"Then tell Santzi I say to watch out for Mr. Villard's safety," answered Updyke--"and use Jacques on the early watch. If necessary Jerry can drive an automobile but he would not make a good night watchman." "Very well, Mr. Updyke, I'll do as you say," said Mrs. Bond--"but for the life of me I don't see why he would want to harm Mr. Villard." "I'll give one reason that will suffice--he thinks Mr. Villard caused him to lose Winifred Barbour." "Well, of all the fools!" exclaimed the housekeeper. "He may have been pretty near right, Mrs. Bond." "Well I never was more surprised than right now," she replied. "Good night, and don't worry," answered the big fellow. "Just keep your eyes open and call me up even if it is but a single thought that you think might have a bearing upon the case." From that moment Mrs. Bond became a silent watcher over every circumstance that connected itself with the master of Dreamy Hollow--but a week passed by and all was serene. It must have been some one other than Parkins that wore the black beard and mustache. "Well, Mary," said Updyke one day, as evening drew near, "I'm ready to give that little us-two party. Shall we go as we are, or shall we make it to-morrow night?" "To-morrow night, dear--I want to look pretty when you continue that proposal," she teased. "Or is that withdrawn?" "That will never happen, little lady. You be ready when I drive up at seven-thirty sharp to-morrow evening. After we take a little spin we will drop back to the Swathmere and dine on the roof." "Oh, that will be tremendous!" exclaimed the delighted Miss Johnson, as she withdrew her hand from the grip of her big fellow. An hour later, as she sat in her cozy room building air castles instead of reading the book that she held in her hand, the telephone rang, and the castles all tumbled as she answered the call. "Am leaving for Dreamy Hollow--want to go along? It is a lovely night--moon and all that--love to have you--back in three or four hours." "No sir!--to-morrow night--I must look my best--so early to bed for me. But Henry, do be careful. What is the trouble down there?" she asked in her most professional tone of voice. "Oh, he wants me to come! and this is the first time since--you know what I mean," he concluded. "Take my advice, and have one of the men along," continued the girl. "I'd feel easier, Henry." "Very well, I'll do it to please you." And that was the last word she heard from him until the next day at noon. When Updyke reached Dreamy Hollow everything was in turmoil. Parkins had been there and the master lay in a comatose condition, and perhaps dying. At seven o'clock Jacques, the chauffeur, carried a tray of light food to his master who now ate alone in his private office. An hour later he would return for the tray, which had become the nightly habit. As Jacques opened the door, on his return for the tray the muzzle of a revolver was shoved in his face.