"The men did not wish money," replied the countess slowly. "They wished to steal a certain paper I have in my possession in order to destroy it. That is why the old man was searching my writing case. But he did not find the paper, for I carry it about my person. Forgive me for being so mysterious, and believe that my reason for secrecy is one of grave importance."
"There is nothing to forgive, Madam," replied Captain Halstead courteously. "We are only too glad to have been of service to you and beg that you will continue to accept our services at least until to-morrow. Then I would advise you to procure a special officer to remain at the villa in case you should be annoyed further by these villains."
"Thank you," exclaimed the countess, with evident agitation. "I hardly think we shall be troubled again. I do not wish an officer to come here."
"We must return to the hotel, Countess," said Miss Stuart. "It is growing late and my brother will become uneasy about us."
This time the women were assisted with their cloaks by the "Motor Boat" boys and no startling interruption occurred. Ruth ran down the drive a little ahead of the party to where her automobile stood. Then she uttered a sudden cry of dismay. All four tires had been cut.
"Oh the rascals!" she exclaimed. "How dared they do such a contemptible thing? We'll have to go back to the villa and telephone for another car. Father will be so worried!"
An indignant babble of feminine voices ensued broken by the deeper tones of the two young men as the party turned to go back to the villa.
Just then a familiar sound was borne to their ears. It was the chug! chug! of a rapidly approaching automobile. A moment later the car rolled up the drive. "It's Father!" Ruth exclaimed. "Oh, I'm so glad."
"What seems to be the trouble, Sallie?" queried Mr. Stuart, springing from the car. "It's after midnight. I grew worried when you didn't return to the hotel at eleven, so decided I had better come out after you. I rather think we exceeded the speed limit too," he laughed, turning to the chauffeur.
Then Ruth burst forth with an excited account of the night's adventure. Mr. Stuart looked grave. "I shall send you an officer in the morning, Countess," he said.