CHAPTER XVII A DOG'S DISCOVERY
Doris and Kitty did not spend a comfortable night. Since the ruby ringhad been given into their keeping, they found themselves unable to sleepas soundly as before and the slightest noise caused them uneasiness.
Retiring early as was their custom since coming to Locked Gates, theydropped off almost at once, but some time after midnight they weresuddenly awakened by a wild cry. To the frightened girls it soundedstrangely like some one in distress.
"This house gets more creepy all the time," Kitty whispered shakily."That couldn't have been the wind."
"No," Doris agreed, "it sounded like a human voice to me. I wish weweren't alone in this wing."
After that they lay awake for several hours, but the cry was notrepeated. Finally they fell asleep again, and when they opened their eyesthe morning sun was shining brightly in at the windows.
Somewhat ashamed of their fears, now that it was broad daylight, thegirls did not mention the subject at the breakfast table. Azalea and Irisappeared more cheerful than on the previous day and Doris was glad to seethat they were both wearing blue dresses, a sign that they had partiallyforgotten their disagreement.
Before breakfast had been finished, Ronald Trent put in his appearance.The girls were surprised at such an early call, but apparently Iris andAzalea knew what brought him, for they exchanged rather embarrassedglances. For once the man did not flatter and palaver with the ladies butturned his attention to Doris.
"Well, cousin," he began in his blustering way, "I hear you've promisedto come across with five hundred dollars."
"I promised the Misses Gates that amount," she returned, placing stressupon the name.
"Well, it all amounts to the same thing," Ronald said easily. "Naturally,they'll turn the money over to me, so I can attend to the--the attorney'sfees. It will save a lot of trouble if you will have the bank draft madeout in my name. I'll tell you just how to do it."
"I have secured drafts before," Doris informed him.
"Smart little business woman, eh? How soon will you be able to get to thebank?"
"I suppose I could go today," Doris said quietly.
"Fine! Don't forget to have the draft made out in my name."
While they had been talking, Henry Sully had entered the dining room toask the Misses Gates a question concerning the gardening work to be donethat day, and now as Ronald turned around he gave the man a sly wink.Doris, who was by chance looking directly into the buffet mirror, saw thewink and immediately her suspicions were aroused.
"On second thought," she remarked, eying Ronald closely, "I don't believeI'll be able to get to the bank today."
The man wheeled and regarded her sharply.
"Why not?"
"Oh, I have some practising to do and I must study my French," Dorisreturned.
"I'll take you in my car."
"Thanks, but I really won't be able to make it today."
There was a ring of finality to her voice, but Ronald did not give up.Instead, he changed his tactics.
"A delay may mean the loss of the entire inheritance, Doris," he began ina soft, wheedling voice. "You don't realize how lucky you are to get intothe good graces of the Misses Gates."
"They have been more than kind," Doris murmured, feeling veryuncomfortable.
"Listen, cousin, you stick with me in this deal and you'll come out ontop of the heap. Why, before you get through, you'll be rich. You'll singin Grand Opera!"
"I'll try to get to the bank some time this week," she told him.
"But why not go today?"
"Really, Ronald, I don't think you should urge her," Iris interposed inher gentle voice. "I can't quite see the need for such haste. Surely thelawyers will wait a few days for their money."
"A lot you all know about business!" the man blurted out, and then caughthimself and spoke more quietly. "I suppose we shall have to await thewhim of this kid, but if we lose the entire fortune, don't blame me."
With that he strode out of the house, banging the door behind him. Henry,who had stood listening to the entire conversation, followed him withoutwaiting for his orders.
"Ronald is so impetuous," Iris said apologetically to the girls. "Youmustn't take him seriously. He really doesn't mean anything the way itsounds."
Doris and Kitty had their own idea as to that, but they permitted thematter to pass without stating their views. Breakfast finished, theMisses Gates went out into the garden and Kitty went to her room, takingWags with her. Doris was left to practise her music, but for some timeshe sat idle at the piano.
"I wonder if I should have gone to the bank this morning?" she thoughtuncomfortably. "I don't want to do anything to jeopardize the fortune,and yet, try as I may, I simply can't trust that man!"
The conversation which she had overheard between Ronald and Henry Sullyon the first night of her arrival came back to her. She remembered thatRonald had called the other man "Hank" and that they had appeared to beon unusually friendly terms. Perhaps in her desire to aid the MissesGates she was overlooking a number of important facts. Was it not anunwise step to lend her money without first consulting her uncle?
At length she began to practise, but she could not concentrate, and afterthree-quarters of an hour decided to give it up.
She started up the stairs to find Kitty, but before she had gone very fardown the hall leading to the right wing, she met her chum and Wags comingtoward her. She saw at a glance that the girl was greatly excited.
"What's the matter?" she asked in surprise.
"Oh, Doris," Kitty whispered tensely. "I was just on my way to find you!I think I've discovered the source of those strange sounds that have beendisturbing us at night!"
"What?"
"Wags is really responsible, because he led the way. He ran off and I hadto go after him. Quite by accident I stumbled upon this room."
"What are you talking about, Kitty?"
"Come, I'll show you. Follow me and don't make any noise."
Doris Force at Locked Gates; Or, Saving a Mysterious Fortune Page 17