She drew Dale closer to her.
"The man in the library is a detective from police headquarters," she said.
She had expected Dale to show surprise--excitement--but the white mask of horror which the girl turned toward her appalled her.

The young body trembled under her hand for a moment like a leaf in the storm.
"Not--the police!" breathed Dale in tones of utter consternation.

Miss Cornelia could not understand why the news had stirred her niece so deeply.

But there was no time to puzzle it out, she heard crunching steps on the terrace, the Doctor was returning.
"Ssh!" she whispered.

"It isn't necessary to tell the Doctor.