"Now, you see the truth of March's deductions that there was another inmate of the Whistling Reeds' house," Keeley said. "Where they keep her, I don't know, but----"
"Let's go right over there," March suggested. "It's only fair to end Miss Alma's misery and suspense as soon as possible."
Still dazed and wondering, I watched the others recall Doctor Greenway and give him back the paper he had produced, and then we went away--back to Keeley's place, and into a boat and over to Whistling Reeds with all possible speed.
The glum boatmaster greeted us surlily, as usual, but March paid no attention and made straight for the house.
His ring was answered by Merry herself, and she looked very perturbed and anxious.
"I'm glad you've come, gentlemen," she said. "We are in great trouble."
It was then that I took the helm. As Alma's fiancé, for I so considered myself, it was my right and my duty to take matters in charge.
"Mrs. Merivale," I said, simply, "we know all about Miss Alda."
She staggered back a step and then a look of relief passed over her strong, gaunt face.
"Yes, sir," she said, apparently accustomed to accept the word of her superiors. "Then you can advise us, sir. Miss Alda is took very bad."
"Do you want a doctor?" asked March, hurriedly.
"No, sir, a doctor can do nothing--nothing at all."
"I don't know yet--perhaps if you'd just wait down here, till I see how she is now----"
"Merry," called a man's voice from upstairs, and she hurried away.
I recognized the tones of John Merivale and I did not offer to go upstairs with the nurse, knowing she would call us, if necessary.
I longed to be with Alma, to comfort and care for her, but I could not intrude uninvited.
But after we had waited perhaps a half hour, Alma came downstairs and out to the porch where we sat.
She was composed, but with a new sadness in her eyes and a new droop to her lovely lips.
"I will tell you all," she said, quietly, as she sat down, opposite to the three of us. "Since you know of my sister's existence, there is no more occasion for secrecy."
"Take it easy, Miss Remsen," said March, with well-meant kindness, and Keeley rose, and then went and sat beside her.
I had an instant's flash of jealousy, then realized it was better so. This ordeal had to be gone through with, and were I near her, I should have been unable to resist the impulse to clasp her in my arms in spite of the others' presence.