misfortune had followed it. Still, she realized that it was
necessary that she should take care of it, if the plan was to
work.

"And, oh, Mr. Kennedy," she implored, as we rose to go, "please
get back my little girl for me."

Craig clasped her hand. "I'll try my best," he replied fervently,
patting her shoulder to cheer her up, as she sank into a chair.

Aunt Josephine was worn out with the sleepless nights of worry
since Elaine's disappearance. After we had gone, she tried to eat
dinner, but found that she had no appetite.

All the evening she sat in the library, with a book at which she
stared, though she scarcely read a page. However, as the hours
lengthened, she found herself nodding through sheer exhaustion.

It was getting late and her thoughts were still on Elaine, At the
desk in the library, she was examining the curious ring, which she
had taken from her jewel case, thinking of the terrible train of
events that had followed it.

Although she had intended to sit up until she received some word
from Kennedy that night, the long strain had told on her and in
spite of her worry about Elaine, she decided, at length, to
retire. She replaced the ring in the case, locked the case, and
turned out the lights.

"Good night, Jennings," she said, as she passed the faithful old