Derby, coming on from his
eastern home in loyal acquiescence to his friend's request, had
designedly taken this train, it being understood that Dauntless would
board it at Fenlock with his fair conspirator. We all know why
Dauntless failed to perform his part of the agreement; Derby, with the
perspicuity of a college man, finally advanced a reason for his
inexplicable failure to appear. Eleanor had begun tearfully to accuse
him of abandoning her at the last moment; Mr. Derby indignantly
scouted the idea. When she related their chase in the motor and their
escape from Windomshire, he formed his conclusions, and they were in
the main remarkably correct.
"I'm afraid, Miss Thursdale, that your disappointed lover, our ancient
enemy, the Englishman, was not to be overcome so neatly. Has it
occurred to you that he may have reached Fenlock before the train
left, and that he is the explanation for Joe's non-appearance?"
"You--you don't mean that he has killed---" she was gasping, growing
whiter and whiter. He hastened to reassure her.
"Oh, no; not so bad as that. But it is possible and quite probable
that he--if, as you say, he was on to your--I should say, aware of
your flight, it is probable that he succeeded in detaining Joe in
Fenlock.
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