XLIIIThe bell rang. Miss Silver waked. She was quite composed, quite all there. She stretched out her hand to the extension by her bed, took up the receiver, and said,
“Miss Silver speaking.”
A voice that tried very hard to be steady answered her.
“Miss Silver, it’s Janet Wells. Something dreadful has happened. Anne has gone.”
“Gone!”
“Yes. I don’t know what to do.”
Miss Silver sat up and pulled a shawl round her.
“What has happened?”
There was a pause. It was as though Janet couldn’t get it over her lips. Then she said,
“I’m afraid I was followed this afternoon. Lizabet went out to post a letter, and she saw the man. I’m afraid she hasn’t behaved well, but she’s so young—she didn’t understand. She is dreadfully sorry now.”
Miss Silver pressed her lips together. She said,
“What
