"I can't understand why you tolerate such rigid supervision," Nancy said impatiently. "Why, the leader of the cult must treat you as prisoners!"

"You're not far from wrong," the woman confessed.

"Then why don't you run away?"

The question startled the woman. She glanced sharply at Nancy, then as quickly looked away.

"I would if I dared," she said finally.

"Why don't you dare?" Nancy challenged. "I'll help you."

"No, you mustn't get mixed up in this. Perhaps later I can get away."

"I don't see what anyone can do to you if you decide to leave the colony," Nancy went on. "Surely you're a free person."

"Not any more," her companion returned sadly. "I'm in it too deep now. I'll have to go on until Fate helps me."

"I wouldn't wait," Nancy advised bluntly. "Let me help you-right now!"

CHAPTER XIVDisturbing Gossip

The strange woman in Nancy's car seemed to waver for a moment, as if about to accept the girl's offer of help. Then she shook her head.

"No, I won't drag you into it!" she said with finality. "You don't know what you'd be getting into if you helped me. Why, if they even learn that you've aided me in mailing this letter-"

Nancy saw the woman shudder. For one fleeting instant she, too, felt afraid-afraid of something she could not define. The young sleuth realized that the woman was trying to warn her of danger. Nancy knew the wise thing to do was forget all about the nature cult and the strange things which apparently went on in the hillside cave. Yet, she felt that she was on the verge of discovering an important secret.

Nancy's companion was obviously relieved when the car rounded a bend and brought them within sight of town. "If you'll just drop me off at the post office, I'll be most grateful," the woman said.