time? I knew the troubles Aunt Lucy had with her menials, and I
approved of Vicky's wisdom.

"And that explains the empty icebox," Mrs. Reeves was saying, nodding
her head in satisfaction. "Vicky meant to go off to-day, after the
house was put in order, and she didn't want a lot of food left to
spoil."

"Yis, mum," agreed Mrs. Flaherty. "Shall I wash thim dishes now, mum?"

And she was allowed to set to work.




CHAPTER VII

RUTH SCHUYLER


There were many calls on Vicky Van's telephone that morning. It seemed
to me that the bell rang almost continually. The police people
answered it, and one time, I was surprised to learn that the call was
for me.

I took up the receiver and heard Mr. Bradbury's voice.

"I called up your home," he said, "and your sister told me to try this
number. Now, look here, Calhoun, I wish you'd go to see Mrs. Schuyler.
I've talked with her over the telephone, and she asked me to come up