phen Hurd himself, dressed for travelling, was standing in the
doorway.

CHAPTER IX

FOILED

"We seem to be just in time, Mr. Hurd," Wilhelmina said. "Do you mind
coming back for a moment into your study? Mr. Macheson and I have
something to say to you."

He glanced at his watch. He was wholly unable to conceal his annoyance
at their appearance.

"I am afraid," he said, with strained civility, "that I can only spare a
couple of minutes."

"You are going to town?" she asked, as he reluctantly followed her.

"Yes!" he answered. "Mr. White wished to see me early to-morrow morning
about the new leases, and I have to go before the committee about this
Loughborough water scheme."

"These are my affairs," she said, "so if you should miss your train, the
responsibility will be mine."

"I can spare five minutes," he answered, "but I cannot miss that train.
I have some private engagements. And, madam," he continued, struggling
with his anger, "I beg that you will not forget that even if I am in
your employ, this is my house, and I will not have that man in it!"

He pointed to Macheson, who was standing upon the threshold. Wilhelmina
stood between the two.

"Mr. Hurd," she said, "please control yourself. There is no reason why
we should any of us quarrel. Mr. Macheson and I are here to speak to you
of a matter in which he has become concerned. I asked him to come here
with me. We have come to see you about Letty!"

"What about her?" he demanded, with some attempt at bravado.

"We find that there is an impression in the village that Mr. Macheson is
responsible for her disappearance."

Hurd seized his opportunity without a second's hesitation.

"How do you know that it isn't the truth?" he demanded. "He wouldn't be
the first of these psalm-singing missioners who have turned out to be
hypocrites!"

Macheson never flinched. Wilhelmina only shrugged her shoulders.

"Mr. Hurd," she said, "we will not waste time. Mr. Macheson and I are
both perfectly aware that you are responsible for Letty's
disappearance."

"It's--it's false!" he declared, swallowing with an effort a more
obnoxious word. "Why, I haven't left the village since the day she went
away."

"But you are going--to-night," Wilhelmina remarked.

He flushed.

"I'm going away on business," he answered. "I don't see why it should be
taken for granted that I'm going to see her."

"Nevertheless," Wilhelmina said quietly, "between us three there i