ting this long
letter to you, and leaving the worst for the last. But really, I don't
know what is to be done about Larry and Pat. If it weren't for what
Peter Storm told me at Wenham in Aunt Mary's garret, I--oh, I mustn't
tread on _that_ ground, though! I forgot that the time limit isn't up.

Pat and Larry wouldn't come to stay with us after all. Their rooms were
not hurt, and they wanted to stop at home. Caspian and Mrs. S. are
there, too. I wish they weren't. But I hear that C---- is soon starting
for New York on business. I hope to goodness it's true! Peter also had
to go there this morning, by the earliest train--a milk train or an egg
train or something, and there won't be any news worth having until
to-morrow, I suppose. This is only the morning after our night rush from
Great Barrington. I hardly slept, and neither did Jack, but we are both
keyed up with excitement, guessing why Peter Storm is in New York. I
don't know just when he can get back, or whether he'll come here, or go
straight to Kidd's Pines--or to his lodgings. But Jack and I shall motor
over early in the old car this afternoon to see how dear Patsey gets on.
I'll post this, and write you again the minute I have something to tell.

Ever Your MOLLY.

XXX

EDWARD CASPIAN TO DANIEL WINTERTON

_Great Barrington, Mass._

SIR:

I thank you for your telegram and letter which I have just found, and am
answering in haste, as I am starting almost at once for Long Island by
train. News has come by wire that there has been a fire at Kidd's Pines,
causing considerable destruction, and the trip ends suddenly a couple of
days sooner than it should have _done_. I am much interested in your
news and the information you have picked up. No doubt I shall want the
person you mention who knows Moncourt Junior to come to Kidd's Pines
within the next few days, as soon as things are more settled there. I
will then manage to have "Storm" on the spot, as you suggest, and we
shall see the effect of the surprise. If an arrest can follow, so much
the better. Men of his stamp are enemies of society. You have my full
permission to communicate with the regular police, who will be glad of
this chance put into their way, whether they choose to give us credit or
not. Suspicion was hushed up by the family and the doctors, but it was
certainly suggested that young Monc