"They were being shadowed, and I must go with them."
"Were you to go with them to see your husband?"
Greatly frightened, Mary Dodge continues:
"They urged me to go anyhow, as it would not take long. I positively refused to leave my sick girl at that time of night. Pierre Lanier frowned and Paul looked awfully fierce. They scared me so! It then seemed to me that they would kill us both."
"Pierre owes my husband several hundred pounds, and I know about it."
"Were the Laniers and Mr. Dodge to come back with you to this place?"
"Pierre said for me to go with them to a house; they would leave and soon return with my husband, and we could talk it all over."
"It is well for you that you did not go."
"It is probable that your refusal to go saved his life. When did the Laniers say they would again call?"
"'We may call again to-night and bring some one to stay with the children.'
Realizing that an emergency in the life of the Dodge family is at hand, and that there must be prompt action to prevent tragic results, Sir Donald gives directions.
Mrs. Dodge must stay in the balance of the day, with bolted doors. If at night the Laniers call, she is to admit them. Sir Donald and another man will come in the early evening, and occupy the next room, which shall be without light. She must have only a dim candle in the other room. Watch will be kept of the Lanier movements. If any violence be thought of, she need have no fear of results. Sir Donald and his assistant will protect her.
Much agitated, Mary Dodge consents, fully convinced of Sir Donald's friendly purposes.
That evening at twilight supplies are brought, and the two spies take their places in the dark room.
After about three hours, a knock is heard, and Mary Dodge unbolts the door. Two disguised figures are admitted. From Mrs. Dodge's questions, it is sure they are Pierre and Paul Lanier. An arrangement has been effected by which she can see her husband the next day at two o'clock. The location is given, and she must go heavily veiled. They will not call for her. Neither of them will be present at the meeting. She and her husband can talk matters over and then act for the best.
Not knowing whether to accept or reject this proposition, Mrs. Dodge passes by the slightly open door, and from a signal decides to do as advised. She promises to be on hand at appointed time and place.