Book 2 — BOOK II: THE ISLE OF PREY (continued 3)
Reading edition
"Yes," she agreed numbly.
She began to move toward the door.
"It's not likely to happen again," said Captain Francis Newcombe reassuringly; "and, anyway, you can make sure it won't by just leaving the receiver off the hook. Do that, Polly." And then, solicitously: "But you're not frightened any more now, are you, Polly? A mystery explained loses its terror, doesn't it? And, besides, the main thing was to know that your mother was all right."
"My mother—"
He thought he heard her catch her breath in a quick, sudden half sob.
"It's all right, Polly," he said hastily. "Don't think of that part of it any more. Everything's all right."
"Yes; I—I know." Her voice was very low. "It's—all right. I—good-night, guardy."
She had opened the door.
"I'll see you to your room," he said.
"No," she answered; "I'm not frightened any more. Good—good-night, guardy."
"Good-night, Polly," he said.
The door closed.
Captain Francis Newcombe stood in the darkness. And for a moment he did not move—but the mask was gone now, and the laughter that came low from his lips was a mirthless sound, and the working face was black with fury. And then he turned, and with a bound was back in the bedroom, and snatching at his clothes began to dress.
There was still an hour to daybreak.