"Where is that note?" asked Dick.

"I left it on the mantelpiece in our dining room. It said: 'Dear
Friend Dora: Meet me as soon as you can down at the old boathouse
on the lake. I have something important to tell you,' and it was
signed 'Richard Rover.'"

"Mrs. Stanhope, as true as I stand here, I never wrote that note
or sent it."

"I believe you, Dick. But who did send it?"

"Some enemy who wanted to get her away from the house -- Dan
Baxter or --" Dick paused.

"Or who?"

"Well, Josiah Crabtree, if you must know. He hates her and he
wants to separate her from you."

At the mention of Josiah Crabtree's name a curious shiver passed
over Mrs. Stanhope. "We -- we'll not talk about Mr. Crabtree,"
she faltered. "But, oh, I must have my Dora back!" And then she
came near to fainting again.

"I would like to go over to the Stanhope cottage and
investigate," said Dick, after the lady had been placed in Mrs.
Green's care. "To my mind it won't do to lose time, either."