"Didn't you notice his nice clean hands and fingernails? And then when I asked him the name of that bush he hesitated and called it an azalea. I saw another long botanical name attached to it."

"Maybe he just made a mistake, or said the first thing that came into his head. He wanted to get rid of us."

"I know he did," nodded Penny. "Yet, when he found out we were from the _Star_ he didn't threaten to report us to Mrs. Kippenberg."

"That's so."

"He was afraid to report us," Penny went on with conviction. "I'll bet a cent he has no more right here than we have."

Salt had lost all interest in the gardener. He glanced at his watch and quickened his step.

"Is it two o'clock yet?" Penny asked anxiously.

"Just. After all the trouble we've had getting here we can't afford to miss the big show."

Emerging from the grove, Salt and Penny were relieved to see that the ceremony had not yet started. The guests were gathered in the garden, the minister stood waiting, musicians were in their places, but the bridal party had not appeared.

"We're just in time," Salt remarked.

Penny observed Mrs. Kippenberg talking with one of the ushers. Even from a distance it was apparent that the woman had lost her poise. Her hands fluttered nervously as she conferred with the young man and a worried frown puckered her eyebrows.

"Something seems to be wrong," said Penny. "I wonder what is causing the delay?"

Before Salt could reply, the usher crossed the lawn, and came directly toward them. Penny and Salt instantly were on guard, thinking that he had been sent by Mrs. Kippenberg to eject them from the grounds. But although the young man paused, he did not look squarely at them.

"Have you seen Mr. Atherwald anywhere?" he questioned.

"The bridegroom?" Salt asked in astonishment. "What's the matter? Is he missing?"

"Oh, no, sir," the young man returned stiffly. "Certainly not. He merely went away for a moment."

"Mr. Atherwald came over on the same boat with us," Penny volunteered.

"And did you see him enter the house?"

"No, he spoke to one of the servants and then went toward the garden."

"Did you notice which path he took?"

"I believe it was this one."

"We've just come from down by the river," added Salt. "We didn't see him there. The only person we met was an old gardener."

The usher thanked them for the information and hurried on. When the man was beyond hearing, Salt turned to Penny, saying jubilantly:

"Say, maybe we'll get a big story after all! Sylvia Kippenberg jilted at the altar! Hot stuff!"

"Aren't you jumping to swift conclusions, Salt? He must be around here somewhere."

"It's always serious business when a man is late for his wedding. Even if he does show up, daughter Sylvia may take offense and call the whole thing off."

"Oh, you're too hopeful," Penny laughed. "He'll probably be here in another minute. I don't believe he would have come at all if he had intended to slip away."

"He may have lost his nerve at the last minute," Salt insisted.

"Atherwald did act strangely on the boat," Penny said reflectively. "And then that message he received--"

"He may have sent it to himself."

"As an excuse for getting away?"

"Why not?"

"I can't see any reason for going to so much unnecessary trouble," Penny argued. "If he intended to jilt Miss Kippenberg how much easier it would have been not to come here at all."

"Well, let's see what we can learn," Salt suggested.

Their interest steadily mounting, they went on toward the house and stationed themselves where they could see advantageously. It was evident by this time that the guests suspected something had gone amiss.

Significant glances were exchanged, a few persons looked at their watches, and all eyes focused upon Mrs. Kippenberg who tried desperately to carry off an embarra.s.sing situation.

Minutes pa.s.sed. The crowd became increasingly restless. Finally, the usher returned and spoke quietly to Mrs. Kippenberg. They both retired to the house.

"It looks as if there will be no wedding today," Salt declared.

"Atherwald hasn't been located."

"I won't dare use the story unless I'm absolutely certain of my facts,"

Penny said anxiously.

"We'll get them, never fear."

Mrs. Kippenberg and the usher had stepped into the breakfast room.

Posting Penny at the outside door, Salt followed the couple. From the hallway he could hear their conversation distinctly.

"But he must be somewhere on the grounds," the matron argued.

"I can't understand it myself," the young man replied. "Grant's disappearance is very mysterious to say the least. Several persons saw him arrive here and everything seemed to be all right."

"What time is it now?"

"Two thirty-five, Mrs. Kippenberg."

"So late? Oh, this is dreadful! How can I face them?"

"I know just how you feel," the young man said with sympathy. "If you wish I will explain to the guests."

"No, no, this will disgrace us," Mrs. Kippenberg murmured. "Wait until I have talked with Sylvia."

She turned suddenly and reached the hall door before Salt could escape.