"No," replied the woman heavily. "Because he passed out of my memory, so to speak. But when I saw his face at the window, it all came back to me--all--all. I want him caught and punished;" she caught Tracey's arm. "He is a burglar, mind, and he may break into my house and kill me. You don't know what a scoundrel he is." "Yet you always gave us to understand that he was a good sort." "For the children's sake. That's why I sent Gerty out of the room. I don't want her to know, although he is no kith or kin of hers." "Then you leave things as they are, ma'am, for the children's sake." "No," said Mrs. Baldwin, between her teeth. "If I catch him, and the law won't punish him, I'll do so myself. I'll keep a pistol by me. I'll shoot him if he attempts to enter my house! Yes, I will." "Tracey was amazed at the change in the woman. The lazy, good-natured creature he knew was gone, and in her place stood a woman as vindictive as the adventuress of an Adelphi drama. He asked for a description of Rufus Baldwin, but by this time Mrs. Baldwin had changed her mind. "No, I shan't tell you any more," she said quietly. "You forget what I have said. Don't advertise. The law won't punish him, and I dare say my diamond necklace has gone to pieces by this time. I'll keep a pistol beside me, and shoot him if he comes." "No! no! He won't come again." "Yes he will. He came the other night. I saw him at the window. I cried out at the sight of his wicked face. But I won't scare him away next time. No, I'll wait and let him come near me, then I'll kill him. That's what I'll do," and then she began gradually to relapse into the lazy woman who had entered. "How hot it is." In compliance with her request Tracey went out to call Gerty. He was astonished by the sudden changes in Mrs. Baldwin's demeanour, and asked Gerty a question. "Say, does your momma drink?" "No. Certainly not, Luther. Why do you ask?" "Well, she's that queer." "Something has upset her, I know," said Gerty quickly; "what is it?" Mrs. Baldwin appeared at the door and answered that question. "Don't tell her," she said sharply. "Gerty dear, you are too inquisitive. I am upset by the appearance of Rufus--that's all." "Is Luther to advertise?" asked Gerty, wondering. "No," Mrs. Baldwin walked to the gate, "I have a better way than that--a much better way," and she opened the gate. "Say," Tracey detained Gerty, "do you sleep in your mother's room?" "No. Why do you ask?" "Because she's got a kind of craze about that husband of hers. You make some excuse and sleep in her room for a week or so till she forgets that the man came back. And if you see anything queer wire me, I'll be down in a shake. You catch on, Gerty B.?" "No. What do you----" Before Tracey could reply Mrs. Baldwin hailed them. "Here's Mr. Calvert. Gerty, come away," so the girl reluctantly had to go to her mother, but not before she whispered Tracey to write and explain.