It was to a man with a voice like that I gave the packing-case I
took away from here the night you came. Do you remember? He was
here all last night, I think. I saw him go very early. He is Mr.
Walter Dunsmore. I saw him that day at Wreste Abbey, and I knew I
had seen him before. This morning I recognized him. I am sure
because he hurt his hand on the packing-case lid, and I saw the mark
there still. He and my stepfather were talking all night, I think
I couldn't hear everything. There is a General Dunsmore. Something
is to happen to him at three o'clock and then to you later, and they
both laughed a great deal because they think you will be blamed for
whatever happens to General Dunsmore. He is to be enticed somewhere
to meet you, but you are not to be there till four, too late. I am
afraid, more afraid than ever I have been. What shall I do? I
think they are making plans to do something awful. I don't know
what to do. I think my stepfather suspects I know something, he
keeps looking, looking, smiling all the time. Please come back and
take mother and me away, for I think he means to kill us both."
There was no signature, but written like an afterthought across one
corner of the note were the scribbled words:
"You told me something once, I don't know if you meant it." And
then, underneath, was the addition--"He never stops smiling.
Pages:
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206