CHAPTER V

A CALL FOR HELP


"For heaven's sake, Swain," I said, "sit down and pull yourself
together."

But he did not seem to hear me. Instead he read the letter through
again, then he turned toward me.

"How did you get this, Mr. Lester?" he asked.

"I found it lying under the trees. It had been thrown over the wall."

"But how did you know it was thrown over by Miss Vaughan?"

"That was an easy guess," I said, sparring feebly. "Who else would
attempt to conduct a surreptitious correspondence with a handsome
young man?"

But he did not smile; the look of intensity in his eyes deepened.

"Come, Mr. Lester," he protested, "don't play with me. I have a right
to know the truth."

"What right?" I queried.

He paused an instant, as though nerving himself to speak, as though