CHAPTER 28It was some time later that Carey was called to the telephone. A woman’s voice said his name, but it was so strained and choked that it took him a moment to recognize Sylvia Madison.
“Oh, Carey—is that you?”
“Yes. Good lord, Sylvia—what’s the matter?”
The voice shook, and choked again.
“Carey—I’m—so frightened.”
“What’s the matter, my dear?”
She gave a helpless little sob.
“It’s Tim—he went out hours ago and he hasn’t come back. I’m so frightened.”
He got a vivid flash-back to Tim Madison going past them in the field above the Grange. How long ago? Three hours—three and a half? No great matter anyhow if it hadn’t been for his face. He said,
“Yes—I met him when I was out with Laura. All set for a good long tramp, I should say. I shouldn’t worry, Sylvia.”
There was a brea
