To Kate's surprise, the lower part of the house was deserted, but there was an unusual activity on the floor above, and the sound of heavy steps.

There were alien marks of dusty feet on the scrupulously clean passage, and on the first step of the stairs a spot of blood.

With a sudden genuine alarm that drove her previous adventure from her mind, she impatiently called her sister's name.

There was a hasty yet subdued rustle of skirts on the staircase, and Mrs.Hale, with her finger on her lip, swept Kate unceremoniously into the sitting-room, closed the door, and leaned back against it, with a faint smile.

She had a crumpled paper in her hand.
"Don't be alarmed, but read that first," she said, handing her sister the paper.