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On the day following the events last narrated, a man ran up the steps
at the Darrel cottage in Woodburg, and rang the bell.
Nell answered, and met the gentlemanly Mr. Elliston. She led the way
at once to a room opening from the hall, where preparations had been
made for a lunch.
"Where is Dyke?" questioned the gentleman the moment he was seated.
"I haven't seen him since he left for Chicago to look into the express
robbery," returned Nell. "Haven't you met him?"
"No. Strange he did not write if he meant to be gone long," remarked
Elliston. "You were about to dine, I see."
"Yes; will you keep me company?"
"With pleasure."
"I thought Dyke would be with me ere this," proceeded Nell, as they
discussed the edibles. "When he goes for a long stay she usually drops
me a line."
After the lunch, Mr. Elliston left his chair and crossed the room to
glance from the window, at the same time plucking at his short beard
in an apparently nervous manner.
Nell was on the point of removing the ware from the table, when Mr.
Elliston turned suddenly, and resumed his seat at the table.
"Sit down, Nell, I wish a word with you."
The girl sank once more into a chair, wondering what was coming.
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