“I have no instructions as to that,” said
the elder Ammon, drawing back. “Possibly
Miss Carr would have it as a keepsake.”
“I am sure not,” said Henderson curtly.
“Then suppose you return it to Peacock.
I will phone him. He will give you the price
of it, and you might add it to the children’s
Fresh Air Fund. We would be obliged if you would
do that. No one here cares to handle the object.”
“As you choose,” said Henderson.
“Good morning!”
Then he went to his home, but he could not think of
sleep. He ordered breakfast, but he could not
eat. He paced the library for a time, but it
was too small. Going on the streets he walked
until exhausted, then he called a hansom and was driven
to his club. He had thought himself familiar
with every depth of suffering; that night had taught
him that what he felt for himself was not to be compared
with the anguish which wrung his heart over the agony
of Edith Carr. He tried to blame Philip Ammon,
but being an honest man, Henderson knew that was unjust.
The fault lay wholly with her, but that only made
it harder for him, as he realized it would in time
for her.
As he sauntered into the room an attendant hurried
to him.
“You are wanted most urgently at the ’phone,
Mr. Henderson,” he said. “You have
had three calls from Main 5770.”
Henderson shivered as he picked down the receiver
and gave the call.
“Is that you, Hart?” came Edith’s
voice.
“Yes.”
“Did you find Phil?”
“No.”
“Did you try?”
“Yes. As soon as I left you I went straight
there.”
“Wasn’t he home yet?”
“He has been home and gone again.”
“Gone!”
The cry tore Henderson’s heart.
“Shall I come and tell you, Edith?”
“No! Tell me now.”
“When I reached the house Banks said Mr. Ammon
and Phil were out in the motor, so I waited.
Mr. Ammon came back soon. Edith, are you alone?”
“Yes. Go on!”
“Call your maid. I can’t tell you
until some one is with you.”
“Tell me instantly!”
“Edith, he said he had been to the station.
He said Phil had started to Siam or Patagonia, he
didn’t know which, and left no address.
He said——”
Distinctly Henderson heard her fall. He set the
buzzer ringing, and in a few seconds heard voices,
so he knew she had been found. Then he crept
into a private den and shook with a hard, nervous chill.
The next day Edith Carr started on her trip to Europe.
Henderson felt certain she hoped to meet Philip there.
He was sure she would be disappointed, though he had
no idea where Ammon could have gone. But after
much thought he decided he would see Edith soonest
by remaining at home, so he spent the summer in Chicago.
WHEREIN PHILIP AMMON RETURNS TO THE LIMBERLOST, AND ELNORA STUDIES THE
SITUATION
