We made our way up the path and paused a moment to look through
the window before springing the little surprise. There we could
see Lockwood, Alfonso, and Senora de Moche, who had arrived, after
all and probably been met at the station by her son. They seemed
like anything but a happy party. Never on the best of terms, they
could not be expected to be happy. But now, if ever, one would
have thought they might do more than tolerate each other, assuming
that some common purpose had brought them here.
Kennedy rang the bell and we could see that all looked surprised,
for they had heard no car approach. A servant opened the door and
before he knew it, Kennedy had pushed past him, taking no chances
at a rebuff after the experience over the wire.
"Kennedy!" exclaimed Lockwood and Alfonso together.
"Where is Inez Mendoza?" demanded Craig, without returning the
greeting.
"Inez?" they repeated blankly.
Kennedy faced them squarely.
"Come, now. Where is she? This is a show-down. You may as well
lay your cards on the table. Where is she--what have you done with
her?"
The de Moches looked at Lockwood and he looked at them, but
neither spoke for a moment.
"Walter," ordered Kennedy, "there's the telephone.
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