XVIII - A FINAL CONFESSION––––––––
INQUIRY for Keefe brought the information that he had gone to a nearby town, but would be back at dinner-time.
Mr. Appleby was also expected to arrive for dinner, coming from home in his motor car.
But in the late afternoon a severe storm set in. The wind rose rapidly and gained great velocity while the rain fell steadily and hard. Curtis Keefe arrived, very wet indeed, though he had protecting clothing. But a telephone message from Sam Appleby said that he was obliged to give up all idea of reaching Sycamore Ridge that night. He had stopped at a roadhouse, and owing to the gale he dared not venture forth again until the storm was over. He would therefore not arrive until next day.
“Lucky we got his word,” said Mr. Wheeler. “This storm will soon put m
