"We must go as fast as we can," he called out. "We'll be able to get some brandy at Leigh's Landing, and a trap." "How did it happen?" Val repeated. "Oh, we started only five minutes after you did, and Julia rows so well we could have caught up with you. But she changed her mind or else got tired, and when you got out of sight"--he put on his _pince-nez_ and looked anxiously after the boat in front--"when you got out of sight, she wanted to rest." "Where was that?" "Near the Gray Pool. She pulled the boat in among the rushes. I was tired, too. I think I fell asleep. First thing I knew we were out of the rushes, and Julia was leaning out of the far end of the boat."--("I wonder how much she heard?" was the thought that haunted Val.)--"Whether it was my speaking suddenly startled her, or whether she lost her balance, I don't know--I don't know at all." And he droned on about, "She _would_ come. I _said_ my river days were over." They found, as Ethan prophesied, dry clothes and warming potions at Leigh's Landing, and a farm wagon to take them back to town. The two men sat talking volubly in front, Ethan driving. The two girls occupied the back seat, in a silence never once broken till they said "Good-night" at the Wharton House. CHAPTER XXX "Well, Val, where have you been?" "I've been boating, and--" "Boating, after all! And poor Harry so anxious, riding along those awful roads to the Forest Park Lodge." "Why should he do that? He might have known--" "He knew there was a very urgent telegram for you here." Mrs. Ball was deeply reproachful. "We thought it best to open it." Val snatched it up and read: "_Come home at once_.--SARAH C. GANO." "Oh, she's ill; dying, perhaps! Oh, God! not dying!" She leaned against the wall; her face frightened her hostess. "My dear, it doesn't say a word about being ill." "It's what it means; she knew I'd understand." "Don't take it like that, Val." She put her arm round the girl. Val threw her off, exclaiming: "Oh, I must go this moment. Can we send Ethan word? Quick, quick!" "I'll let him know soon enough," returned the other, fastening suspicious eyes on the girl's pitiful face. "I expect Harry back every moment. I'll help you with your packing." In a dim way Val was relieved on second thoughts that Ethan should not be summoned. He and she had been plotting treason. The poignant fear and grief that swayed her would wear an artificial air in his presence after what had passed. The packing, Harry's return, the hurried supper, all went as in a nightmare. Now she was driving to the station, now she was saying good-bye to Mr. and Mrs. Ball, and to Harry. No, he was coming with her apparently. Now they were in the train. Now they were rattling and clattering through a tunnel. She sat in a corner with closed eyes, while tears trickled incessantly from under the lids.