see that right now however suppose I tell you that I understood from some of your remarks that this child delight and by the way I never caught her name that afternoon it it quite surprised me when I heard it this child had in her possession something some journal or diary that half gave her a clue to a mystery about herself I gathered from what you said about it that it was something in the nature of a naturalist's notes but I was still asleep I imagine while you were reading it am I correct yes acknowledged Sydney it can do no harm to admit that much the notes themselves I presume you do not feel justified in showing me that is just what she made us promise not to do I see among those notes were there many illusions to to the child herself very very few what there were did not seem to to throw much light on the mystery the child herself does not know what they mean I don't believe she does she thought maybe we could understand make something out of the puzzle but we couldn't does this child delight remember ever seeing anyone around with them with Jerry in the Everglades she remembers Jerry's first wife a seminal Indian woman absolutely no one else ah that's a point that is very important thank you for not hesitating to disclose it one thing more I haven't a doubt that Jerry has gone back to the Everglades it's the only place where he's likely to think himself safe from me I would very much like to inquire if when this party left here you had any idea what special route they intended to take perhaps the girl knew no to be candid with you their departure was the greatest surprise to us it must have happened the very night after delight gave us the papers when we went to return them the next day the place was deserted quite by chance we found a little note she had left for us but she knew no more than we what route they would take she baddest goodbye that was about all I thought it rather singular went on Mr. Treadwell considering what I knew of the whole affair that you should be so willing to bring me here this afternoon I did not realize that you already knew the birds had flown but now I have a proposition to make this Jerry sawgrass must be traced and followed the matter is so important that I have decided to postpone other urgent business that would have taken me back to New York and follow this up to the end it is a matter that has long held fire in a legal sense and ought to be settled at once I am more fortunate to have come upon this clue I had almost given up hope of ever solving the mystery you two young people seem to have been lucky enough to gain the entire confidence of the principal actor in the scene it is her welfare that is at stake and Jerry is the factor that is blocking the whole proposition Jerry we must get at and since you two are so deeply concerned with delight how would this proposition strike you I invite you both and Bernice's mother to accompany me in my car which I devoutly trust will be ready to take a few days trip down into the region of the Everglades and see what we can discover in regard to the fugitive what do you say the proposition was so astonishing so beyond anything they had ever expected to happen that they were mutually struck dumb but their looks were so eloquent that Mr. Treadwell laughingly remarked well as silence is usually construed to mean ascent I take it that the bargain is settled end of chapter 12 chapter 13 of mystery at number six this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the mystery at number six by Augusta Huell Seaman chapter 13 Ike Massie's last effort the return to the hotel was accomplished in rather a days so far as the young folks were concerned it had been a bewildering afternoon and the culmination had so taken their breath away that they were still incredulous that they could possibly have heard a right I suppose considering the circumstances that it would be just as well not to disclose to Mrs. Canot exactly all of our purpose in taking this trip in case she agrees that she and yourselves may accompany me it would be rather hard to admit another to share in this secret and I do not anticipate any difficulty in arranging things so that she will suppose everyone except myself is off merely on a pleasure excursion we will start day after tomorrow if all goes well with that car of mine and meantime Sydney you and I had better scout around and see if we can unearth any clue as to the direction the party took in making their escape it ought not to be hard to trace a trio as conspicuous as they would be and in a mule wagon too if it had been a car now the matter would be far more difficult I would advise that you bring those papers she confided to you along with us I will not ask to see them till there is good and sufficient reason to do so and when you all agree that I am justified in having them shown to me the matter of the expedition was introduced to Mrs. Canot by Mr. Treadwell himself that night owing to the fact that he had been a friend of her father she was the more easily persuaded and in addition a trip down through Florida and Mr. Treadwell's luxurious car was a treat that no one could look upon without favor especially as the life in a little phosphate town hotel had long since began to Paul to the great delight of the cousins she gave her consent and preparations for the excursion at once began to be made the following morning was spent by Mr. Treadwell and Sydney in the latter's car exploring all the region for a radius of a score of miles striving to unearth any trace of the trail the fugitives had taken it was in the main without any definite result several days had elapsed since the flight more than that as the earliest stage had doubtless been accomplished long after nightfall few if any had noticed a mule wagon with its party of three mule wagons were not at all uncommon even traveling after dark and Sydney suggested that in all likelihood Jerry had clung in the main to the unfrequent and poor roads and so kept out of sight of the greatest traffic since Mr. Treadwell was of the opinion that perhaps the owner of the old farmhouse might afford them some clue they hunted him up as Mr. Caswell had once told Sydney he proved to be a doctor who lived in a nearby town he acknowledged that the land around the pool and the old farmhouse belonged to him and that he had rented it to Jerry who had given his name as Mr. Simpson had been paid a month's rent in advance and had heard nothing more of his tenants he was surprised beyond measure to be told they had gone he knew nothing about who they were or where they had come from he admitted that the old house was very dilapidated and that he had not expected to let it at all but was contemplating having it torn down when Jerry applied to rent it and establishes family there and as he did not seem to object to its condition or require it to be repaired the doctor was only too glad to be able to rent it so easily there was no useful information to be gained in that direction and the two turned their attention to another they drove out to number six and examined critically every trail that led from the old farmhouse hoping to see perhaps the mule tracks or wagon ruts left by the cart but a heavy rain the night before had washed away every trace of recent make and left them as much at sea as before at this point Sydney and Mr. Treadwell sat down on the edge of the dilapidated veranda to think it out we might as well boil it down to the two or three final possibilities decided Mr. Treadwell after all whatever route he may have taken from here Jerry's destination was the Everglades it's only a question of what point he planned to enter at let's reduce the thing to its smallest number of possibilities we're over near the west coast he would hardly then plan to take the long trip over to the east coast and enter by the routes in it from there the quickest and safest for him would of course be the nearest granted then that he decides for the west entrances if he pursued the usual course Fort Myers the Caloosahatchee River and so on he would undoubtedly realize that he could easily be traced he would try for a course further in he might even get over to the Kissimmee River abandon his mule cart and go down the river by Bode or canoe through Lake Okeechobee in the same way and so strike into the glades from the north perhaps looking at it from all sides that is what he would be most likely to do it would be the safest from observation in any case his progress is sure to be slow unless he abandoned everything and took a train say to Moorhaven on the lake but this I'm certain he would not do our best bet therefore is to get down as speedily as possible to Lake Okeechobee and see if we can head him off there his traveling will necessarily be very slow in all likelihood too he will have to stop and get supplies at the southern end of the lake before he enters the glades there's where we'll catch him I propose then that we run over to the east coast and down as far as Palm Beach striking in from there to the lower end of the lake but isn't that going a long way around questioned Sydney there's an old saying the longest way round is the shortest way home laughed Mr. Treadwell it applies particularly in this case because the roads are better on that side and we can make quicker progress Jerry I figure is ambling slowly down the Kissimmee River and keeping as much as possible out of sight it will take him at the very least a week to reach the southern end of the lake probably longer if we push it then will be liable to reach the place long before him and welcome him when he gets there I have ordered the car to be ready at eight o'clock sharp tomorrow morning and we ought to reach Melbourne on the east coast long before dark by the next night we will easily have reached Palm Beach and can strike in from there and then at this point Mr. Treadwell was interrupted by a curious thing the sound of a match struck within the old house on whose veranda they were sitting both of them jumped as if they'd been shot did you hear that Sydney whispered as they scrambled to their feet but they were not quick enough to get inside before a figure appeared in the doorway it was Ike Massey slouching nonchalantly against the door post lighting his ill smelling corn cob pipe morning he offered grinning at their very patent astonishment and consternation hope I didn't disturb you didn't expect to find no one here at this hour of the day the man was evidently a stranger to Mr. Treadwell who was looking him over in considerable surprise and annoyance Sydney's mind working like lightning strove to figure out how Ike had got into the house without their seeing him and just how long he might have been there they had been all through the house themselves earlier in the morning and it was certain that he was then nowhere about he must have come in unobserved at the back door while they had been sitting there and there was absolutely no telling when he had come or how much of their conversation he had overheard deeming however that discretion would be the better part of valor and that it would be best all around not to exhibit any sign of worry to Ike Sydney determined to do the polite thing you sure did startle a psych have you taken up your headquarters here meet my friend Mr. Treadwell this is Ike Massey greatest hunter and fisherman in these parts I come in a spell back to see if I could find a match or two dropped mine in the pool and they ain't no good now thought maybe Jerry left a few around found a couple on the mantel shelf but that's all you ain't got any about your friends have you now it all sounded plausible enough yet both could not help but feel that the man overheard much of their conversation and that no doubt with intention Sydney especially was convinced of this Mr. Treadwell however handed Ike a box of safety matches and that him keep them as he had another about him thank you thank you said Ike lowering his slouchy bulk to a seat beside them on the veranda edge it was evident that he planned to spend the rest of the morning with them if so allowed got a couple of lines set out down to the pool but the biting's been kind of poor this morning funny how some days you can't pull them in fast enough and others you could sit for morning till night without a nibble and as far as you can see the two days is exactly like but Mr. Treadwell and Sydney were in no mood to discuss the possibilities of fishing at that time and made a move for departure well I guess it's about time we were getting back remarks Sydney as he and Mr. Treadwell lowered themselves from the veranda preparatory to leaving the scene hope luck will change before the days out Ike so long but Ike was not easily to be defrauded of his desired bit of gossip he shifted his pipe and laid a detaining hand on Sydney's arm what you up to anyway he demanded in a stage whisper you two on the track of that Jerry all right ain't you found out what he done I couldn't help here in a bit of what you were talking of while in there fussing around the bare faced acknowledgment of his eavesdropping exasperated Sydney and he lost his temper with Ike at last it's none of your business Ike what we want with Jerry you've been trying to poke into this affair long enough now quit it and kindly don't mention the matter to me again the retort was a mistake as he was soon to discover Ike did not get mad that was not his method he only slouched down a little farther on his backbone and leered up with an unpleasant grin getting kind of cocky ain't you strikes me I remember an evening not so long ago that she was glad enough to fill me up chocolate block with ice cream for the sole purpose of getting me to tell all I knew about this here Jerry now when that so the retort almost bold Sydney over with surprise he had not dreamed that Ike had fathomed his purpose at that time evidently the man was cleverer than he had given him credit for being before he could reply Ike had another facer for him and then seems to me I remember another night when you hit my trail out to number three after stalking me at the cafe and pumped me some more pumped me dry that time I reckon you figured anyhow I noticed since then you ain't had much use for me oh I know you reckoned I was that dumb I didn't get on to your scheme but you better begin to give Ike massy credit for seeing and hearing and thinking a deal morning looks capable of now if I was to tell you that I knew quite a bit more about Jerry than I've let on maybe you'd come down off your high horse and but at this point Mr. Treadwell pushed Sydney unceremoniously out of the way and faced Ike I'm the only one to settle with about Jerry he announced Jerry concerns me more than anyone else at present Ike so if you have anything interesting to say kindly pour into my ear there was something slightly withering in Mr. Treadwell's direct steel blue glance when he turned it upon you you either told the truth or you turned precipitately and fled Ike decided on the latter course hold on a moment cried Mr. Treadwell laying a detaining hand on him as he turned on his heel to slink off you haven't answered my question yet what do you know about Jerry that you haven't already disclosed the truth now Ike turned back with a somewhat sickly grin he glanced just once into Mr. Treadwell's cold keen blue eyes and then dropped his own and kept them down you took me up kind of quick on that boss he stammered shuffling his feet to tell the truth I was just sort of Josh and Sydney here I didn't exactly say I knew anything more about Jerry if you recollect I only said suppose I knew I just thought Mr. Treadwell gripped his shoulder and looked him straight in the eye well let me tell you something my man a few nights ago I was out driving quite late with Mr. Bostic who runs the hotel we were out on that wild stretch south of Fort Mead pretty deserted around there we heard two or three shots from a gun and a little while later we saw someone sneaking away with abrasive wild ducks under his arm he didn't see us for we'd stopped the car under an overhanging tree and we were completely screened from view I wouldn't have known the man from Adam but my host Mr. Bostic told me that it was someone by the name of Ike Massie and if it were known that he was shooting out of season he'd be fined and perhaps imprisoned for breaking the game laws but he said Ike was a good natured soul and he for one wouldn't want to inform the authorities about the matter now Mr. Ike Massie I want your promise here now that you will neither bother us any further about this matter of Jerry nor will you open your mouth to anyone else to do any further gossiping about him or his affairs I shall know if you do I shall give myself the pleasure of reporting you to the proper authorities on the grounds I've mentioned otherwise I shall not molest you have by your word Ike turned to countenance now almost green with terror for an instant up to Mr. Treadwell in stammer dissent and then on being released from the grip that held him he turned without ceremony and scrambled away to the rear of the house and out of sight in an incredibly short space of time end of chapter thirteen chapter fourteen of mystery at number six this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox dot org mystery at number six by Augusta Huell Seaman chapter fourteen the pursuit when Ike had disappeared Sidney turned to Mr. Treadwell with a gasp of admiration you sure are a wonder he cried you hit him just right that rascal has been pestering the life out of me lately and I honestly didn't know how to get rid of him I did pump him quite successfully those first two times he mentioned but he's been making me pay up for it since and I admit I didn't give him credit for seeing through me like that oh I know his kind said Mr. Treadwell calmly I've had to deal with it too often to be mistaken a little cleverness but mostly bluff that's his variety but it was just pure luck that I should have happened to have that little misdemeanor on him it hit him just right and I think we're quite safe from him now I've heard of him a number of times and I imagine it's through his gossiping around the village that I got my information about Jerry and his whereabouts but I never came in contact with the man before well you rid me of a regular old man of the seas side Sidney as they got into the Ford and drove away they had no sooner reached the hotel than Bernice hurried out to meet them and drew Sidney aside with an air of obvious mystery what now he demanded perceiving that she was boiling over with the desire to impart some news oh Sid you'll never guess I've struck a clue all by myself good work let's hear what it is if it's anything worthwhile we ought to tell Mr. Treadwell worthwhile indeed sniffed Bernice it's about the worthwhileest thing we found out yet I have a great mind not to tell you you're so snippy oh come off laugh Sidney you know what I mean goodness knows we're in need of some clue anything to give us a start well here's how it happened mother needed quite a number of little things for the trip things you can't get in this town so I took the bus over to Bartow to do a little shopping for her while I was strolling about the town waiting for the time for the next bus back I happened to pass the place where the bus down to Arcadia starts there was a big crowd getting in and I had a got almost by when what do you think she paused exasperatingly if you don't go on double quick I'll I'll I'll threaten Sidney vaguely but menacingly all right all right well I saw someone getting into that bus who looks strangely familiar I could only see her back and she had had on but something about her made me just stop short and stare just before she got inside she turned around to free her skirt that had got caught on a nail or something and it was the cracker woman this time Bernice was thoroughly satisfied with the effect of her disclosure Sidney grabbed her by the elbows and demanded excitedly what not the cracker woman you can't mean it most assuredly the cracker woman mimicked Bernice no other I couldn't mistake her even though I only saw her once she was the last one in and the bus started right off so I had no chance to speak to her but that's my harrowing tale golly ejaculated Sidney where's Mr. Treadwell and he was off before Bernice could get in another word this sudden and very fortunate discovery changed the entire outlook of their plans if Bernice were not mistaken and she declared she could not be their wisest course was to pursue the cracker woman and not Jerry so Mr. Treadwell decided why there was this strange split in the fleeing party no one could guess but since Jerry's wife had in that one interview the cousins had had with her been the most inclined to communicativeness common sense pointed out that she was the one to pursue moreover her route they could trace with a fair amount of accuracy there's not a moment to be lost cried Mr. Treadwell my car is ready now I've just been to the garage and found they had finished with it ahead of time let's get dinner as quickly as possible and make tracks for Arcadia we won't wait till tomorrow to start can you get your mother to fall in with this change of plans Bernice oh I'm sure of it mother is really already now I'll run up and close our grips right away they had no definite plan as to just how they were going to trace Jerry's wife when they did get to Arcadia but as they went bowling along and Mr. Treadwell's high powered car that afternoon he gradually worked out his scheme my idea is to overtake the bus before it reaches Arcadia if possible he confided to Sydney who was sitting beside him of course it has had a big start on us but it has to stop in all the towns in between and we may be able to catch up with it I do wonder what this woman's object was in coming over this way the only reason I can think of is that someone said she came originally from down Fort Myers way so perhaps she suddenly made up her mind to go back there for a time replied Sydney Mr. Treadwell agreed that this could be about the only object in the unexpected move on her part they drove on at what seemed to Bernice's mother a reckless pace and she more than once turned to her daughter to remark that she had not supposed Mr. Treadwell to be inclined to break the speed laws Bernice however who was holding her breath and watching the road ahead with vix't attention declared on her part they did not seem to be going half fast enough town after town they drove through always stopping to inquire if and how long before the Arcadia bus had passed that way one other surmise troubled the three and that was whether the object of their pursuit had got out at any one of these intermediate towns but as Mr. Treadwell confided to Sydney if she had the only way to find out was to overtake the bus before it got to Arcadia follow it into that town and observe whether she was among the passengers if she was not they would know that she had left it earlier in the journey and they would have to trace her back the golden afternoon sunlight at last began to wane at Wachula they learned the bus had passed through three quarters of an hour before which was a decided gain on the time of the town before on they sped the big motor purring rhythmically the speedometer registering forty to fifty miles without intermission except when they slowed for some sharp curve or passed another car on a narrow bit of road at Gardner they were but twenty minutes behind the bus and as Mr. Treadwell remarked were bound to catch up with it before it got to Brownville when there was an ominous veering of the car to the side of the road Mr. Treadwell applied the break and brought it to a stop and to the excited inquiries of Bernice from the back Sydney had only one bitter comment flat tire it took twenty minutes to change to one of the spares and was as Sydney remarked a record for such a heavy car and a rear tire at that but he whispered to Bernice that they had now probably lost the chance of getting in ahead of the bus as they were a good forty minutes behind it and likewise their best opportunity of tracing Jerry's wife as they could not then be certain whether she had got off at one of the intermediate towns or gone on by the next bus to Fort Myers it was an exasperating accident at length all was in readiness once more and they made another start but the hope that had been so near fruition was now abandoned and the best they could expect was to reach Arcadia before the time for a bus to leave for Pantagorda and Fort Myers if Jerry's wife was intending to go to the latter place she might have to wait about until bus time and so be an evidence but it was rather a forlorn hope suddenly at a turn in the road Sydney looked ahead and shouted what's that it was indeed a queer affair that they were approaching a crowd of people appeared to be standing about in the road and over at the side killed into a ditch with some great bulky object whose form at first could not be distinguished from the car but as they got nearer Sydney gave an astonished whoop the Arcadia bus she's gone over into the ditch hope no one's hurt it was a curious scene that they arrived at a few minutes later the big bus had keeled over in some incomprehensible fashion and lay with her side in a deep ditch no one was hurt miraculously except the driver who had a sprained wrist he tried to explain excitedly how he had done his best to pass a car that insisted on crowding him badly and his right wheels slid into the ditch before he could turn out how the passengers had managed to crawl out afterward was a mystery no one tried to explain but there they stood about surveying the results with dreary patience and waiting for a relief bus which was to come from Arcadia presently the accident had occurred in the midst of a wooded stretch wild and uninhabited with soup as Sydney called the boggy land on both sides in the dense undergrowth suddenly Sydney who had been searching through the groups of passengers with a keen eye turned to Mr. Treadwell and whispered over there to your left sitting on a log look Mr. Treadwell did as he was directed and beheld the object of their long chase the cracker woman Jerry's wife end of chapter 14 chapter 15 of mystery at number six this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Elliot Miller the mystery at number six by Augusta Hewell Seaman chapter 15 Jerry saw grass is cornered Bernice saw her at the same time poked Sydney violently in the back to attract his attention I say wait a moment we must think how it's best to approach her he whispered after a conference with Mr. Treadwell it was decided that Bernice herself had better get out of the car and speak to the woman and invite her to go on to Arcadia in Mr. Treadwell's own conveyance most an alarmer more than Mr. Treadwell must have or think we have come this way and stumbled on the accident quite by chance but we're surprised to find her here and only too delighted to be of service to her she'd better sit beside me here in the front of the car and let Sydney go in the back till we reach Arcadia Bernice was a little shy about accepting the mission but Sydney helped her out of the car explaining to Mrs. Conan at the same time that they had just seen someone they knew among the passengers and we're going to offer to help her out why how do you do cried Bernice approaching the woman who had been looking the other way and holding out her hand how unfortunate this accident was I hope you weren't hurt woman gazed at her a moment without recognizing her then her face broadened in a grin of recognition and she cried hey can't we help you out went on Bernice we're going on in this direction in Mr. Treadwell's car and we'll gladly put you down wherever you want to go Jerry's wife gazed at her uncomprehendingly a moment and then the situation seemed to dawn upon her well thank you I was set to go to Arcadia when that their bus went over I'm that shook up I had to crawl out the back of my hands and knees I reckon there's no telling where the other bus will come along and I gotta catch the one from Arcadia to Punta Gorda sure I'll be right glad to go on with y'all she got heavily to her feet and followed Bernice back to the car when she had reached it Sydney shook hands with her cordially and introduced her to the other occupants of the car then he helped her and beside Mr. Treadwell quite overwhelmed by this unwanted hospitality she beamed impartially upon the mall while Sydney leaning forward from the rear seat plied her with polite questions well how's everything out at number six since we saw you last he inquired heartily a perceptible change came over her face as she replied cautiously pretty well I reckon we don't live there no more oh so you moved hope you found as pleasant a place for your new home suppose you left the others are as her only acknowledgement of this question was a determined and ominous silence Sydney hastened to change the subject and asked her how the accident to the bus happened this drew from her a valuable account and occupied the rest of the time till they drew up the bus stand in Arcadia when Sydney had helped her out she bade them all a friendly goodbye and thanked everybody impartially for the kindness and transporting her to their destination so quickly then she disappeared into a nearby confectionary store where she indicated she would sit and wait for the next bus Sydney and Bernice gazed at each other and rather a panic thinking this a dreadful anti-climax to all their hopes and the exciting chase but Mr. Treadwell finding himself conveniently out of tobacco remarked that he'd better get out and stock up at this place where they seemed to have a supply as there was no telling when he might be able to find more and of the right kind in the course of their journey accordingly he too left the car and disappeared into the shop he was gone a very long time so long it was that Mrs. Conant became quite uneasy and suggested that Sydney go and hunt him up but the two young people realizing only too well his mission and loath to interfere with it in any way disclaimed any uneasiness about him and tried to divert her by giving her a conservative account of how it happened that they'd been acquainted with Jerry's wife presently Mr. Treadwell came out he excused himself for the long delay by saying he had met someone he knew in the store who kept him talking over time but there was a distinctly satisfied gleam in his eye and the two cousins felt rather certain that his unacknowled mission had been successful to the great astonishment of everyone however he turned round to those on the rear seat and proposed a surprising change of plans I find on inquiry that someone I've been wanting to see on the matter of business is in this vicinity and that therefore it'd be wise to put up in this town for the night instead of going on as far as Punta Gorda or Fort Myers as we planned there's a fair hotel here I believe would it disappoint you folks very much to remain over Mrs. Conan comfortably expressed herself as delighted to remain but the region was all new and interesting to her and the two cousins were naturally nothing loathing as they did some still undisclosed development while they were preparing to depart in search of their hotel the Fort Myers bus arrived and left carrying with it the cracker woman who waved farewell to them cordially both however thought they saw a look of understanding past between her and Mr. Treadwell before the bus rolled away it was not till that night after supper when Mrs. Conan had retired early with a headache and Mr. Treadwell had proposed to them a stroll about the moonlit town that they learned the true inwardness of his long absence in the store that afternoon of course you're wild to hear the result of my interview with our cracker friend began Mr. Treadwell so I won't keep you in suspense another moment after I had bought my cigars I walked over to where Mrs. Jerry was sitting by a small table the only one there happened to be in the place and asked her if she was not rather thirsty and tired after an unfortunate experience and which she allowed me to order her some soda or ice cream said I was going to have a glass of ginger ale myself she accepted with some slight show of reluctance I think she rather suspected by then I had something up my sleeve so to speak however I talked about in personal subjects so she was well along with her dish of ice cream then suddenly I looked her right in the eye and quietly demanded why did you leave Jerry and the child Mrs. Simpson and where are they now the unexpectedness of the attack took her completely off her guard I ain't left him I'm going back that is I mean she floundered and corrected herself and grew red and looked down to avoid meeting my then you ain't got no right to ask me questions anyhow she flared out I've got the best right in the world Mrs. Simpson I answered her quietly and would pay you to tell me at once and truthfully just where you left the other two with this I very unobtrusively laid several ten dollar bills on the table and put my hand over them I strongly suspected she had a mercenary streak and I wasn't taken although I'll say this for her she didn't a holy mercenary however decided the money aroused her avarice but she was still loyal to Jerry he ain't done nothing wrong she said to finally I end the bills all the time I don't know what you want him for but he ain't done nothing wrong and I ain't going to give way on him madam I replied you mistake me I'm afraid I hadn't anything against Mr. Simpson I don't want to get him into any trouble I don't know anything about him in fact I only want to have a talk with him about this child this young girl Dell as you call her there are some legal reasons why I must know who she is and how she came to be in his care I thought it wise to be perfectly frank with her and in the end it proved the best line to have taken she suddenly collapsed in her chair and looked at me with a hunted expression there it is she cast it meets me at every turn that Dell's a cause all this tolls and his queerness too it's on account of her he's run away he told me that much though won't tell me no more I ain't got nothing getting the child she's not enough little thing but she certainly do make him queer if he wasn't that sick he can't move hand or foot we'd be down in the glades this minute all on account of her oh then he's ill I exclaimed that certainly is too bad yes he's that sick he had to lay up at a little shack down between here and Punta Gorda she rambled on rather forgetting for the moment I imagine that I was to be considered in the light of an enemy truth to tell I think she was glad to have someone to talk to and pour out her grievances too I've been up to barrow a day trying to get him the medicine he wanted they didn't have it at Arcadia he don't know I went so far he'll be wondering but I got the stuff I suddenly decided to parlay no longer with her but come to a decided point so I said look here Ms. Simpson we might as well as understand each other the money is yours providing you'll give me the information I want it isn't a bribe it's just honest pay for honest assistance there'll be more for you later when we've settled matters satisfactorily I mean no harm to Jerry nor to the child either nothing but good as I think you'll find in the end tell me exactly where I can find the house you're staying at is it possible to reach it by automobile I will get there tomorrow and perhaps I can be of some assistance she hesitated a full moment but my friendly attitude plus the crackling bills one the day it's a little old farmhouse down between Nocteon Hill she capitulated you have to turn off at the crossroad where there's an orange grove at one corner and right across it pine stretch you go to the left through the pine stretch it ain't a very good road by the mile in on the right hand side is a little old house you know it by four banana trees planted in front an old woman lives are all alone she took us in two or three days ago cause Jerry was that sick he couldn't go no further and we've been there at right on sense I thanked her for the information said I'd be there tomorrow morning and that she'd need not mention our conversation to Jerry as it might only worry him needlessly she was only too ready to comply with this I could see and so with this understanding I left her and I imagine our quest will end sooner than we expected when we round our party up tomorrow down between Nocteon Hill and only to think exclaimed Sydney excitedly next morning while the three were waiting for Mrs. Conant to join them in the car only to think if Bernice hadn't just happened to catch that glimpse of Mrs. Jerry yesterday at Bartow we'd all be on the wrong track now bowling over to the east coast and giving Jerry all the chance in the world to recover and make a getaway on the other side of the glades we'd probably never have found him it's very often just happens that rescue the situation in an affair like this remarked Mr. Treadwell but it certainly was more than fortunate that Bernice should have made that particular discovery when she did I believe we would have had a most difficult time in locating Jerry if she hadn't he would have had all the opportunity in the world to escape and as I fully believe we shall straighten out the whole matter today perhaps Bernice you would better explain the situation a bit to your mother while we're driving there she'll be sure to be bewildered by this singular change in plans and it isn't fair to keep her in the dark any longer we may even have to give up this expedition for the present and return to Jasper but I promise you should all go well we will certainly take that trip down to the east coast later during the drive that followed Bernice did as Mr. Treadwell had requested and retailed as much as she could pack into the comparatively short interval of the curious train of circumstances that had led up to their present quest Mrs. Conan was too much astonished over the singular affair to make much comment but she soon grew as excited as the others at the prospect of the outcome of this chase and the solution of the perplexing problem halfway between Nakate and Hull they found the crossroads mentioned by Mrs. Jerry with the orange grove at one side and the pine stretch on the left into this they turned and ran bumpingly along an uneven road through a wilderness of tall Georgia pines their slim trunks bare of foliage or branches for twenty five or thirty feet till they feathered out at the top into the masses of ten and twelve inch needles that mark this species the ground beneath the sand as white as driven snow carpeted only by brown pine needles the air was hot and sweet with a heady odor of pine so far so good cried Mr. Treadwell it's just as she described it now if she hasn't repented of her confidence and informed Jerry of our impending visit we're all set the only thing I fear is that she might have regretted telling me what she did there's a place now whispered Sydney as the car rounded abandoned the road little old house with the four banana trees in front it was a typical Florida farmhouse gray weather worn and probably unknown to paint since it was built the veranda overflowed with great tubs of luxuriant ferns and growing plants and the doors and windows were wide to every breeze and innocent of either screening or drapery all lean forward eagerly to verify the situation and just as Mr. Treadwell brought the car to a stop in front of the house from the open door there appeared on the veranda a slim little figure delight herself and at the side of the car she caught her hand to her mouth Bernice had leapt out of the car even before it came to a stop and in another instant she was on the veranda grasping delight like both hands an old cracker woman with a weather beaten brown face half hidden by a faded blue sunbonnet came out of the door and stared at them curiously delight Bernice leapt from them simultaneously in suppressed tones that conveyed volumes more than the simple names those in the car watched the scene without moving to mar it by a single word scarcely by a deep drawn breath how had you come here had you know read the light and then he's sick in there he will be very angry the thoughts seemed to distress her and then she became aware for the first time of strangers in the car Mrs. Conant and Mr. Treadwell but who are these she questioned in surprise an alarm delight whispered Bernice it be too difficult to explain to you all that has happened while we staying here come out to the car won't you I want you to meet my mother and Mr. Treadwell and we'll try to explain to you they're all about it very shyly and reluctantly the girl allowed herself to be led through the yard and out to the car and was there presented to the two whom she had not yet encountered and while she sat crouched between Bernice and Mrs. Conant Mr. Treadwell very quietly and gently explained to her the object of their mission he had neither the time nor was it his intention to explain all at that moment on many points delight was as completely mystified as were the others but his search for Jerry and the curious circumstances linking his quest with that of the two cousins he enlarged upon exonerating them from all appearance of having broken their promise to her and so he ended you'll see it's very important for me to have a little interview with your Uncle Jerry will this be possible do you think at present half-sake easy he's in bed he could not move hardly he had a fever too she tried to explain but he's a little better today he got up this morning but he's very weak he's been sitting on the back porch where he's shady she did not finish her explanation there was a shuffling sound on the front porch and out of the door crept Jerry holding feebly to any support to assist his stumbling progress the son had got round to the back of the house and he had come to the front where it was now shady and cool for a moment he did not notice the party on the road side then he looked up in all her life Bernice had never witnessed anything so tragic as the look that sprang into his eyes the look of a trapped animal terror and despairing groping for one of the decrepit chairs he sat down heavily as Mr. Treadwell sprang out of the car and came toward him you got me he muttered thought i'd give you the slip but you got me where i can't do a mortal thing end of