“It is something besides a storm that brought you gentlemen out on a search for us,” said Professor Ravenden shrewdly. “While properly appreciative, I should be glad to have an explanation.” The explanation came swiftly, from the direction of the sea. It was a long-drawn, high-pitched scream. There was in it a cadence of mortal terror; the last agony rang shrill and unmistakable from its quivering echoes. Miss Ravenden’s horse bounded in the air; but Colton’s weight on the bridle brought it down shaking. “That was a horse,” said the girl tremulously. “Poor thing!” “In dire extremity, if I mistake not,” added the professor. “I am beginning to feel an interest which I trust is not unscientific in this succession of phenomena.” “I think,” said Haynes quickly, “that the house is the place for us just now. That’s the end of your brother’s horse,” he added to Colton in a low tone. When Dick Colton lifted the girl from her saddle at the front porch he said to her: “Miss Ravenden, may I ask you to promise me something?” “_I_ don’t know,” said the girl, in sudden apprehension. “What is it?” “That you will not go out alone on the grassland again, nor go out even with your father after dusk, until Mr. Haynes or I tell you it is safe?” “I promise. But won’t you tell me what you have found out?” “Something unhorsed my brother as he came across the point in the darkness, and that was his mare’s death-cry you heard from the shore.” When they were inside, Haynes suggested that they hold a brief consultation, at which all should be present. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston, Helga and Everard Colton were sent for. In the stress of the moment Haynes had forgotten that Helga had not been warned of the younger Colton’s coming. Everard came into the room first, and provided his brother with a surprise, by rushing at Miss Ravenden as if bent on devouring her. “Little Dot, the butterfly’s Nemesis!” he cried. “When did you get here, and how? And Professor too! Well, this is a lark!” To which greeting the Ravendens responded with equal warmth. “Dick, you scoundrel, why didn’t you tell me they were here?” cried Everard. “I didn’t know you knew them,” returned the bewildered Dick. “Know them? Why, I’ve spent a week of my latest vacation on their house-boat. The _Lepidoptero_ of half the Southern States shriek aloud when they see Miss Ravenden and me approaching. Besides, I’m useful, am I not, Dolly?” “Not in terms that could be reduced to an estimate,” said that young woman. “Ungrateful maiden! Don’t I shoo off your swarming adorers, comprising all the polyglot of Washington and most of the blue blood of Philadelphia? I’m the only man in America who can be with Miss Dorothy Ravenden for three consecutive days without falling desperately in love with her. I escape only because I know it’s hopeless.”