“I have no instructions as to that,” said the elder Ammon, drawing back.  “Possibly Miss Carr would have it as a keepsake.”

“I am sure not,” said Henderson curtly.

“Then suppose you return it to Peacock.  I will phone him.  He will give you the price of it, and you might add it to the children’s Fresh Air Fund.  We would be obliged if you would do that.  No one here cares to handle the object.”

“As you choose,” said Henderson.  “Good morning!”

Then he went to his home, but he could not think of sleep.  He ordered breakfast, but he could not eat.  He paced the library for a time, but it was too small.  Going on the streets he walked until exhausted, then he called a hansom and was driven to his club.  He had thought himself familiar with every depth of suffering; that night had taught him that what he felt for himself was not to be compared with the anguish which wrung his heart over the agony of Edith Carr.  He tried to blame Philip Ammon, but being an honest man, Henderson knew that was unjust.  The fault lay wholly with her, but that only made it harder for him, as he realized it would in time for her.

As he sauntered into the room an attendant hurried to him.

“You are wanted most urgently at the ’phone, Mr. Henderson,” he said.  “You have had three calls from Main 5770.”

Henderson shivered as he picked down the receiver and gave the call.

“Is that you, Hart?” came Edith’s voice.

“Yes.”

“Did you find Phil?”

“No.”

“Did you try?”

“Yes.  As soon as I left you I went straight there.”

“Wasn’t he home yet?”

“He has been home and gone again.”

“Gone!”

The cry tore Henderson’s heart.

“Shall I come and tell you, Edith?”

“No!  Tell me now.”

“When I reached the house Banks said Mr. Ammon and Phil were out in the motor, so I waited.  Mr. Ammon came back soon.  Edith, are you alone?”

“Yes.  Go on!”

“Call your maid.  I can’t tell you until some one is with you.”

“Tell me instantly!”

“Edith, he said he had been to the station.  He said Phil had started to Siam or Patagonia, he didn’t know which, and left no address.  He said——­”

Distinctly Henderson heard her fall.  He set the buzzer ringing, and in a few seconds heard voices, so he knew she had been found.  Then he crept into a private den and shook with a hard, nervous chill.

The next day Edith Carr started on her trip to Europe.  Henderson felt certain she hoped to meet Philip there.  He was sure she would be disappointed, though he had no idea where Ammon could have gone.  But after much thought he decided he would see Edith soonest by remaining at home, so he spent the summer in Chicago.

CHAPTER XXI

WHEREIN PHILIP AMMON RETURNS TO THE LIMBERLOST, AND ELNORA STUDIES THE SITUATION