Pagina 372 de 439

At the first opportunity Arlie signaled to Dick that she wanted

to see him. Fraser, she observed, was no longer in the dancing

rooms. Dick took her out from the hot room to the porch.

"Let's walk a little, Dick. I want to tell you something."

They sauntered toward the fine grove of pines that ran up the

hillside back of the house.

"Did you notice that man with the scar, Dick?" she presently

asked.

"Yes. I ain't seen him before. Must be one of the Rabbit Run

guys, I take it."

"I've seen him. He's the man that shot your friend. He was the

man I shot at when he looked in the window."

"Sure, Arlie?"

"Dead sure, Dick. He's an escaped convict, and he has a grudge at

your friend. He is afraid of him, too. Look out for Lieutenant

Fraser to-night. Don't let him wander around outside. If he does,

there may be murder done."

Even as she spoke, there came a sound from the wooded

hillside--the sound of a stifled cry, followed by an imprecation

and the heavy shuffling of feet.

"Listen, Dick!"