Doris and Kitty did not spend a comfortable night. Since the ruby ring had been given into their keeping, they found themselves unable to sleep as soundly as before and the slightest noise caused them uneasiness. Retiring early as was their custom since coming to Locked Gates, they dropped off almost at once, but some time after midnight they were suddenly awakened by a wild cry. To the frightened girls it sounded strangely like some one in distress. “This house gets more creepy all the time,” Kitty whispered shakily. “That couldn’t have been the wind.” “No,” Doris agreed, “it sounded like a human voice to me. I wish we weren’t alone in this wing.” After that they lay awake for several hours, but the cry was not repeated. Finally they fell asleep again, and when they opened their eyes the morning sun was shining brightly in at the windows. Somewhat ashamed of their fears, now that it was broad daylight, the girls did not mention the subject at the breakfast table. Azalea and Iris appeared more cheerful than on the previous day and Doris was glad to see that they were both wearing blue dresses, a sign that they had partially forgotten their disagreement. Before breakfast had been finished, Ronald Trent put in his appearance. The girls were surprised at such an early call, but apparently Iris and Azalea knew what brought him, for they exchanged rather embarrassed glances. For once the man did not flatter and palaver with the ladies but turned his attention to Doris. “Well, cousin,” he began in his blustering way, “I hear you’ve promised to come across with five hundred dollars.” “I promised the Misses Gates that amount,” she returned, placing stress upon the name. “Well, it all amounts to the same thing,” Ronald said easily. “Naturally, they’ll turn the money over to me, so I can attend to the—the attorney’s fees. It will save a lot of trouble if you will have the bank draft made out in my name. I’ll tell you just how to do it.” “I have secured drafts before,” Doris informed him. “Smart little business woman, eh? How soon will you be able to get to the bank?” “I suppose I could go today,” Doris said quietly. “Fine! Don’t forget to have the draft made out in my name.” While they had been talking, Henry Sully had entered the dining room to ask the Misses Gates a question concerning the gardening work to be done that day, and now as Ronald turned around he gave the man a sly wink. Doris, who was by chance looking directly into the buffet mirror, saw the wink and immediately her suspicions were aroused. “On second thought,” she remarked, eying Ronald closely, “I don’t believe I’ll be able to get to the bank today.” The man wheeled and regarded her sharply. “Why not?” “Oh, I have some practising to do and I must study my French,” Doris returned. “I’ll take you in my car.” “Thanks, but I really won’t be able to make it today.” There was a ring of finality to her voice, but Ronald did not give up. Instead, he changed his tactics.