CHAPTER XIII
ON GUARD
Perhaps Alice really intended to do as she had intimated, and seek to learn, through a direct question, the identity of the mysterious man who seemed to have some object in remaining about Oak Farm. Then, again, she may not. I believe it may not have been altogether clear in her own mind.
At any rate, once Ruth began to show the white feather, and to insist that Alice come away—then, if ever, the younger girl made up her mind that she would do as she had said—really interview the stranger—for, be it known, Alice was rather headstrong when opposed.
But she had no chance to carry out her resolution, for the simple reason that the man himself acted to prevent it.
"Come, Alice! Please come!" pleaded Ruth, almost in a frenzy of fear.
And then the man, catching sight of the girls,
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