"You're both as bad as each other," he said. "You read too many books and get ideas into your head... And suppose we could get hold of that old slow-coach of a policeman in Onnybrook? Suppose we could? What would you tell him? That you saw Mrs. Thurston taking photographs of the water for one thing, and that she kicked the Morton's little dog for another? Forget about it, lass, and worry your head about something worth the worry."

But Peter had made up her mind now.

"I'm sorry, Father, but I think you're wrong. She's up to something mysterious, and somebody ought to be told about it."

She got up and wandered to the door. Outside the fog was still as thick, and because she didn't feel like bed and because she felt so fidgety, she got out the draughtboard. They played several games, and Mr. Sterling won them all. He did not usually win every game, but Peter obviously could not keep her mind on her moves tonight, and was no match for him. Mr. Sterling took a childish delight in winning any game, although he was most punctilious in the playing of it. Although it was late, he really was surprised when, having set out the men for a final game, Peter suddenly pushed the board off the table, scattered the draughts and stood up.

"I'm sorry, Father," she said, but not very convincingly. "That was beastly rude of me, but I just couldn't help it... No, I couldn't. I just had to do that. I keep thinking about the others, Daddy, and about Mrs. Thurston. And I'm very tired now..."

Mr. Sterling looked at her seriously, but didn't scold. "If it will make you easier, lass," he said, we'll go down to Onnybrook tomorrow and you can tell your story... or I'll go to the village if you like and you can ride over to Witchend after early breakfast and greet those two young rascals for me. They'll be there, I'll be bound."

Peter's eyes filled with tears as she bent to pick up the draughts.

"Oh! thank you, Father. Will you really do that? I'm so sorry I've been beastly and rude. I don't know what's the matter with me today, but I feel something is going to happen... Perhaps I'll go to bed now after all."