“But it’s a mystery,—oh, what shall I do first? I never felt so absolutely unable to cope with a situation. But the first thing is to hunt further for Betty.” Pursuant of his clearest duty, Doctor Varian went on through the yet unsearched rooms, on to the kitchen, and on down to the cellar. He made a hasty but careful search, flinging open closets, cupboards and storerooms, and returned at last to the hall where Ted Landon sat with folded arms, keeping his lonely vigil. “I can’t imagine where Betty can be,” and Varian sank wearily into a chair. “She must be in the house,” said Landon, wonderingly, “for there’s no way out, except down the path where we all were.” “There’s a back door, I suppose.” “I mean no way off the premises. Yes, there must be a back door—you know I’ve never been in this house before.” “No; well, look here, Landon; the authorities must be notified; the local doctor ought to be called in,—and all that. But first, I want to find Betty. Suppose I stay here,—I’m—I admit I’m pretty tired,—and you take a look out around the back door, and kitchen porch. By the way, the servants will be coming home soon——” “No, they were to stay out for the evening, I think Mrs Varian said.” “But those people who went back to the village will, of course, tell of the matter, and soon we’ll have all kinds of curious visitors.” “All right, Doctor Varian, I’ll do just what you say.” The younger man went on his errand, and going through the kitchen, found the back porch. To reach it he had to unlock the outside door, thus proving to his own satisfaction that Betty had not gone out that way. But he went out and looked about. He saw nothing indicative. The porch was pleasant and in neat order. A knitting-bag and a much be-thumbed novel were evidently the property of the cook or waitress, and an old cap on a nail was, doubtless, the butler’s. He took pains to ascertain that there was no path or road that led down to the gate but the path that also went from the front door, and which he had been on when Betty returned to the house. He had seen her enter the house, had seen her father go in a few moments later, now where was the girl? Back to the kitchen Landon went, and in the middle of the floor, he noticed a yellow cushion. It was a satin covered, embroidered affair, probably, he thought, a sofa cushion, or hammock pillow, but it seemed too elaborate for a servant’s cushion. Surely it belonged to the family. The kitchen was in tidy order, save for a tray of used glasses and empty plates which was on a table. Landon picked up the pillow,—and then, on second thoughts, laid it back where he had found it. It might be evidence. An open door showed the cellar stairs. Conquering a strong disinclination, Landon went down. The cellar was large, and seemed to have various rooms and bins, and some locked cupboards. But there was nothing sinister, the rooms were for the most part fairly light, and the air was good.