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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/19294-8.txt b/19294-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3b57f5e --- /dev/null +++ b/19294-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7349 @@ +Project Gutenberg's The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island, by Laura Lee Hope + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island + Or, A Cave and What It Contained + +Author: Laura Lee Hope + +Release Date: September 16, 2006 [EBook #19294] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND *** + + + + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Emmy and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + + + +The Outdoor Girls On Pine Island + +OR + +A CAVE AND WHAT IT CONTAINED + +BY LAURA LEE HOPE + +AUTHOR OF "THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE," "THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS," +"THE BOBBSEY TWINS," "BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE," ETC. + +_ILLUSTRATED_ + + NEW YORK + GROSSET & DUNLAP + PUBLISHERS + + + + +BOOKS FOR GIRLS + +By LAURA LEE HOPE + + * * * * * + +12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, 50 cents, postpaid. + + +=THE OUTDOOR GIRLS SERIES= + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A MOTOR CAR + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A WINTER CAMP + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN FLORIDA + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT OCEAN VIEW + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND + + +=THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS SERIES= + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT OAK FARM + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS SNOWBOUND + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS UNDER THE PALMS + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT ROCKY RANCH + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT SEA + + +=THE BOBBSEY TWINS SERIES= + +For Little Men and Women + + THE BOBBSEY TWINS + THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE COUNTRY + THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE SEASHORE + THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SCHOOL + THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SNOW LODGE + THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON A HOUSEBOAT + THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT MEADOWBROOK + THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT HOME + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + +COPYRIGHT, 1916, BY GROSSET & DUNLAP + + * * * * * + +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND + + + + +[Illustration: THEIR CLOTHES WERE PICTURESQUE AND EACH ONE CARRIED A +HUGE BUNDLE. + +_The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island._ _Frontispiece_ (_Page 172_)] + + + + + +CONTENTS + + CHAPTER PAGE + + I THE RUNAWAY CAR 1 + + II A LUCKY ESCAPE 8 + + III FORTUNES 14 + + IV THE GYPSY ENCAMPMENT 23 + + V THIEVES IN DEEPDALE 32 + + VI A WONDERFUL OUTING 41 + + VII CLOSED FOR REPAIRS 50 + + VIII THE JET NECKLACE REAPPEARS 60 + + IX PINE ISLAND AT LAST 70 + + X BRIGHT AND EARLY 79 + + XI A JOLLY TRIP 88 + + XII "WHERE THERE IS SMOKE----" 96 + + XIII THE GATHERING OF THE CLANS 105 + + XIV A VICTORY FOR BETTY 113 + + XV A SPLENDID CATCH 120 + + XVI NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON 129 + + XVII BENEATH THE MOON 141 + + XVIII WATER SPRITES 151 + + XIX A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY 160 + + XX DANGEROUS VISITORS 171 + + XXI THE LOST TRAIL 179 + + XXII MOLLIE WINS 191 + + XXIII HIDDEN TREASURE 202 + + XXIV LYING IN WAIT 212 + + XXV GLORIOUS NEWS 221 + + + + +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND + + + + +CHAPTER I + +THE RUNAWAY CAR + + +"The boys will be here in five minutes!" cried Mollie Billette, bursting +in upon her friend, dark hair flying and eyes alight. "You'd better get +on your hat." + +"What boys and why the hat?" returned Grace Ford who, pretty and +graceful, as always, was provokingly calm. + +"I'll answer any and everything if you will only get ready. Oh, have you +got to go upstairs? Hurry then," and Mollie swung her feet impatiently +as Grace detached herself from the great chair slowly and gracefully and +started out into the hall. + +"If you will come upstairs with me, Mollie," Grace suggested, "perhaps +you will deign to tell me why you rush in here like a whirlwind and +insist on my putting on my hat to go goodness knows where." + +"Oh, all right, if you will only hurry," cried Mollie in desperation, +and jumping from her chair she propelled her friend in most undignified +haste up the broad stairway--Grace protesting at every step. + +"Here's your coat. Now don't talk--act!" Mollie was commanding when +Grace took her firmly by her two shoulders and backed her up against the +wall. + +"Now listen here, young lady," she said, looking sternly down into her +friend's laughing eyes. "It's my turn to talk. I refuse to budge another +step until you have explained, to my perfect satisfaction, the cause of +all this rush." + +"Well, since you feel that way about it," laughed Mollie, "suppose you +let me--sit down." + +"Will you tell me about it if I let you go? Promise!" + +"Uh-huh," said Mollie, and so she was released. "There isn't much to +tell anyway," she went on. "Betty and I met Frank Haley and Will a few +minutes ago and Frank happened to remark that it was a splendid day for +an auto ride. We agreed with him--that's all." + +"Fine--but where's Betty?" and Grace adjusted her tiny toque with care +before the huge mirror. + +"Oh, she's coming, just as soon as she lets her mother know where she's +off to. We wanted Amy to go along too--stopped in there on the way +down--but Mrs. Stonington isn't feeling well and Amy thought she ought +to stay with her." + +"I'm sorry for that. But would there have been room for all of us in +Frank's car, anyway?" + +"Oh, yes, it's a big seven-passenger affair. Mr. Nelson says it is a +wonder. Just think! I can only squeeze five into mine," and Mollie drew +a long sigh at Fate. + +"How ungrateful, Mollie--most girls would be glad of the chance to ride +around in a neat little machine like yours. Why, I'd even be thankful +for a tiny runabout." + +"There it is now," Mollie said as a motor horn tooted insistently on the +drive below. "Don't let's keep them waiting." + +"Hello, girls, we'd have been here sooner if Betty hadn't delayed us." +It was Frank Haley who spoke, a handsome young fellow, whose merry grey +eyes showed that he deserved his name--the first part of it, at least. +"Come, 'fess up, Betty," he added, turning to the bright-eyed, +rosy-cheeked girl beside him. + +"I'm afraid I did keep them waiting, girls--about two minutes," Betty +Nelson admitted, then added in defense: "But I couldn't go looking the +way I was, you know." + +"I don't see why not. I didn't see anything wrong." + +"That doesn't prove a single thing, Frank," Grace retorted as he opened +the door for the girls. "Boys never do." + +"Don't they though?" Frank objected. "Do you mean to say I don't know +that that little whatever-you-may-call-it in your hat is quite +considerable----" + +"Class?" finished Will, who had been busy tucking in the robe about +Mollie's feet. "Personally I think we're a pretty fine crowd, take us +all together." + +"Well, did you ever hear such--Frank, don't you think we'd better get +started before he says anything worse?" and Betty turned appealingly to +Frank. + +"Just as you say," he answered obligingly, and at his words the great +car glided noiselessly down the drive and out into the street. + +"Where to?" called Will from the tonneau. "How about a little spin in +the country, Frank?" + +"Ask the girls," was the reply. "What they say goes." + +"Oh, yes, let's," said Mollie eagerly. "It is just getting so green and +beautiful now. Summer is the only time in the year anyway." + +"The winter didn't seem to bother you girls much last year," Frank broke +in. "If I could go to Florida every winter, the cold and wintry blasts +would have no more terrors for me." + +"Oh, well, it was wonderful--in more ways than one," this last so low +that only Will heard it, as Grace squeezed his hand under cover of the +robe. You see, Will was her brother, and they were very fond of each +other, as well they might be. + +"Whom did you wave to then, Betty?" Mollie asked, as the car swung off +into the country road. "I didn't see them till we were almost past." + +"Alice Jallow and her friend, Kitty Rossmore. They're always together," +Betty answered, then added: "By the way, Mollie, it seems to me you were +just saying you had something good to tell." + +"My aunt has a bungalow out on Pine Island. It's a lovely place, the +bungalow, I mean, not the island, although if all they say is true, I +shouldn't wonder if that's all right too." + +"But, Mollie, what has that to do with us?" Grace interrupted. "Is she +going to ask you to make her a visit?" + +"No. It's lots better than that. You see Uncle James wants to take her +to Europe this summer and so----" + +"Oh, Mollie!" Betty interrupted, her eyes sparkling. "You don't +mean----" + +"Yes I do--exactly," and Mollie settled back with a contented sigh. + +"I'm afraid I am very stupid to-day," Grace remarked. + +"More than usual?" asked Will, the irrepressible, with a twinkle in his +eye. + +"Why don't you see, Grace?" Betty's face was radiant. "Can't you see +Mollie means that we are to occupy that vacated bungalow this summer?" + +"But please, girls, don't get your minds made up to it yet, for nothing +is really settled, you know. Perhaps I should have waited till I was +sure before I spoke of it." Mollie seemed to be doubtful. + +"Oh, it's certain to turn out all right," said Betty, with conviction. +"Everything has that we have ever planned before, and there is no reason +why this should be an exception." + +"And even if it doesn't, just think what fun we will have thinking about +it," added Grace, philosophically, at which they all laughed. + +"Anyway you are a dear, Mollie, for having such lovely relatives," +cried Betty gaily. "If I could only climb over this seat, I'd give you +two great big hugs, one for each of them." + +"Nobody calls me a dear and offers to hug me, and I've got the loveliest +relatives in the world--you can ask them if you don't believe me," and +Frank managed to look very pathetic and forlorn. + +All this time they had been getting farther and farther out into the +country and now Frank put on extra speed to ascend the rather steep +incline directly in front of them. + +"Your car runs like a dream, Frank," Betty was saying as they reached +the top. "Look at that great big haystack down there--it must have taken +some time to gather it in. Why don't you slow down a little? Don't you +think--oh, what is it, Frank?" for she had noticed the set lines of his +mouth and the look of terror that had flashed into his eyes. "Oh, +Frank!" she cried again. + +"Sit tight," he muttered through clenched teeth. "The brake won't work!" + +On, on dashed the great machine, swaying from side to side and gaining +velocity with each second, while the girls, with terror tugging at their +hearts, sat still--and waited. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +A LUCKY ESCAPE + + +To those who are already acquainted with the Outdoor Girls, no +explanations are necessary, but for the benefit of my new readers I will +take advantage of this moment to make them better acquainted with the +characters and setting of the story. + +In the first book of this series, called "The Outdoor Girls of +Deepdale," the girls, Betty Nelson, sometimes called the Little Captain, +because of her fearless leadership, Mollie Billette, Grace Ford and Amy +Blackford, had gone on their famous walking tour, and during their +wanderings had solved the mystery of a five-hundred-dollar bill. + +The second volume, "The Outdoor Girls at Rainbow Lake," tells of a +summer full of interest and adventure during which the horse Grace was +riding ran away with her. This misfortune led to the loss of some very +valuable papers, with a subsequent strange happening on an island, +about which, and the recovery of the papers, you may read, dear reader, +if you will. + +"The Outdoor Girls in a Motor Car" is the third book of the series. Yes, +there really was a house where all sorts of weird sights and sounds +might be seen and heard at night if one had the courage to stay around. +And you may imagine the consternation of the Outdoor Girls when Mollie +was captured by the "ghost." + +At the end of a delightful summer, spent in touring the country in +Mollie's car, the girls had a wonderful chance to spend the winter in +the woods. Needless to say, they took advantage of the opportunity. The +fourth book, "The Outdoor Girls in a Winter Camp," describes the +settlement of a certain property dispute, involving Mr. Ford. The happy +result was made possible by the good fortune that favors our girls. This +volume tells also how Amy was claimed by a brother, of whose existence +she was unaware. + +Then followed their adventures in Florida during which the girls had +succeeded in finding Will Ford, Grace's brother, who had been virtually +kidnapped by a villainous labor contractor and had been set to work in a +turpentine camp. The fifth volume, entitled "The Outdoor Girls in +Florida; or, Wintering in the Sunny South," tells of many other +adventures the girls had during their winter among the "orange +blossoms," but now it was over, and Deepdale, which they had left +covered deep with snow, had begun once more to stir with life beneath +the gentle touch of spring. + +In the sixth book, "The Outdoor Girls at Ocean View," the girls have +many good times and stirring adventures. The discovery of a box, +containing veritable riches in diamonds, led to the kidnapping of Betty +and Amy and their subsequent rescue. + +And now that spring had dipped into summer, and they were again in +Deepdale, was this ride of theirs, begun so joyously, about to end in +tragedy? + +"Frank, Frank!" screamed Grace, "if you don't stop, I'll jump, I will--I +will!" + +"No, you won't! Sit where you are!" her brother Will commanded sternly. +"Sit still, I tell you!" + +On, on, they went with ever-increasing speed, while Frank tried +desperately to jam the useless brake--but to no effect! The car was like +a horse with the bit between its teeth, plunging madly to destruction. + +"Oh, oh, _oh_!" screamed Grace, pressing her hands tightly before her +eyes. "We're going to be killed, I know it!" + +There was a shock, a sound like tearing cloth, the big machine plowed +half its length through the big haystack and--stopped! + +"Frank, I'm getting smothered; won't you dig me out?" It was Betty's +voice, plaintive and half hysterical. + +Will and Frank shook the hay from their own eyes and then went to the +rescue of the girls. Then they stared at each other. Gradually the look +of utter bewilderment faded from their faces and a smile flashed from +one to the other like a ray of sunshine. + +Then suddenly Mollie laughed. "Oh, you look so funny!" she gasped. "Just +when I thought we were all going to be killed----" + +"You get disappointed," Frank finished with a rueful smile. "Just the +same, it's lucky for us that big haystack was just exactly where it is," +he added. "When I hit the rock I sure thought we were all goners." + +"Oh, don't," begged Grace, then added, with a shame-faced little smile, +"I'm sorry I made such a fuss--I always am ashamed of myself when the +danger is over." + +"You needn't apologize, Grace," said Betty, quickly. "If there's one +time you ought to be excused for making a fuss it's when you think it's +going to be your last chance." + +That was Betty all over--bright, generous, fun-loving, the acknowledged +leader of the girls. Grace was tall, graceful, slender, with a pretty +face framed in a wealth of bright hair. She was accustomed to take life +more easily than Betty and, although not a coward in the true sense of +the word, she was always willing to have the other girls go first. Then +there was Mollie, dark eyed and quick tempered, with more than a touch +of the French in her, but Betty's equal in bravery. The last of the +little quartette was Amy Blackford (formerly called Amy Stonington), who +has not yet appeared in this book. Up to a year before she had been +surrounded by a mystery which would have held great interest for the +girls even had they not loved and admired her for her own good +qualities. + +Such were the girls who, with Betty's help, were fast recovering their +good spirits. + +"If we can back the machine out of this haystack," Frank was saying, "I +guess we had better start for home." + +"But don't you think we had better walk," Grace suggested nervously. +"I'm afraid to trust myself to the old thing again." + +"Oh, there won't be any danger now," Will assured her. "We can go back +by a roundabout route where there aren't any hills to speed us into +haystacks. How about it, Frank?" + +"You're right! We are not going to take any more chances, I can tell you +that." Then, turning to the girl beside him, he added, "How are you +feeling, Betty? Awfully shaken up?" + +"Not a bit," she assured him, gaily. "Why, after the first shock I +really enjoyed it." + +"That's the way to talk and I'm mighty glad no one's hurt. Now for +home." + +After a great number of half starts and sudden stops they succeeded +finally in backing the great machine away from the haystack and out on +the road again. + +"Now remember your promise," cried Grace as they started off. "No more +speeding, Frank, and no more hills." + +"Right," he sang back, cheerily. "We have had excitement enough for one +day. Just watch me." + +And, true to his word, after an hour's roundabout trip, they swung +quietly into Deepdale, without having encountered further mishap on the +way. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +FORTUNES + + +Early the next morning Mollie hailed Betty as the Little Captain went up +the street. + +"Where to, so early?" she called. "Why didn't you stop for me?" + +"Oh, I was going to Amy's first, to find out how Mrs. Stonington is," +said Betty as she turned back. "Then I was going to stop in to see if +you would go with me to call on Grace. I promised her last night I would +come over this morning." + +"But isn't it early?" said Mollie, doubtfully. "Probably Grace won't +even be up yet." + +The Little Captain seated herself comfortably on the board step of the +veranda. "Yes she will," she said decidedly. "I told her yesterday that +if I came over this morning and found her in bed eating candy before +breakfast instead of enjoying the wonderful morning air, I'd never come +over again. She knows that I mean it, too." + +"Well, in that case, she may be up," laughed Mollie. "If you will wait a +minute I'll go with you to Amy's," she added and ran lightly into the +house. + +The girls found Mrs. Stonington very much improved and Amy only too glad +to get out into the glorious sunshine of the summer morning. + +As the three chums, clad daintily in white, with a background of velvety +green lawn to set them off, approached the Fords' beautiful home, they +were surprised beyond measure to see Grace swinging leisurely back and +forth in the big hammock under the trees. They stopped short and gazed +upon this spectacle. + +"And she's not eating chocolates either," remarked Amy in an awe-struck +voice. "What can have happened?" + +"I wish you would stop gazing at me like that," said Grace, raising her +head and looking at the three girls who were still regarding her +fixedly. "Is it my hair, or is my nose red, or is it my skirt that's too +tight? Please tell me and get it over with. I can stand anything but +this suspense." + +"A miracle has taken place--the impossible has happened!" cried Betty, +striking a theatrical pose. "Never again will I doubt the wisdom of +those so learned----" + +"What is she raving about, girls, do you know?" asked Grace plaintively. +"She never used to be like this." + +"It's the shock, that's all," interpreted Mollie. "Never mind, Betty," +she added soothingly. "You will get used to it in time." + +"Amy, you're the only sane one in that crowd," cried Grace in +desperation. "Will you kindly explain what those two lunatics are +talking about--if they know themselves!" This last was uttered so +vindictively that the girls came down from rhetorical heights with a +bounce. + +"Oh," laughed Betty, running up to Grace and giving her a hug. "You must +really forgive us, Grace dear, we just couldn't help it--you reformed so +suddenly, you know." + +"Reformed?" said Grace, still mystified, while she made room for the +other girls in the hammock. "What do you mean--'reformed'? I didn't know +I needed to." + +"Listen to the child," mocked Mollie. "Why, don't you know, Grace, that +there isn't one of us that doesn't need a lot of reforming?" + +"Speak for yourself, Mollie Billette," remarked Grace, a trifle shortly, +for her natural good temper was becoming ruffled under the continued +teasing. + +"Now, please, girls," said Betty, fearing a storm, "don't let's +quarrel, whatever we do. We were only surprised to see you up so early, +Grace, that's all. But now I'm mighty glad you are, because we'll have a +chance for a nice long talk. What time do you suppose it is now?" + +"It was nearly ten when I came out of the house," Grace replied, +placated by the Little Captain's tactful changing of the subject. "Can't +you all stay to lunch? Then we can make a good long day of it." + +The girls took a walk about town before lunch, just to "be sure of an +appetite," as Amy said. During the tramp they met Roy Anderson, an old +boy friend. + +"Are you doing anything particular this afternoon?" he wanted to know, +and upon the girls replying in the negative, asked if he might bring +some of the other boys around. "We have made a discovery!" he shouted +after them. "We'll tell you about it when we see you." + +And so, the noon meal over, the girls strolled out on the lawn again and +waited eagerly for what the boys might have to tell them. + +They had not long to wait--in fact they had barely had time to settle +themselves in the comfortable chairs, when along the road came--not the +boys, but a ragged, bent, old woman, leaning heavily on a twisted stick +for support. Instead of going straight on, as the girls had expected +she would do, the old woman turned in at the drive and made straight for +them. + +"What shall we do? Shall we go in the house?" whispered Grace to Betty. +"I don't like her looks very much, do you?" + +"She isn't particularly beautiful," Betty telegraphed back. "But she +can't possibly do us any harm. Let's wait and see what she has to say." + +As the old hag drew nearer, the girls instinctively shrank back in their +chairs. And, indeed, she was not a prepossessing figure. Her head was +bound about with an old red handkerchief, tied under the wrinkled chin +and framing a face seamed and crisscrossed with a million wrinkles. An +old, tattered shawl covered her bent shoulders, and the hand that +grasped the knotted stick was claw-like and emaciated. Her eyes were the +only part of her that seemed to retain some semblance of youth. They +were little and beady and exceedingly keen, so that when she raised them +to Betty's young face, that staunch little captain felt that she would +almost rather be anywhere else than there beneath the trees with the +searching eyes of the old crone fixed upon her. + +"What do you want?" Betty gasped, trying to make her voice calm and +steady, but with little success. + +"I won't hurt you, pretty ladies," said the old woman, divining their +repugnance and half-fear and desiring to placate them. "Won't you have +your fortunes told? Only twenty-five cents, and I can tell you of your +past and as much as you will of your future. Only a quarter, pretty +ladies." + +Betty glanced inquiringly at the other girls, but they shook their heads +decidedly--the mumbling old crone was getting on their nerves. + +"Not to-day," said Betty, as kindly as she could. "We are expecting +company and we haven't time. Some other time perhaps." + +"Some other day may be too late," said the old crone, leeringly. "Oh, +yes, you will have all the time there is to be miserable in. And you +will be! You will be! The curse be on you for refusing an old woman like +me the price of her bread!" and she hobbled down the long drive +muttering to herself and stopping once to shake her fist at the startled +girls. + +"Oh, did you ever!" Mollie exclaimed. Just then there was a sound of +jolly, masculine laughter and around a corner of the house came the +boys. + +"Oh, I've never been so glad to see anybody in all my life!" said Grace +with a little shiver, as the boys paused to gaze after the retreating +form of the old hag. "It is such a relief to have some boys around!" + +"I say! who's your venerable friend, Grace?" Roy inquired as he and his +friends joined the girls. + +"Yes, what did you do to her, Betty?" It was Allen Washburn who asked +the question. He was a young lawyer, liked and admired by every one in +Deepdale, and let it be said here that Betty was no exception to the +general rule. And as for young Allen Washburn himself, he never sought +to conceal his genuine admiration for the Little Captain. "The last I +saw of her, she was shaking her fist at the house. She didn't seem to be +in any too sweet a temper, either." + +"It was just because we wouldn't let her read our fortunes," Betty +explained. "Oh, I wouldn't let that old thing touch me!" + +"I could tell your fortune for you, if you'd only let me," whispered +Allen, so softly that only Betty heard. But that was as it should be, +since it was intended for her ear alone. + +"She looked just like a--oh, what do you call them?--the people that +wander around all the time and never have any homes--oh, I know, +gypsies," said Amy eagerly. "Wasn't she a gypsy, Will?" + +"Oh, now she's gone and spilled the beans!" said Frank, so ruefully +that they all laughed. "Here we come, all primed to give you a surprise, +and we find you prepared beforehand." + +"But what surprise?" asked Mollie. "She didn't tell us anything--we +wouldn't let her." + +"Yes, she did. She told you everything, only you don't know it," was +Will's enigmatic comment. "You see," he went on, "there's a gypsy +encampment near by and we thought you girls might like to visit it. The +caravans they use and the strange costumes are all mighty interesting." + +"Oh, won't that be fine!" said Grace eagerly. "I've always wanted to see +one of those things near by. When can we go?" + +"I thought you didn't like gypsies, Grace," Betty broke in. + +"Well, I wouldn't if they were all like this," answered Grace. "But +they're not, are they, Roy? There are lots and lots of really +romantic-looking ones if all the books I've read know anything about +it." + +"Of course there are. You don't suppose we'd take you to see a lot of +old crones like this peppery woman, do you?" Roy answered. "Why, I've +heard there are some mighty good-looking girls in this crowd." + +"Now I see why they're so anxious to go," laughed Betty. "I don't think +we'd better chance it, girls. They might become so charmed with the +fair gypsy maids that they'd forget our existence." + +"I don't think you need worry too much about that," said Allen, +answering the challenge in Betty's eyes. "The only question is whether +we will have eyes to see the charms of the gypsy maids." + +"Here! here!" shouted Will. "You're coming on, Allen, you're coming on. +I wish I could reel them off like that. Well, ladies, what day shall we +set for the adventure?" + +"To-night," said Betty promptly. + +"Good," Frank responded. "Betty has the right idea, all right. To-night +it is!" + +So it was settled, and when they parted eyes were bright with the +excitement of the coming adventure. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE GYPSY ENCAMPMENT + + +Betty was ready before any one arrived that night. The boys and girls +were to meet at her house and from there go on to the gypsy encampment. + +She sat on the porch with a light wrap thrown over one arm and waited +impatiently. + +"Oh, why don't they come?" she thought. "The girls said they would be +early, and the boys are always away ahead of time. Oh, here come Grace +and Will, now if the others will only hurry." + +"Hello, Betty! Been waiting long?" It was Will's cheery greeting. + +"Oh, for hours and hours," said the Little Captain with a sigh. "I'd +begun to think everybody had forgotten all about it. I'm so glad you're +here. You can keep me company anyway." + +"Oh, are we the first?" Grace was surprised. "I hurried Will till he +nearly had a fit. Said we would be ahead of everybody else, but I didn't +believe him." + +"Some day," said Will in a prophetic voice, "some day, young lady, you +will learn that I _do_ know something." + +"Oh, do you really think so?" said Grace, hopefully. "If that day ever +comes, Will, dear, I will be the very first to congratulate you." + +"Here come some of the others," Betty cried out. "I can't quite make +them out, but it looks like Roy and Amy and--yes--there's Allen, too. +But who is the other girl? It certainly isn't Mollie. I know her walk +too well." + +"No, it isn't Mollie," said Grace, slowly. "Do you know whom it looks +like, Betty?" + +"No," said that young person, straining her eyes in the direction of the +newcomers. "Who is it?" + +"I'm not sure but it looks like----" Grace paused a moment, then said +with conviction, "I'm right! It's Alice Jallow, and I don't like her +very much. What is she doing in our crowd anyway?" + +"That's what I would like to know," growled Will. "We had just enough +before. I don't know who's going to take care of her." + +"Will, don't be ungallant," warned his sister. "Play the game. Probably +there's some explanation, anyway." + +But to the Little Captain, as she watched the quartette approaching, +there seemed no plausible explanation. Why should Allen be paired off +with "this Jallow girl"? Betty knew very little of the latter except +that she was always trying to get in where she was not wanted. Well, she +certainly was not wanted now. Oh, why did Allen look so happy? If "this +Jallow girl" had her, Betty's, escort, where did she come in? Hot tears +of anger and mortification rose to her eyes, but she drove them back +mercilessly and her greeting to the newcomers was as merry as ever. + +"Hello, everybody!" she called. "You surely took long enough to get +here." + +"Hello, Betty! This is----" Amy paused, then went on rather awkwardly. +"You see, Alice happened to be at the house when the boys came +and--well--we brought her along," she finished, lamely. + +"And here I am," said Alice effusively. "I do hope I'm not putting any +one out. The idea of visiting the gypsy camp was so fascinating that I +simply couldn't resist the temptation. I think you might have let me in +on it in the first place," and she looked reproachfully at Allen. + +That young gentleman had been sending imploring looks in Betty's +direction over Alice Jallow's head, which the former had chosen +absolutely to ignore. Now, being thus appealed to, he smiled down at +Alice. + +"It certainly was a grave oversight on our part," he said. + +Betty felt as if her little world had been turned upside down and she +wanted to shake somebody--it didn't much matter who it was--but shake +somebody she must, good and hard! + +Just at this critical moment up came the two missing ones, Mollie and +Frank--and a third. + +"Now, who is that?" thought the poor Little Captain in despair. "If this +keeps on, we shall have the whole town assembled pretty soon. Oh, dear!" + +"Betty, this is a friend of mine, Jack Sanford," Frank introduced him in +his own pleasant way. "He's not such a bad chap when you get to know him +well," he added, while his friend thanked him, ironically. + +Betty acknowledged the introduction gaily. If Allen liked "this Jallow +girl," why, he could, that was all! and she was not going to let them +spoil the evening for her. Besides, here was one providentially sent, or +so it seemed to her. And he was nice, too, very nice! He seemed to be +hail-fellow-well-met with the boys. And the girls--well, one could see +that they liked him from the start. But if only Allen would not look so +happy! + +"Suppose we start, now we're all here," suggested Roy. "The sooner we +get there the more time we'll have." + +"Bright boy," commented Allen. "How did you ever find that out?" Then, +under cover of the laughter and the darkness, he found Betty's hand and +held it for a moment. "Betty," he pleaded, "I----" + +"May I, Miss Nelson?" It was Jack Sanford, bowing low before her. + +"Sounds like a dance," laughed Betty, and added: "Indeed you may. Oh, +isn't it a wonderful night?" + +Allen ground his teeth and once more submitted to the effusive +attentions of Alice Jallow. If Betty could have seen him then she would +have been moved to pity. + +"Is it very far to the camp?" Mollie asked, after they had been walking +some time. "I'm anxious to get there." + +"Not very far, now," Roy assured her. "It's just on the outskirts of the +town. Just wait till you get there. When you see how interesting it is +you won't mind the walk." + +"I guess you don't know whom you are talking to," called Betty, just +behind them. "You forget that walking is our middle name." + +"Pardon, fair damsel," said Roy in mock humility. "I must confess I had +forgotten for the moment that----" + +"Oh, look! look! All the bonfires and things and people sitting around +them!" Mollie interrupted. "That must be the camp, isn't it, Roy?" + +It really was the camp. The young people drew closer together as they +neared it, fascinated, yet half afraid. There were huge bulky objects in +the background beyond the illuminated circle of firelight. + +"Those are the caravan wagons, aren't they?" demanded the Little Captain +in hushed tones. "Oh, I wish I could see inside one of them." + +"Yes, they are the Pullman cars of the gypsies," laughed Jack. "Perhaps +you wouldn't like them so much inside if you did see them," he added. + +"Oh, let's go on," urged Grace at Betty's elbow. "I'm dying to see more +of them, even if I am horribly afraid. Just look at all the tents they +have put up. They must expect to stay a long time." + +The girls' eyes grew wider and wider as they advanced toward the circle +of flickering firelight. It seemed they were not the gypsies' only +visitors, for there were many residents of Deepdale, some of whom the +girls recognized. + +The roving folk had set forth their wares upon rudely constructed +tables, ready for the first purchaser. Some of the things were truly +beautiful--pieces of rare old lace, chains and chains of many-colored +beads, silver that was polished till it reflected dazzlingly the dancing +firelight. There were rude tents set aside for the telling of fortunes, +and somewhere further back in the camp the wild, sweet strains of a +violin mingled with a man's sweet tenor voice. + +"Some of those fellows surely can sing," Frank remarked. "I'd give a +good hundred dollars this minute if I had his voice." + +"I wish I could find one for you, Frank," said Grace. "I need the +hundred badly." + +The young people spent over an hour wandering about the place, enjoying +to the full the novelty and the romance of it all. + +Just as they had about made up their minds that it was time to go home, +Betty, who had exclaimed more than once over the beauty of some of the +young gypsy girls, their beauty being emphasized by the picturesque +clothes they wore, stepped back to look into a tent they had passed a +moment before. + +Allen saw his opportunity and was quick to improve it. + +"You must be careful how you trot about alone here, Betty. You know----" +he began, when she interrupted him. + +"Oh, it is!" she said. "It is!" + +"What?" asked Allen, mystified. + +She drew him back into the shadows before she answered. "I wasn't sure, +but now I know," she said. "That's the very old woman who wanted to tell +our fortunes at Grace's this afternoon." + +"Well, what of it?" he inquired, with an attempt to be reassuring. "She +won't hurt you--not while I'm around." + +"Oh, but I don't like her looks," and the girl shivered slightly. + +"You need your coat, Betty," said Allen. "Where is it?" + +"Jack--Mr. Sanford has it. I'll get it." + +She started forward, but he laid a restraining hand on her arm. "Betty, +Betty," he whispered. "You're not going to keep this up, are you?" + +"What do you mean?" she questioned, with an attempt at dignity that was +not a very great success. + +"You know as well as I do," he answered. "It wasn't my fault. Amy +introduced her and I--well, I had to be decent. Betty, don't you know +me well enough----" + +"Where have you people been anyway?" It was Amy's voice. "We've been +looking all over for you." + +"Right here, every minute," said Allen cheerily, and the little party +started on again. Not, however, before Mollie and Grace had exchanged +very significant glances. + +The young people turned for a last look at the gypsy rendezvous before a +bend in the road shut it from view. + +"I've had an awfully good time," said Grace, then added, irrelevantly: +"I only hope those gypsies don't steal anything." + +"That's a good hope," whispered Allen in Betty's ear. "They are dabsters +when it comes to getting away with other people's property." + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THIEVES IN DEEPDALE + + +The door bell rang out its noisy summons. + +Betty forestalled the maid on her way to the portal with a merry: "I'll +go, Mary. It's probably one of the girls." + +It was not one of the girls only, but all three of them, and seemingly +in the wildest excitement. + +"Oh, Betty, Betty!" Mollie cried, not even stopping to say "hello." +"Have you heard the news--have you?" + +"No, it's so early----" began Betty, but Grace interrupted her. + +"But it isn't half as bad as what happened to us," she said, sinking +into a porch chair and fanning herself violently, being overcome either +by the heat or her emotions--possibly both. "Why! dad's running around +the house like a mad man this morning, swearing all sorts of vengeance +on the thief, whoever he or she is--I suppose it must be a he, though, +because women don't steal----" + +"Hold on, hold on a minute," commanded Betty, her hands over her ears. +"How _do_ you expect me to find out what has happened if you won't come +to the point?" + +"Well, I was going to tell you if you'd only have a little patience," +Grace continued, in an injured voice. Here she paused to put into her +mouth a chocolate cream, which she had taken from a little box she had +brought with her. Then, seeing Amy about to speak, she went on hastily, +holding the box out mutely toward her friends, who all shook their +heads. "Here I rush all the way over and get all heated up and +everything----" + +"Oh, for goodness' sake, Grace!" Mollie broke in, having come to the end +of her patience. "If you don't tell the story I will. You have been half +an hour already getting nowhere." + +At this dire threat Grace continued quickly. "Oh, well," she +capitulated, "since you are in such a hurry--well, the fact is, Betty, +Beauty's been stolen," and she delivered the terrible news in a hushed +voice. + +"Oh!" said Betty, horrified. "And your father valued him above all the +rest. Are you sure he was stolen, Grace?" + +"Well, I don't see what else could have happened to him." Now that she +had delivered her news, Grace was once more as calm and composed as +ever. "The horse couldn't very well file the padlock from the outside or +climb out the window, and the groom wouldn't be very likely to take him +for a gentle stroll in the middle of the night. And unless one of those +things has happened, Beauty has been stolen. Anyway, he's gone, there's +no doubt of that." + +"That's pretty bad--I can imagine just how your father feels, Grace," +Betty's voice was grave. "I do hope they will be able to trace him. Does +your father suspect the gypsies?" + +"Yes, ever since the store was robbed the other night, dad has been +suspicious of them," Grace answered. "He has tried to watch his horses +with especial care, too. That's one thing that makes him so tearing mad +to-day. Oh, you should have heard him!" and Grace sighed at the memory. + +"I remember," said Betty thoughtfully, "that Allen said something the +other night when we went to visit their camp about the gypsies being +expert thieves. From the way things have turned out I guess he knew what +he was talking about." + +"And they looked so nice and romantic, too," said Amy, and drew a sigh +at the irony of fate. + +This conversation took place between the girls on a certain morning +several days after their memorable visit to the gypsy camp. A day or so +before one of the large stores of the town had been looted and +practically cleaned out. For two days Deepdale had been in a furore of +excitement and indignation, for in the memory of most of the inhabitants +no such crime had ever been perpetrated. There had been small robberies, +of course, but that Hendall's, traditionally the oldest store in +Deepdale, should have been treated to such insult, and by a band of +roving gypsies, too--for every one suspected them from the first--why, +it was unheard of! incredible! + +Detectives and sheriff had searched the town from end to end but had +found no sign of the missing goods. They had visited the gypsy camp, +too, submitting it to a strict investigation, but with no result. The +countryside had been scoured for miles around, but no trace had as yet +been found of the missing criminals nor of their loot. Indeed, the +thieves had covered their tracks well, and the inhabitants of Deepdale +were beginning to lose hope of immediate reparation. + +Such was the chaotic state of affairs on this beautiful summer morning +when Mr. Ford had awakened to find his splendid horse, Beauty, the +ornament of his stables and the pride of his heart, strangely and +inexplicably missing. + +For an hour or so the girls pondered on these two mysterious robberies +and found themselves not one whit nearer the solution. It was Mollie who +finally suggested that they go to her house and look at a couple of new +dresses she had bought recently. "It will help get our minds off the +robbery," she said. + +The girls agreed readily, for they were always anxious to see Mollie's +things. "They are always so novel," Grace had once said, and Mollie had +been uncertain whether to ticket it a compliment or otherwise. + +"Really, my head aches trying to figure things out," Amy complained, as +they neared the Billette home. + +"Well, it seems to me it is just about time some of those detectives +found things out for us," Mollie rejoined. "Will ought to be able to +help, Grace," she added, "since he is in the secret service." + +"You may be sure he is doing his best," Grace retorted with spirit. +"Those gypsies make thieving their profession and it isn't always as +easy to track them as it seems. If you don't believe me, just try it +yourself." + +"I didn't say anything about not believing you," Mollie rejoined, icily. +"And there's no reason why you have to go up in the air about nothing. +I was simply suggesting, that's all." + +"Girls, some day, I am just going to get terribly angry about something +and then let fly," Betty broke in. "I'd just like to know what would +happen and where we would end up if you didn't have me to act as +peacemaker." + +"Probably in the county jail for disturbing the peace," said Grace +ruefully, and Mollie laughed, thereby restoring harmony, for the time +being at least. + +"Oh, hurry, please do hurry, Mollie!" A small cyclone precipitated +itself out of the house and into Mollie's arms. "Muvver's cwyin' tuwible +and she's telephonin' to evwybody to make you come home quick. +Oh--oh----" This was the beginning of a muffled wail--silenced by +Mollie's hand over the small one's mouth. + +"Dodo, don't cry," Mollie implored. "What is the matter with mother? Is +she sick? Oh, don't bother to tell me--I'll see for myself. Come on, +girls." + +"Had we better?" asked Betty, with instinctive delicacy. "It may be +something she won't want us to know." + +"Oh, don't be silly," cried Mollie, impatiently, shoving the three girls +before her through the doorway. "You know as well as I do that we +haven't any secrets from you. Oh, what can be the matter?" + +They found Mrs. Billette in the library where her small daughter, +Dora--nicknamed Dodo, and one of a pair of exceedingly mischievous +twins--ran to tell her of Mollie's timely arrival. + +The girls followed hesitatingly, as Mollie rushed forward and threw her +arms about her mother's neck, crying: "Mother, dear, what is it? Dora +says you have been crying and that you have been telephoning for me all +over. Oh, I wish I had known! We would have run all the way." + +"Oh, I suppose a few moments more or less would make no difference. It +wouldn't bring back the silver," said Mrs. Billette, quietly. Hysterics +had given place to a sort of despairing resignation. "Only, at first, I +felt as if I must talk to some one about it. The twins didn't +understand, of course, and I couldn't very well talk to Jane." + +"But, Mother, what is it?" Mollie demanded again. "Has Aunt Elvira died +or has Paul caught the mumps, or----" + +"Of course not, Mollie! How silly of you," her mother broke in, +impatiently. "Aunt Elvira will probably live another twenty years. And +as for Paul's having the mumps----" + +"Then what is it? Have we been robbed?" Mollie's little foot tapped a +sharp tattoo on the floor. + +"That is just what has happened to us," said Mrs. Billette, as the girls +stared incredulously. "We've been robbed of some things that money never +can replace. Oh-oh-oh, if I had only put it in a safer place! How could +I have been such a fool! Oh! oh!" and Mrs. Billette, poor woman, was +fast verging on another attack of hysteria. + +Mollie put her arms about her mother soothingly. "There, there, Mother," +she crooned. "It may turn out all right after all. But, remember, you +haven't told us what is lost yet," she suggested, with a gentleness very +unlike her former impatience. "I think it would make you feel much +better to talk about it. Did you say it was the silver that had been +stolen?" + +"Yes, the silver tea service that has been in the family for over a +hundred and twenty years." Mrs. Billette's French origin gleamed in her +dark eyes as she added: "Oh, if we could only catch them! I'd like to +make them suffer for this!" + +From Mrs. Billette's rather disjointed story the girls gathered that not +only the valuable tea service was missing, but also a number of smaller +articles, such as knives and forks. Then there was a valuable jet +necklace which Mrs. Billette had locked up with the silver for safe +keeping. + +The girls were stunned by this last calamity. They could think of one +solution and one only, and that was--the gypsies. + +As Betty took leave of the girls at her own door that noon, after vainly +urging them to stay to lunch--they were too impatient to get home and +spread the news to stop for anything, even lunch at Betty's--she heard +the jangle of the telephone. + +"Sorry you won't come in," she called. "I'll see you later, anyway!" and +she flew upstairs to answer the insistent summons. + +"Hello! . . . Oh, that you, Allen? . . . Yes, I've just come home from +Mrs. Billette's. . . . She has lost a silver tea service and some other +things. . . . What's that? . . . Yes, stolen. . . . Gone! . . . Are you +sure? . . . Oh, now they will never get their things! . . . Yes, come +over to-morrow and we can talk things over. . . . Don't be silly! . . . +Yes, come early. . . . Good-bye." + +As she hung up the receiver mechanically, Betty's gaze traveled out of +the window and over the smooth, green lawn to the far-distant horizon. + +"Gone!" she murmured. "The gypsies are gone! Oh, I wonder where they +went to?" + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +A WONDERFUL OUTING + + +"Hello, Betty, that you? Yes, this is Mollie, of course. It seems to me +that I'm always at the 'phone these days. But, oh, Betty, I just simply +couldn't wait a minute to tell you! . . . Yes, I've just received a +letter. . . . What's that? . . . No, mother hasn't been able to trace her +silver at all yet. Isn't it terrible? . . . Oh, well, she is becoming +resigned to the worst. . . . But, Betty, aren't you a bit interested? . . . +Yes, I know you are, dear, and it's very sweet of you. . . . Well, it's +from Aunt Elvira. Remember I told you the other day that she intended to +go to Europe? Well, it's about that. . . . Yes, there has been so much +excitement about these old gypsies that I had almost forgotten I had +such an aunt. . . . No, I won't tell you one thing more about it, except +that everything is O. K. Will you come over to-night? . . . What's +that--you can't? Oh, Betty, you just have to. Oh, well, if that's all +why don't you bring him along? . . . Yes, all the boys are coming anyway. +Will says he has something to talk over with us. . . . Then I may count +on you, to-night, honey? . . . All right--good-bye till then." + +This conversation took place in the morning. Promptly at eight that +evening the door bell rang and Betty, after a last peep in the mirror +and a finishing pat to her dress, flew down to answer the summons. + +"Right on the dot, Allen," she laughed, flinging the door wide open. +"The clock is just striking the hour--listen," and obediently he +listened, his eyes on Betty's face, while the sweet chimes filled the +hall with melody. + +"No wonder I am on the minute," he said, smiling whimsically. "I have +been wandering around for the past half hour trying to kill time. You +see I didn't quite dare to come at half-past seven." + +She laughed gaily. "You would have had to spend your time in the library +if you _had_ come early," she said. "Because I have been ready for only +half a minute. Here's your hat, Allen," she added, taking it down from +the peg where he had just deposited it for the evening. Her manner was +grave but mischief sparkled in her eyes. + +"What's the big idea?" he inquired, regarding the hat held out to him +with a puzzled expression. "I am very well acquainted with the article +in your hand. Too well acquainted, in fact, for this is the second +season we have been chums; and I see prospect of a third, if the law +business doesn't pick up. But, seriously, what is the idea, Betty? Do +you want me to go home and spend a dismal evening all by myself--is that +it?" + +"Far from it, Allen. Oh, please don't look so glum," she added, and the +mischief bubbled over from her eyes and she laughed happily. + +Opening Allen's hand, she placed the unwelcome hat therein and closed +his fingers over it. "The explanation for all this," she went on, making +him a curtsy, "is very simple. We have been invited to spend the evening +at Mollie's." + +"Oh, bother M----" he began, then added, decidedly: "I came to see you +to-night and I am not going to the Billettes' or anywhere else! Here, +hat, get back where you belong," and he flung the offending article back +on the hook with an air of finality that matched his words. + +"Please don't be an old bear," coaxed Betty, and Betty knew how to coax +to perfection. "Mollie has some perfectly wonderful news to tell us and +all our girls and boys are going to be there to hear it. You wouldn't +want me to be terribly disappointed--now you know you wouldn't," and she +looked at him appealingly. + +Mollie opened the door to them herself, radiantly eager to tell her +news. + +"Oh, hurry, you two!" she cried. "I thought you would never get here. We +have been waiting for--oh, ever so long." + +"Well, if we are the last, everybody must have turned over a new leaf +just for to-night," remarked Betty, as she started for the library from +which came a confused murmur of many voices, speaking all at once, with +now and then a burst of merry laughter. + +"Leave your hat here, Allen," said Mollie, and Betty threw him a merry +glance over her shoulder. + +"Hello, everybody," she called a moment later, as she flung aside the +portières and stood framed in the doorway. "Mollie tells us we are the +last and----" + +"Well, so you are. We thought you and Allen had mistaken the date," said +Frank. "Accidentally on purpose," he added slyly. + +"Not a chance in the world, Frank," said Allen, who had come into the +room in time to hear the last remark. "I might be afflicted with loss of +memory; but, Betty--never!" They all laughed with enjoyment--all but +Betty who threw him a reproachful glance which he refused to catch. + +"Well, now we are here, let's have the news," said Roy, who was always +impatient to get to the heart of things. "Come on, Mollie--out with it." + +Nothing loath, Mollie settled herself with an important air and began +her tale. + +"Well, you see----" she began, when Will interrupted. + +"No, we don't. What?" he asked innocently. + +"Now I won't try to tell it at all if you are going to begin that," said +Mollie with asperity. And Grace added: + +"Do let Mollie tell it her own way, Will, and if you interrupt again, we +will get the boys to throw you out. You will do it, won't you, boys?" + +"Sure!" they shouted with one accord, and Will retired meekly into a +corner. + +"I'll begin all over again," said Mollie. "You all know, with the +exception of Amy and Allen, and they soon will, that I have been +expecting to hear from my aunt and uncle every day. They took rather a +long time to make up their minds, but now everything is settled. They +are really going to Europe, and we girls are going to have the use of +their bungalow, 'The Shadows,' for the summer. Or at least for the month +and a half that is left." + +"Splendid, Mollie! Where is the bungalow?" inquired Betty, leaning +forward eagerly. "We ought to have a wonderful time." + +"Well, I hope we shall," Mollie continued. "The bungalow is on an island +called Pine Island in Lake Tarracusio. They say it is a beautiful place, +and it is only about a day's journey in an auto. We could make it +easily." + +"All this is very fine, but where do we come in?" Allen inquired. "There +isn't room in this wonderful bungalow for us, is there?" + +"Of course not!" said Mollie scornfully. "And if there were, do you +think we would have you boys fussing around?" + +"Well, I was just in search of information," Allen answered defensively. +"And all I get is scorn and ridicule." + +"Hard luck, old man," said Will, feelingly. "I am in the same boat. But +you girls had better look out," he added threateningly. "Don't forget +that I had something to suggest to-night and if you don't treat me +better, I'll----" + +"Will this do," interrupted Mollie, and, with hands clasped in prayerful +attitude, she besought Will, with tears in her voice, to have pity. "Oh, +kind and noble sir," she said, "be kind--be gracious to us, your humble +slaves, and deign to honor----" + +"Now that's something like," broke in Will, beaming around on the +assembled company. "If you had done that from the first, Mollie----" + +"Oh, Will, please hurry," Betty urged impatiently. "I know you have +something good to tell us, and I wish you wouldn't keep us in such +terrible suspense." + +"Well, since you appreciate how great is the----" + +"Yes, yes, go on," Grace interrupted. + +"News I am about to impart," he continued without a glance in her +direction. + +"You will impart it," Allen finished for him. + +"Thank you," said Will, bowing gravely in Allen's direction. "As our +friend says, I will proceed. Well, to come down to brass tacks," he +continued, dropping the air of dignity, which, considering his youthful +appearance, was always very comical, "I thought maybe you fellows would +like to put up a tent on the same island and camp there near the girls +for the rest of the summer. We could have no end of fun." + +There was a yell of joy from the boys, and the excited exclamations, +questions and answers that followed showed that they agreed heartily +with Will in his last prophecy that "they would have no end of fun." + +"Oh, won't it be great!" cried Betty, her cheeks flushed with +excitement. "I do believe this is the very best of all," then her face +clouded as she turned to Allen, who had not been taking a very active +part in the conversation. + +"Do you think you can make it, Allen?" she asked, trying to keep the +eagerness out of her voice. "You said something about a change in the +management of the firm----" her voice was questioning. + +"Why, I was just wondering if I couldn't fix things up some way," he +answered seriously. "It looks as if some of our work might have to lay +over for a time anyway, and if it does----" + +"Of course you will have to manage it somehow, Allen," Frank broke in. +"Why, having you there would be half the fun!" + +"Oh, I guess I can," Allen began uncertainly. Then he continued: "But +you can just better believe if there is a chance in the world, I'll be +there." + +"That's the way to talk," cried Mollie. "Now there is just one important +thing we haven't decided yet, girls, and that is, whom are we going to +have for a chaperon." + +"I have been thinking of that, and I am sure I know just the one," said +Amy quietly; and they turned to her in amazement. Amy was like that, she +didn't talk much, but when she did, what she said was usually to the +point. "You all know young Mrs. Irving whose husband travels?" + +"And she seems sort of lonely sometimes," Grace added, taking a +chocolate nut from a dish of candy that Mollie had placed, for Grace's +special delectation, on the table. + +"Amy, you _are_ a wonder," said Mollie, regarding her chum with awe. "I +would never have thought of her in a thousand years, and of course she's +just the one." + +"Well, now that the all-important question of chaperon is happily +settled," said Roy, veering back to the point like a compass, "suppose +we decide when to start." + +After much discussion it was finally decided they were to start a week +from that day, which was Tuesday. + +It was late when Mollie's guests started for home, and even then they +were all reluctant to go. As Allen stood on the porch of the Nelson home +a few minutes later, Betty turned to him impulsively. + +"Oh, I do hope you will be able to go, Allen," she said. + +"Would you be sorry if I didn't?" he asked her, eagerly. + +"Why, of course." + +"Then, I'll be there," he said, with a smile. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +CLOSED FOR REPAIRS + + +"Grace, Grace, do wake up!" Betty looked at her sleeping chum in +absolute amazement. How could anybody sleep so soundly on this, the day +of days, when one should have been awake at six o'clock thinking over +the delights in store! + +Grace had come over the night before to talk over some minor details of +the outing, bringing with her a new and, she declared, a specially +delicious brand of chocolates. It had been so late when she had started +to leave that she had been prevailed upon to spend the night with Betty. +And so it was that on that eventful morning she lay slumbering +peacefully in the Little Captain's bed, defying all that impatient young +person's efforts to rouse her. + +"Grace! Grace!" Betty cried again. "Won't you please wake up? Why, it's +seven o'clock this minute! We have to be out of the house in an hour." + +Grace groaned dismally. "Oh, Betty, I will have to have some more +sleep," she wailed, pitifully. "If I don't I won't be fit for a thing +the rest of the day. Don't you suppose we could make it if we started by +nine?" she added hopefully. + +Betty paused in the act of putting on a shoe and held it poised in the +air while she gazed at her friend incredulously. + +"Grace Ford, of all the----" she almost stuttered. Then, as a thought +flashed before her mind she laughed delightedly. "Can't you see them, +Grace," she chuckled, putting on one shoe and picking up the other. +"Can't you see the boys when I tell them they will have to walk around +the block while Grace gets her beauty sleep. Oh! oh!" and even Grace had +to laugh at the picture. + +"They probably wouldn't wait anyway," Betty continued, with the tact of +a diplomat. "They would go on to The Shadows and let you follow later at +your leisure. It will be a nice, dusty, hot ride in the train, too," she +added, examining the lace on her handkerchief with the air of a +connoisseur. + +Grace sat up on the edge of the bed and regarded her chum reproachfully. +"Nobody has any heart at all, and you least of all, Betty Nelson," she +complained. "Oh, where did I put my slippers? I was so excited last +night I don't remember what I did with them," and she began a listless +search under the bed. + +"They are over by that chair," said Betty patiently. Then went on: "Oh, +Grace, dear, please wake up. You will give me the blues if you don't +shake off that dead and alive air. Imagine Betty Nelson with the blues +to-day." + +"It _is_ rather impossible," remarked Grace, regarding Betty's flushed +cheeks and dancing eyes with admiration. "I wish I didn't need any more +sleep than you, Betty. Oh, well, the worst part of getting up is over +now and I'll feel fine when I get some breakfast. You just watch me." + +"That's something like," Betty said approvingly. "Oh, Grace, we are +going to have one of the most glorious times we ever had in our lives +to-day." + +"Shouldn't wonder," Grace agreed. "What does that clock say, half-past +seven? Oh, Betty, now I _will_ have to hurry!" + +"If you glare at the clock like that it is apt to develop palpitation of +the heart and stop altogether," laughed Betty. "It can't help the time, +you know." + +"Well, that is the very first time I have ever been accused of stopping +a clock," said Grace with dignity. Then added plaintively: "And by my +best friend, too! Oh, well, I suppose you can get used to anything if +you try hard enough." + +"Oh, Grace, you're a dear when you look resigned like that," said Betty, +dancing over to her friend and hugging her ecstatically. "If you weren't +so pretty, I wouldn't dare talk about stopping clocks," she added, and +peace was restored, and soon both hurried down to breakfast. + +"Oh, there they are now," cried Betty, hastily swallowing the last of +her cocoa. "I knew they would be here before we were half ready. Oh, +Gracy, dear, hurry, will you!" + +"I am all ready," Grace answered. "Suppose you go out and speak to them +while I get the luggage. I'll bring down your hat and coat, too, if you +want me to." + +"You _are_ a dear," said Betty, for the second time this morning. +"Goodness, they are making enough noise with their old horns. Anybody +would think there were ten automobiles instead of two," and while she +ran out to greet the newcomers, Grace hurried--yes, actually +_hurried_--up the stairs to get the small bags they were to take with +them for immediate use, in case the trunks, which had been sent on +before, did not arrive in time. + +Betty found the others all radiant. Roy was at the wheel in Mollie's +car--she had invited him to act as chauffeur and he had gleefully +accepted--with Mollie herself beside him and Will and Amy in the +tonneau. + +The others--Mrs. Irving, their young and jolly chaperon, and the four +girls and boys--were to make the journey in Frank's big car, with Frank, +of course, at the wheel. + +"Hello, Betty!" Will shouted. "You are looking as sweet and fresh as a +daisy! Jump in! Where's that runaway sister of mine? I hope you +succeeded in getting her up in time." + +"I did--after considerable persuasion," laughed Betty. "I came out to +tell you we just have to get our outside things on and we shall be +ready. I can see Grace beckoning now--just a minute," and she ran toward +the house. + +"Can't we carry the luggage--and the chocolates?" said Frank and Allen +together. + +"If you insist," Betty flung the answer over her shoulder as she joined +Grace. + +The boys had tumbled out of the automobile and were racing up the drive +as if their lives depended on their reaching the porch at the same +second. The girls adjusted their pretty panamas before the wide mirror +while the boys picked up the bags and waited. + +"Is my hat on right, Allen, or should it be tilted a little more over +the left eye?" mimicked Frank, as they watched the girls. "Or, perhaps +it should be made to cover my face entirely?" + +"I think the latter--with places for the eyes and nose," said Allen in +the same tone of voice. + +"Anybody who invented such a hat would be a benefactor to the world at +large, Frank," said Betty, as she swept past him--her nose in the air. + +"Oof! That was an awful one," returned Frank, while Grace chuckled at +his discomfiture. "A few more of those, Betty, and I am afraid I shall +have to stay at home!" + +"That sounds just like Percy," Betty remarked, as the boys deposited the +luggage in the car and opened the door for the girls. "For goodness' +sake, don't take him for a model, Frank." + +"I wonder where the dear old chappie is, anyway," remarked Allen as he +took his seat between Betty and Mrs. Irving in the tonneau. Grace was to +sit with Frank. "I haven't seen him about town lately. I wonder if +mother has taken her darling boy to the seashore," he added, as the car +moved off. + +"I hope so. If she would only take him to Kalamazoo it would suit me +better," said Betty. "It's a wonder he didn't invite himself to come +along." + +"Nothing doing!" laughed Frank. "I can just imagine darling Percy +sleeping in a tent and cooking his own meals. Can't you, Allen? Oh, what +a circus!" + +"It is rather hard to imagine the immaculate Percy in those +surroundings," drawled Grace. "He would be running down to the river to +wash his hands every two minutes. How do we get over to the island from +the mainland, Betty, do you remember?" she added. "I know Mollie said +something about a steamer, but I didn't get a very good idea of it." + +"Oh, we will have lots of fun on it," Betty answered, enjoying the +prospect immensely. "Mollie says it is an old, rickety thing that looks +as if it were going to pieces any minute. She thinks it must be at least +two hundred years old, if what her aunt says is true. It will be awfully +interesting." + +"Yes, especially if it fulfills its promise and goes to pieces in the +middle of the lake," Grace remarked dryly. "I wouldn't mind the dip in +weather like this, but I would rather choose the time and place." + +"Well, perhaps it _would_ be better if we put on our bathing suits +first," Betty admitted. "Then we would at least be prepared for the +worst." + +"I wouldn't call that the worst thing that could happen to us," said +Allen; and when the girls looked to him for an explanation he added: "It +would be no end of fun to be dumped in the river with a boatful of +pretty girls. Think of the good time we could have rescuing you." + +"Well, maybe you call that fun, but I should say it was pretty hard +work," said Frank, ungallantly. "Especially if the girls should lose +their heads and begin to choke you. All hail, for Davy Jones' locker!" + +"You needn't worry," said Betty, with dignity. "In the first place we +wouldn't have to be rescued. We can swim just as well as you boys +can----" + +"Now, now, Betty," Frank protested laughingly, "don't exaggerate." + +"I'm not," she denied indignantly. "We haven't lived in the outdoors for +nothing, you know." + +"Well, we shall have a chance to settle all disputes when we get to Pine +Island," said Allen. "To change the subject--has anybody noticed that +the sun has gone under a cloud and that there is a stiff little breeze +coming up? I shouldn't wonder if we were in for a storm." + +"Yes, we may need our bathing suits even before we get to the island," +said Betty, ruefully. "I hope you didn't forget to bring your suit, Mrs. +Irving," she added, turning to the chaperon, who had been singularly +silent during the ride. Perhaps she was realizing for the first time the +great responsibility she had taken upon herself. However, she spoke now, +accompanying her words with a bright smile. + +"Indeed I did," she said. "There is nothing I enjoy quite so much as a +good swim. From what you girls say of the island we ought to have as +many as we want." + +"I am very much afraid we won't leave to wait till we get there," said +Frank, regarding the sky anxiously. "Unless I am a pretty poor prophet +we are in for a considerable spell of bad weather. What do you say, +Allen?" + +"I say you are right and then some," Allen answered emphatically. "I +think it would be a pretty good stunt to get the top up, Frank, before +the girls are deluged." + +Accordingly Frank slowed down and waited for Mollie's trim little +machine to catch up with them. + +"What do you make of the weather?" asked Will, as they came up +alongside. "Looks pretty threatening, don't you think?" + +"If you don't want to get wet, you had better do what we are going to," +Frank advised them. "Put your top up." + +"Oh, hurry, Frank, I felt a drop then!" exclaimed Grace. "And there's +another! Oh, do hurry!" + +The boys worked quickly and in a few moments had raised the tops and +were ready to let down the waterproof sides that would make them +comfortable in almost any weather. + +"We are going to speed up some," Frank shouted to those in the other +car. "When the roads get muddy it's going to be pretty hard going, so we +want to make good time now." + +"Aye, aye, Captain!" Roy answered. "Lead, and we follow." + +For a short distance all went well. In fact, the girls rather liked +riding in the rain. Then suddenly, without any warning, Frank stopped +the car. + +"What is it, Frank?" cried Grace in alarm. "Did you run over somebody?" + +"No, it's worse than that," he answered gloomily. "Look, the road's +closed for repairs!" + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE JET NECKLACE REAPPEARS + + +The girls and boys stared at each other, dismay written on their faces. +The road closed and the rain pouring down in torrents--a nice +predicament! It was Mrs. Irving's calm voice which first broke the +silence. + +"There must be some way around," she said. "It will take us a little +longer, that's all." + +"Oh, of course we shall be able to strike the main part of the road +again if we go a couple of miles out of our way," Frank agreed, a +worried frown on his forehead. "The only question is, how are we going +to find our way? I didn't bring a chart with me--worse luck." + +"Perhaps Roy has one," Betty suggested. "He usually carries a lot of +junk like that around with him." + +"Well, if he has this particular species of junk it will come in mighty +handy just now," said Frank, hopefully. "I'll stick my head out and yell +at him. Gee, it sure is raining some!" and he craned his neck toward +the other car, squinting his eyes to keep out the stinging drops. "Hey, +Roy!" he shouted. "Do you happen to have anything like a map of the +surrounding country in your inside vest pocket? If you have, throw it +over. We are stuck good and plenty." + +"I don't get you, old man," Roy shouted back. "Say the first part of +that speech over again, will you?" + +Frank drew in his head and mopped his face and hair with a huge silk +handkerchief. "Two minutes before the next plunge," he announced to the +amused occupants of his car. "Allen, if he doesn't get me this time you +will have to change places with me. I'll be almost drowned," then he +thrust his head out once more and shouted in the direction of Mollie's +car. + +"I said, have you a map of this here countryside?" he repeated. "Betty +says you usually carry such things with you." + +"Sorry I can't oblige," came his disappointing answer. "I left that home +in my old coat this morning." + +"Of course, just when you knew we would probably need it!" Frank +retorted scathingly. "Now we'll have to hike along and trust to luck. +Nobody knows where we will end up." + +"Well, you needn't blame it on me," Roy shouted wrathfully. "I couldn't +be expected to see twenty miles down the road from Deepdale." + +"Nobody accused you of it," Frank answered, in the same belligerent +voice. "But as long as you had the chart you might have thought far +enough----" + +Grace seized Frank's arm and pulled him back into the machine. "For +goodness' sake, what is the use of making such a fuss about that old +map?" she said. "And in the rain, too!" + +"Yes, if that were you and I, Grace," said Betty, "the boys would say +something about 'isn't that just like a woman,' or, 'aren't girls the +limit--always arguing about nothing?'" + +"Votes for women!" Allen shouted. "Since when have you taken to stump +oratory, Betty?" + +"Oh, she is just naturally eloquent," said Grace languidly and they all +laughed, even Frank--although his brow clouded anxiously a minute later. + +"However, all this isn't getting us anywhere," he said. "We can't stay +out here in the rain all night, you know." + +"I don't believe any of us expect to," said Allen, dryly. "What do you +say we take that side road we passed a little way back, Frank? We can at +least see where it leads and we can inquire our way as we go along." + +"I don't know whom we shall find to inquire of," said Frank, who, +contrary to his usual custom, persisted in looking at the gloomy side of +everything. "We didn't pass a soul on the way down." + +"Please cheer up, Frank," laughed Betty. "You ask us to make a +suggestion and then when we do you scout it. Suppose you tell us what +_you_ would like to do." + +"I know what I should _like_ to do," he added, readily. "I should like +to break down that board that is in our way and go ahead whether they +like it or not. Nothing would give me greater pleasure." + +"However?" suggested Allen. + +"However, I know we'd get pinched--pardon, ladies--I mean, pulled in. +That doesn't sound just right, either, does it?" and he regarded them +with laughing eyes. + +"I imagine 'arrested' is the word you want," said Betty, demurely. + +"That's it, thank you," he said, all irritability gone as suddenly as it +had come. "So, as long as that is understood, perhaps we might do worse +than follow Allen's suggestion, after all." + +"Genius always triumphs in the end," said Allen, with a gravity that set +them laughing. + +"Perhaps it would be better if we hurried a little," Mrs. Irving +suggested, when they had had their laugh out. "With no delay it would +take us almost till sundown to reach The Shadows and I don't want to be +too late." + +"All right, here goes to try to back the old bus out of this mud-hole +and turn her around," Frank agreed. "I don't know how long it will take +us, though." + +"You had better tell Roy what you are going to do," Grace suggested. "We +don't want any collisions." + +Frank obediently thrust out his head, only to jerk it back quickly the +next instant with a startled exclamation. "They are gone!" he said. + +"Gone!" the others cried together. + +"But they couldn't have gone far," Mrs. Irving added. + +"Probably they have motored back to the crossroads to wait for us," +Allen suggested. "When they saw the blockade they knew there was just +one thing to do and they did it." + +"Well, they might at least have told us where they were going," Frank +grumbled. "They should have known Mrs. Irving would be worried." + +"They probably thought they'd decamp before the mud got so bad," said +Betty. "Just the same, they should have told us." + +"You are right," Mrs. Irving agreed. "However, the only thing to do now +is to follow them as quickly as possible." + +For answer, Frank threw in the clutch, and the big machine very slowly +and painfully plowed its way through the clinging mud of the road and +turned its face toward the crossroads and, in all probability, Mollie's +runaway car. + +"No wonder they want to repair the road," said Frank when they were well +under way. "If the rest of it is any worse than this I should think they +would need a new one." + +"There's Mollie's car, straight ahead," said Grace a moment later. "I +wager they are just sitting there as large as life, laughing at us." + +"Let them laugh," said Frank savagely. "It's good to see somebody +happy." + +"Well, if that's all you want," sang Betty, cheerily, "just look at +Grace and Mrs. Irving and Allen and me. I, for my part, am having the +time of my life. And look, everybody," she added, "it isn't raining +nearly so hard as it was. We will be seeing the sun next!" + +"There is just one thing that is better to have along than the sun," +said Allen, softly. Mrs. Irving, hearing, smiled knowingly to herself. + +When they overtook the car ahead, Roy explained that they had gotten out +of the way to make room for Frank's big car to turn around. + +"You surely gave us plenty of it," Frank remarked dryly, upon hearing +the explanation. "But we will have to hurry now if we expect to get +anywhere before dark." + +As they all heartily agreed to this, especially Mrs. Irving, there was +no further discussion and the cars swung down the narrow side road at a +very good pace--good, that is, considering the going. + +They had been riding for half an hour when suddenly Betty's prediction +came true. The rain stopped entirely and the sun peeped out from behind +the clouds, touching the leaden sky with gold. + +"I knew it, I knew it!" cried Betty in delight. "Now we can take down +the top, can't we, Frank? Oh, let's do it!" + +"Mighty good suggestion, Betty," Frank agreed, bringing the car to a +stop once more. "The good old sun sure does change everything, doesn't +it?" + +Five minutes later the cars started on again, with the breeze fanning +the faces of the occupants and the sun pouring down goldenly upon them. +As Frank had said, "The world was a different place to live in." + +A moment later those in Frank's car were surprised to see Roy stop his +automobile and signal them to draw up alongside. + +"Did you see that gypsy girl who just passed in front of us?" Mollie +whispered when they had done as they were desired. Then, as the girls +nodded assent, she continued excitedly: "Well, I am almost sure she had +on that jet necklace that disappeared with mother's silver! Oh, if we +could only follow the girl we might find that too! Oh, can't we--can't +we?" she added, fairly dancing with excitement. + +"Sure, come ahead, fellows!" cried Allen, who was always ready for +adventure. "Did you see which way she went, Roy?" + +"Over this way, I think," Roy answered. "We may be able to trace her to +the gypsy camp. There must be one near here, and it is probably the +same." + +"We'll be back in a minute," called Will, and then the boys disappeared +in the underbrush. + +"Oh, I'm afraid to have them go," whispered Betty fearfully. "Suppose +one of those murderous-looking gypsies should stab them in the back!" + +"One gypsy couldn't do it all," said Grace with a little nervous laugh. +"I guess they can take care of themselves, Betty. We needn't worry." + +"What do you think, Mrs. Irving?" Amy asked quietly. "The boys went off +in such a hurry they didn't give you a chance to say anything if you had +wanted to." + +"I imagine talking wouldn't have done much good anyway," answered Mrs. +Irving with a smile. "Besides, there should not be any danger if they +only keep their wits about them." + +"Oh, mother will be the happiest woman in the world if they can only +find her silver for her." Mollie was so agitated she was actually +trembling. "Girls, do you think they will?" + +"There, there, don't get so excited about it, Mollie, dear," cautioned +the Little Captain. "You may be sure the boys will do the very best they +can." + +At the end of the hardest hour they had ever spent, for inaction was not +easy for Outdoor Girls, they heard the welcome sound of masculine voices +and the regular tramp-tramp of the boys' feet. + +"Oh, oh," they cried together in whole-souled relief, while Mollie added +eagerly: "Did you get it--did you?" + +Allen, who was in the lead, shook his head regretfully. "We couldn't +find a sign of anything," he said. "Not even the camp." + +"But if you didn't find anything, what ever in the world kept you so +long?" Betty demanded. "We imagined all sorts of horrible things +happening to you." + +"Oh, you couldn't get rid of us," said Will, cheerily. "We hated to come +back empty handed--that's all." + +"Well, we are mighty glad to get you back," said Mollie, who, after the +first disappointment, had become resigned to the inevitable. + +"That's the way to make them appreciate us; eh, fellows?" said Frank, as +he flung himself into the car. "They don't realize how good we really +are till they think we are gone." + +"Right you are, Frank," said Roy. "What do you say to full speed ahead?" + +"Full speed ahead it is," Frank agreed, and they were off like a shot +down the road. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +PINE ISLAND AT LAST + + +The Outdoor Girls and their boy friends made good time for the rest of +the journey and it was not quite sundown when they came in sight of the +beautiful shores of Lake Tarracusio. + +"We will have to leave the automobiles somewhere in town, won't we?" +asked Amy, as the two machines drew up side by side for a final +consultation. + +"Of course," said Grace. "According to Mollie's description of the +rickety old steamer I should think it would have all it could do to +carry us--let alone the machines." + +"There ought to be at least one big garage in town, Frank," Betty +suggested. "Let's move along the main street until we find it." + +"Nobody asks me for my advice," complained Mollie, in an injured tone. +"And I am the most likely one to know about it." + +Mollie gave the directions for finding the garage which her aunt had +written. A minute later they drew up before the place and tumbled out, +bag and baggage, in obedience to Frank's instructions. + +While the boys were in the garage talking to the proprietor, the girls +had a chance to look about them. + +"Isn't it lovely?" cried Mollie delightedly. "It looks just like the +little colored pictures of towns they have in the magazines sometimes. +The same quaint little frame houses with green shutters and well-kept +lawns in front----" + +"And flower beds with borders of white shells," Amy finished for her. "I +know just what you mean, Mollie; I've seen them myself." + +"Girls," said Betty, jumping up from the overturned suitcase she was +using for a seat, and speaking impressively, "I have a feeling----" here +she paused for effect. "I have a feeling," she continued, "that we are +going to have a good time." + +"Humph," snorted Mollie. "Why don't you tell us something we don't +know?" + +"Get off the luggage, you girls!" Will commanded, good-naturedly. "The +man in there says we have just exactly five minutes to catch that joke +steamer for the island, and if he is right, we've got to hustle. Sling +over that bag, Sis, will you?" + +"With the greatest of pleasure," said Grace. "But will somebody kindly +tell me how we are going to make that boat in five minutes?" + +"By running like the very wind," Frank declared, and, picking up two +suitcases in one hand, he propelled Grace down the street with the +other. "Please hurry," he urged. "Never mind about your hats, girls. It +will soon be so dark nobody will be able to see them." + +"Shall we give them a race?" asked Allen of Betty, as they prepared to +follow Roy, who had taken both Mollie and their gay little chaperon in +tow. + +"Let's," said Betty with dancing eyes. "Nobody knows us here and I +wouldn't care if they did--better people than you and I have run for +boats before, Allen." + +"Oh, I don't know," he said, argumentatively. "Just as good, possibly, +but never better." + +"All right, have it your own way," she laughed. "Now do we begin? +One--two--three--come on. We'll beat them even with the head start." + +Off they raced, light and graceful and buoyantly alive. It was no task +at all to overtake Roy, who was hampered by gasping little Mrs. +Irving--who, although young, was not--_so_ young. Next came Amy and +Will, running easily, but Allen and Betty passed them as if they had +been standing still. + +"Oh, you will, will you?" Will shouted as they went by. "We'll see about +that. What do you say, Amy, more speed?" + +"Sure," said game little Amy. "I can go lots faster than this." So the +two quickened their pace, but Betty and Allen were on wings, and, try as +they might, they could not lessen the space between. + +"Oh, well, we don't want to beat them anyway, do we?" said Will, when +they had to give up. + +"No, we wouldn't think of taking the fun from them," she panted, and +they both laughed merrily. + +Meanwhile the two champion runners had overtaken Grace and Frank and had +started on the last lap to the wharf. + +"There's the little steamer now, Allen!" gasped Betty. "Oh, do you think +it will go without us?" As if for answer the whistle on the curious old +ferry shrieked a warning to all would-be voyagers to Pine Island. + +Allen's hand tightened its grasp of Betty's arm. "Are you game for one +last spurt?" he asked her. "We may be able to make it." + +Betty nodded her head, for just then breath was precious and not to be +wasted in idle words. Silently, the two called on their splendid reserve +strength, while arm in arm they sped along the shore to the dock. They +reached it just in the nick of time. + +"Hold on there, will you?" shouted Allen, with what he had left of his +breath. "The rest of the party will be up in a minute." + +True to his prophecy, in a moment's time the entire company was +assembled on the ancient dock, tired and out of breath, but happy to be +there nevertheless. + +"You two are some classy little speed merchants," remarked Frank, +slangily, while he regarded the pair thus designated with profound +admiration. "I never knew two people could run so fast before." + +"So this is the steamer!" said Grace, as soon as she could find breath +enough to speak at all. "It does justify your aunt's description, +Mollie, although it doesn't look quite so rickety as I expected." + +"Probably she will look lots worse in the daylight," Will prophesied +cheerfully. "Say, folks, what do you say to our making ourselves +comfortable? We have quite some ride before us; eh, Mollie?" + +"About half an hour's _sail_," corrected Mollie. "You _ride_ in an +automobile, but you _sail_ in a boat." + +"I don't see why ride isn't just as appropriate as sail in this case," +said Will, sitting on a suitcase beside Amy, with his back against the +rail, prepared to argue the point. "Especially since this old tub has +never known a sail." + +"Betty," Frank said, turning to that young person who was gazing +dreamily out over the water, "what did they put in that basket when we +stopped at the hotel this afternoon?" + +"What?" she said, bringing her mind down to every-day things with an +effort. "Oh, the basket! I wouldn't dare tell you that," she added, with +sudden animation. "Boys, boys, if you could only see inside--if you only +could--oh, how your mouths would water!" + +"Just think," said Grace, tragically. "Here we have everything that goes +to make up a romantic sail----" + +"What, for instance?" Roy demanded. "If you call a leaky old ferryboat +with the weather so damp that you can't touch the rail without feeling +as if you have had a dip in the briny--if that's what you call romantic, +then give me a good open fire and plenty of chicken bones to gnaw." + +"Oh," said Betty in sorrow, shaking her head at the depths to which the +boys had fallen. "Frank, I would never have thought it of you. Just the +same," she added, in a stage whisper, "I wouldn't mind having a couple +of them myself." + +"Betty, Betty," Allen reproved her. "I thought----" + +"Oh, Mollie, look there," cried Betty, pulling her friend towards her +and indicating an indistinct shadowy bulk looming eerily before them. +"Mollie, dear, that's the island, isn't it? I can't wait until I put my +two feet on it." + +"Oh, I wish we could see an inch before our noses!" said Grace +impatiently. "I can't make out a single blessed thing." + +"Probably going to rain some more," said Frank consolingly. "Never mind, +Grace, whenever your heart begins to fail you, just think of--what, +fellows?" + +"Chicken!" they shouted, with one voice. + +"You don't know you are going to get any, yet," Betty declared. "If I +remember rightly, Frank is the only one who said anything about it, and +he doesn't know what he is talking about." + +"Betty, don't be heartless," Allen implored. "Is there or is there not a +fowl in that basket?" + +"There is!" she answered in solemn tones. + +"Hoorah!" shouted Will. "Three cheers for the good old bird!" + +As he spoke the little steamer scraped against the dock that was almost +invisible to those on deck, then came to a full stop. The shrill whistle +which Roy contemptuously characterized as a joke, broke the misty +stillness with a shriek, that echoed and re-echoed, thrown back upon +itself by some distant cave or hillside on the island. + +"Goodness! I wouldn't mind a nice fire myself," said Mollie, shivering +with something a little more than cold. There was something mysterious +about this island, shrouded as it was in the clinging mist--something +that made the girls draw close together for companionship. "I hope it +will be more cheerful in the daytime--the island, I mean, not the fire," +she added. + +"Girls," cried Betty, "this looks like a regular adventure island. Maybe +we'll find the gypsies here." + +"Oh, don't," shivered Amy. "Don't talk about gypsies--until daylight, at +least." + +"Here comes the rain!" Roy shouted. "We'll have to hurry some, if we +want to beat it to the house. Here, Will, take hold of this bag. Quick, +I can't carry more than three at a time." + +"Give it to Allen," Will advised, as they tumbled out on the tiny +wharf. "I have more than my share already." + +"Oh, all right," said Allen, "I'll be the goat. How about it, +Betty--shall we give them another race? It looks as if a little speed +would come in handy." + +"No, let Mollie lead this time. I hope she knows the way." + +"Of course I do," said Mollie, coming up behind them. "There isn't any +way to find. The house is at the end of the wharf. Follow us and----" + +"You'll get something to eat," Roy finished for her. "We have the +basket." + +"Then you needn't worry about our following you," said Allen. "Only if +you don't look out we will get there before you after all. Come on, +Betty," and for the second time that day the young folks had a chance to +test their skill in running. The main thing was that they got there +before the rain. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +BRIGHT AND EARLY + + +The morning dawned clear and bright. Mollie woke first in the large, +sunshiny room which the girls had chosen to occupy together during their +stay on Pine Island. + +It contained two large double beds--each in a little alcove of its own. +The spotless grass mats, the flowers that bloomed on the wide-silled, +latticed windows gave the room an air of cheerful hominess and comfort +that was very pleasant. + +All this Mollie took in subconsciously as her sleepy gaze wandered about +the room. Then slowly full wakefulness banished the last vestige of +sleep from her eyes and she sat up in bed. + +"The sun!" she cried joyfully. "And I was sure it was going to be rainy +this morning! Oh, now we shall see the island as it really is. Wake up, +Amy, do! Oh, goodness, how the child sleeps!" and she shook her +slumbering friend with no uncertain hand. + +"There is no use, Mollie," said Betty's voice from the other end of the +room. "You couldn't wake Amy or Grace without a good shaking." + +"What's that?" cried Mollie, startled, as a loud knock sounded on the +door. "I wonder who is coming to visit us so early?" + +"Probably one of the boys," Betty suggested, "come to tell us it is nine +o'clock and high time we were up and dressed." + +"Nine o'clock!" Grace fairly stuttered, but just then Mollie called out +an impatient: + +"Who's there?" in response to a second and harder knock at the door. + +"It's I, Will. Mrs. Irving sent me up to ask when in the name of common +sense you girls are coming down to breakfast." + +"What time is it?" Betty countered. "If you tell us that, we'll tell you +what time we are coming down." + +"It is half-past eight," Will answered. "We fellows have been up since +six o'clock getting our summer quarters fixed up!" + +"I won't believe it until I see it," said Mollie darkly. "Six o'clock, +indeed!" and she sniffed disdainfully. + +"Well, if you don't believe it," said Will, through the keyhole, "all +you have to do is to come down and see for yourself. We've got +everything fixed up O. K. all right. But say! when are you fellows--I +mean girls--going to get up?" + +"Right away, Will," Betty promised, popping out of bed and into her +slippers all at once. "We will be down in a jiffy." + +It required a great deal of tact to coax Amy and Grace out of bed, but +it took a still greater amount of merciless driving to get them +downstairs and into the big airy dining room, where Mrs. Irving was +impatiently awaiting them. + +"Here you are," she said, laying down her book as the four girls tumbled +into the room. "I thought you would be tired after last night's fun, so +I let you sleep it out." + +"Well, we surely did sleep," said the Little Captain brightly. "I for +one feel as if I'll never sleep again." + +"And I feel as if I could sleep forever," said Grace. "You never saw +anything like Betty, Mrs. Irving," she complained. "Why, I do believe +she could have made a fortune in the old days as an overseer down +South." + +Mrs. Irving laughed. "You don't look especially brow-beaten," she said. +"And anyway, I should think you would be glad to get up--you must be +nearly starved to death." + +"I thought after last night, and the chicken, I could never eat again," +said Mollie, her eyes sparkling at the memory. "But I find that I can, +very easily. Oh, Mrs. Irving, what is there?" + +"Well," their chaperon began, "there are the eggs we had put up with the +other things yesterday and some fruit and honey and we can make some +fluffy white biscuits in no time----" + +"Oh, oh, say no more!" said Betty, clapping her hands joyfully and +executing a little dance about the room. "Honey and biscuits--I could +make a meal of them alone. Mrs. Irving, show me the stove--lead me to +it--and I'll make the biscuits," she finished importantly. + +"Mrs. Irving," Grace pleaded, turning to the chaperon, "you are the only +one here who could possibly make Betty do anything that she didn't want +to do or stop her doing anything she had set her heart on. Won't you +please interfere for the sake of the community? It might really be +dangerous," she added plaintively. + +"Don't worry," Mollie put in. "I have eaten Betty's biscuits of old, +and, believe me, they are good. All I ask is that you hustle, +Betty--shoo----" And she hurried the willing Little Captain before her +into the kitchen. + +Mrs. Irving followed more slowly with Amy and Grace, and they were just +in time to hear Mollie's last sentence: "Where have the boys +disappeared to?" + +"They're out yonder in the woods," Mrs. Irving replied, indicating a +spot beyond the cottage. "They were up very early this morning--couldn't +wait to get the tents up. Allen left word that they would stop around in +a couple of hours to say good-afternoon to you girls--if you happened to +be up by that time," and the little chaperon's eyes twinkled as she saw +the look of rising indignation in the girls' faces. + +"If we happen to be up, indeed," sniffed Betty, bustling around the +kitchen in a business-like fashion, sorting out pans and getting out the +flour, which Mollie's aunt had very thoughtfully left in the larder. "If +they talk like that much more, they won't get any of my biscuits. Just +wait till they smell them, girls--they will go down on their knees." + +"Yes, the only way to manage boys is to feed them well," sighed Amy, +with a funny air of knowing all there was to be known about men. + +"Oh, Amy! Amy!" gasped Mollie, "you will be the death of me yet. Anybody +would actually think, to hear you talk, that you had really had some +experience. Say, Betty," she added, regarding the doughy mixture--the +result of Betty's skillful manipulation, "that looks mighty +interesting--I shouldn't mind learning how to make them myself." + +"Oh, it's lots of fun," Betty affirmed, cutting out the biscuits with an +improvised cutter--this last being the top of a baking powder can. "Only +take my advice," she went on, standing with the cover poised in the air +and speaking earnestly. "Don't try it on your family first--they never +appreciate you. Why, the first time I made biscuits, do you know what +dad said?" + +"No, but I can imagine," said Grace, who had also been regarding the +operation, "judging from what dad and Will would have remarked." + +"Well, he said," Betty continued, patting the last biscuit into its +appointed place and regarding her work with satisfaction, "he said the +best thing I could do with them would be to pack them and send them to +the old country to use in some of the new howitzers or something like +that they are getting out. How is that for a slam?" + +"Well, I shouldn't wonder," said Grace wickedly, "if he were justified." + +Betty turned and shot a reproachful glance at her friend. "Just for +that, Grace," she said, "I ought to say you can't have any of +these--works of art," indicating the pan she was putting into the oven. +"Why do you girls stand around staring at me anyway?" she added, a +sudden note of impatience in her voice. "Why don't you do something to +earn your living? Set the table or get the water boiling for the eggs. I +can't do everything--now scatter! If you were all as hungry as I am you +wouldn't wait to be told." + +Laughingly the girls did as the Little Captain bid--somehow it was +impossible to do anything else. + +"Where is the table cloth, Mollie?" called Amy from the other room. "We +used paper napkins and doilies last night." Then she added, as Mollie +came to help her, "Did you ever see anybody eat like those boys last +night?" + +"It was a wonderful and awesome sight," Mollie agreed, as she and Amy +spread the cloth. "I wonder," she added as a sudden thought struck her, +"if the boys have had their breakfast." + +"What a question!" said Grace, appearing at the door carrying a plateful +of the most deliciously golden honey the girls had ever seen--or so at +least it seemed to them. "Do you imagine they could exist from six +o'clock to ten without eating? Mollie, I gave you credit for more +sense." + +"Is that so?" retorted Mollie, cross because she was hungry. "Well, I +have a good deal more sense than some people I know. I mention no names, +but see where I am looking," and she stared steadfastly at her unruffled +chum, who was calmly setting the honey on the table. + +"Here I am again," said Betty, "acting the part of peacemaker. Oh, +girls, it is too wonderful a day for outdoor girls to quarrel. I am +simply crazy to get out in the woods and just revel in the grass and the +trees and the sunshine." And she glanced longingly out of the open door +that led to the porch. "Oh, I wish," she said, "I wish the biscuits +could be done and eaten all in five minutes. Amy, did you put the eggs +in?" she demanded, and Amy, who had been gazing out of the window, +scuttled out to the kitchen obediently. + +The girls had nearly finished breakfast, when there was a sound of +voices outside the door, and a moment later the boys burst in upon them. + +"Hello!" said Allen, evidently surprised. "I didn't expect to see you +for another hour." + +"Say, those biscuits look good," said Roy. "I should say biscuit," he +corrected himself. "Say, Betty, do you happen to have any more of those +around?" + +"No, and you don't get this one, either. It belongs to Amy," said Betty +decidedly. "She has had only three and I made four apiece." + +Frank was just about to protest when she added compromisingly: "I'll +make some more for lunch." + +"When is lunch?" inquired Will practically. "Twelve o'clock?" + +"No, about one," Mollie answered. "We couldn't possibly eat before +then." + +Allen had been talking to Betty in an undertone, and now he broke into +the conversation with: "Betty says she wants to see our camp. Who cares +to go along?" + +There was a clamorous assent followed by a faint little protest from +Grace. "Don't you think we had better wash the dishes first?" she asked. + +"Oh, hang the dishes!" said Frank, inelegantly. "Remember we are +camping." + +"We'll wash them up with the lunch dishes," Betty compromised, then +added, with a sly little glance in Allen's direction: "We'll make the +boys wipe them for us." + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +A JOLLY TRIP + + +The girls and the boys, laughingly driving Mrs. Irving before them, +fairly tumbled down the shallow steps in their eagerness to feel the +soft grass under their feet. As Betty said, it was a glorious day, a +typical day in early August, when a soft breeze tempers the heat of the +scorching sun, and sets the trees to murmuring. + +The spicy air, sweet with the intoxicating scent of damp, moist earth +and blossoming flowers, went to their heads like wine and they danced +down the path that led through the woods on feet that scarcely touched +the ground. + +Soon they emerged from the dense shadows of the wood into the small +clearing which was thick and mossy under foot, and there, nestling among +the trees, were the two tents the boys had so laboriously constructed. + +"Oh, it is ideal!" cried Mollie, delightedly, as they stopped for a +moment on the outskirts of the clearing to survey the scene. + +[Illustration: THEY ROAMED ABOUT THE CLEARING INSPECTING THE TENT +CRITICALLY. _Page 89_ + +_The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island._] + +"Glad you like it," said Frank, then advancing toward the nearer of the +two tents, he paused, turned, and made a low bow. "Enter, fair damsels," +he said. + +"He thinks he is reading 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court,'" +drawled Grace. "However, we will deign to honor you with our presence." +And she swept past him with a queenly air that elicited amused laughter +from the others. + +For more than an hour the Outdoor Girls and their friends roamed about +the clearing inspecting the tent critically, inside and out, and picking +flowers in between times. It was Will who first suggested a change. + +"Why not take a walk about the country?" he asked. "I guess we have seen +all there is to be seen here. Come on, everybody. I want to get a bigger +appetite for lunch." + +"All right; where shall we go?" Betty agreed readily. "Your aunt must +have told you about this part of the world, Mollie. Where can we find +excitement?" + +"Well, there is the summer colony at the other end of the island," +Mollie began doubtfully. "But it is rather a long way off. The steamer +touches there from here." + +"Too far to go before lunch," Mrs. Irving said. + +The party spent the rest of the time until one o'clock visiting the +wharf and roaming the country in the immediate vicinity of the pretty +bungalow. + +True to her promise, Betty turned out at the appointed time a panful of +the most appetizing biscuits, and let it be said here that the boys did +them full justice--to say nothing of the girls. + +It was well on toward three o'clock before the girls had changed their +morning middies and skirts for dainty afternoon dresses, and had made +all other necessary preparations for a trip to town. Mrs. Irving +declined to go, saying she wished to write letters. + +It was in the best of spirits that the party of young people stood on +the end of the dock, waiting to hail the little steamer as it +chug-chugged its way from the summer colony at the far end of Pine +Island to the mainland. + +When finally it did come in sight, the girls and the boys found +themselves convulsed with laughter. If the shabby little craft had +appeared grotesque in the mist of the night before, how much more +forlorn did it look in the full, dazzling glare of the sun! As it came +nearer they saw that the decks were crowded with people, the gay dresses +of the girls mingling with the white flannel trousers and dark coats of +the men. + +"It's a wonder," said Frank, "that with all that crowd of people paying +good money to be towed ashore, they couldn't get something a little more +modern. My! it looks as if it had come out of the ark." + +"Oh, well, as long as it is seaworthy, I suppose they think it will do +as well as any other," said Roy. "The more some people make the less +they like to spend." + +By this time the clumsy ferry had plowed its way to the wharf, and had +come to a stop, while the people on board eyed the waiting young folks +curiously. + +"Guess they will know us the next time they see us," whispered Allen. +"We ought to hang out a placard: _Don't stare. We don't look it, but we +are human._" + +Betty laughed gaily. "They do need a few lessons in manners." + +The bungalow party thoroughly enjoyed the trip to the mainland. The +scenery was as beautiful as it had been pictured, and when they got +tired of looking at the sky, the water, and the mainland, they had +plenty to occupy their attention in the people about them. Everybody +seemed ready for a good time, and the old ferryboat was filled with +shouts and laughter. + +"I shouldn't mind knowing some of those people," Roy confided to Allen, +as they leaned against the shaky, old rail. "There's certainly nothing +slow about them." + +"Well, there is no reason why we shouldn't know them," said Allen. "From +what Mollie says, they are pretty close neighbors. In fact, the girls +said something about going over there this afternoon." + +"Well," returned Roy, "we can't go too soon to suit me." + +"If you are thinking of girls," said Allen, as Mollie and Grace came up +to them, "it is my opinion that they have nothing half so good to offer +us as we have already." + +"I guess you are right," Roy admitted, as they joined the rest of the +party. "Just look at all those dudes, staring at Betty and Grace! Say! +I'd like to teach them manners!" and he glowered at the unconscious boys +from the summer colony with a ferocity that should have terrified the +most hardy. + +"Come away," said Allen. "You can't blame them for doing just what we +have done for the last two years," he added, dryly. + +"Here we are, almost ashore," cried Amy, a little later. "Have you got +the list of the things we need, Allen? Let's see--butter and sugar and +baking powder and eggs and--oh, we mustn't forget the meat." + +"Chocolates," murmured Grace. + +"Don't worry so soon, Amy," laughed Will. "There will be plenty of time +for that when we get back to the island and find that we have forgotten +half the things." + +"Well, if we think of them now," said usually quiet Amy, "there won't be +any excuse for our forgetting them later." + +"Well, but perhaps we shall need an excuse," reasoned Will. "You would +never make a good diplomat, Amy." + +Betty put her arm protectingly around the younger girl. "There is no +reason why you should want to be that, is there?" she questioned. "Amy +thinks that as long as she feeds you boys well there is no need of----" + +"Oh, Betty, do stop," begged Amy, her face flushing scarlet. "It isn't +fair." + +"I know it," said Betty soothingly, while the boys looked on, curious to +know the meaning of this mystery. "I won't do it again, dear, I +promise." + +"I wish you would tell us----" Allen began, but once more Mollie +interrupted. + +"We had better get down near the front," she said, "or we'll not be +able to get ashore in half an hour. Did you ever see such a mob?" + +"It is considerable of a crowd," Frank admitted. "I think Mollie's +suggestion is a good one, fellows. Let's try to make an opening while we +can." + +The boys managed so well that when the little boat scraped against the +wall, their party was almost the first to set foot upon the land. + +"That was pretty good work," said Will, with an air of satisfaction as +they made their way to the shore, followed by a stream of laughing +humanity. "I hope the girls didn't mind getting their dresses mussed. +Say, fellows, if any one should ask me, I'd tell them it was one peach +of a day!" + +There being no disputing this fact, no one tried. The eight young people +swung down the shaded street, feeling in tune with the whole world. + +They succeeded in finding the general store. + +"Now get out that list, Allen," said Betty, as they entered the wide +doorway. "It would really be a shame to forget anything." + +Allen began to search through his pockets, calmly at first, then in +frantic haste. Seven pairs of eyes followed his panicky movements +anxiously. + +"You have never gone and forgotten it?" cried Mollie, in the awed tones +of one announcing the end of the world. "Oh, Allen! you haven't?" + +"Guess I have," he returned grimly, and, having searched through every +pocket, began all over again. "It's strange--I could have sworn----" + +"You're a nice one----" Grace began, but Roy interrupted her with a +shout that made their nearest neighbors turn and look at them curiously. + +"I have it!" he cried. "Don't you remember, Allen, that you gave it to +me just before we left, while you ran back to get something for Betty? +Behold," and he dangled the precious list before their eyes. + +"Oh," sighed Mollie in relief, "now if we girls had done anything like +that----" + +"Hands up, don't shoot!" cried Roy. "We admit everything." + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +"WHERE THERE IS SMOKE----" + + +The Outdoor Girls must have a fire. That they had decided at the supper +table. What was the use of having a big fire-place if they never used +it? Betty's theory was, that it was wicked to let anything go to waste. +All this being true, it stood to reason that a fire they must have. + +"I wonder if the boys wouldn't come in and help us build it," Grace +suggested, seized with a brilliant idea. "There are already some logs in +the fire-place, but I feel that I would like to have somebody else work +for me to-night." + +"Why, of course," said Mollie. "That's what we brought them with us +for--to help out when they were needed." + +"They would be flattered if they could hear you," said Amy. + +"I don't see why they insist on staying out in the woods and cooking +their own meals. Just think what fun we could have with them, if they +were here now," put in Mollie once again. + +"Yes, but then think of all the trouble they would be making us," said +Betty. "Besides," she added, "your aunt didn't say anything about a +troop of noisy boys, Mollie, when she lent us her bungalow for the +summer." + +"That's right, too," Mollie reluctantly conceded. "Just the same I hope +they haven't forgotten they are due here at six-thirty to wipe the +dishes. There is _such_ a pile of them!" + +"Methinks," Grace announced solemnly, "that even at this moment I hear +the sound of approaching footsteps." + +"How can you hear footsteps on the grass?" Mollie demanded rudely. "You +must have better ears than I have." + +"Of course I have," Grace retorted calmly. "I knew that long ago." + +Before Mollie could answer a head was poked in at the door and an +accompanying voice asked cheerily: "May we come in? Are we on time?" + +"You're as welcome as a day in June, Frank," called Betty, as she arose +and started to take the dishes into the kitchen. "We want you to wipe +these for us, and make a fire." + +"Anything else?" Frank inquired mildly, while the rest of him followed +his head into the room. "The fellows told me to come on ahead, and say +to you ladies that they would be here as soon as they got through +scouring their frying pan." + +"Poor boys," said Amy impulsively. "Why don't they bring the things +here?" + +But Mollie's thoughts took another direction. "I hope they bring back +the sapolio," she said practically. "It was the only cake we had." + +Betty paused half way to the kitchen and balanced her pile of dishes on +one hand. "Mollie," she cried in dismay, "they will never think of it! +Don't you think you had better go back and tell them, Frank?" she said. + +"Sure!" he answered obligingly, while he sunk into an easy chair with a +sigh of content. Evidently he was settled for the evening. + +"Then why don't you go?" Mollie demanded impatiently. "If boys aren't +the most aggravating things, when they want to be!" she added. + +"There's plenty of time," Frank assured her calmly. "I left the fellows +in the first throes of cleaning up--they won't be through for half an +hour at least." + +"Well, I don't care," said Betty, continuing her journeyings into the +kitchen. "If we haven't anything to scour the pans with, then they'll +not get scoured--that's all." + +"That's the spirit I like to see," said Frank, and Betty could have +thrown something at him, with the greatest of pleasure. "It's fine to +see anybody resigned to the inevitable." + +"Well, I know one thing," Mollie threatened, "if you don't go back in +five minutes, I will," and for emphasis she banged the salt cellar +forcibly upon the table. + +"What's the matter with our going together?" Frank inquired, moving his +head slightly to bring Mollie within his range of vision. "The distance +won't seem half as far if I have such pleasant company," he added +gallantly. + +"Don't do it," Betty, coming in from the kitchen, advised. "Make him +work a little." + +"Oh, you're only jealous because I didn't ask you," Frank teased. "I +always knew you thought a good deal of me, Betty." + +She made a little face at him, but did not deign to reply. Indeed, why +should she--the accusation was so plainly absurd? + +Long before they had expected, voices were heard in the distance and the +most unearthly noises broke the woodland stillness. There was a banging +of wood upon tin and the clatter of utensils mingling with the +outrageous uproar from three pairs of sound and healthy lungs. There +were shouts and war cries and yells, combining in a weird clamor that +could be heard for miles around--or so it seemed to the girls. + +The girls looked at each other inquiringly--then made a concerted rush +for the door. + +"Oh, what a noise!" cried Betty. "It's just as well there isn't anybody +else in this part of the wood." + +A moment later the boys rushed upon them, vigorously pounding utensils, +and shouting at the top of their voices. The girls gave way before them, +and the roisterers tumbled in and took possession as though they were +really the Redskins, whose cries they were successfully imitating. They +raced about the house like madmen, while the girls watched their antics +in a peculiar frame of mind. If the truth must be told, they were +undecided whether to be displeased or amused. Amusement conquered in the +end, however, for the boys were irresistibly funny, and the girls +laughed till they ached and the tears rolled down their cheeks. + +After considerable time they all managed to quiet down enough to talk +sense. + +"The girls want us to make a fire, fellows," said Frank. "The idea looks +good to me." + +"It is good," Allen agreed. "Give us the wood and matches, and we will +have a fire going in no time." + +"The wood is in the fire-place," Betty answered, "and Mollie has the +matches, I think." + +With this the boys set to work energetically, while the girls and Mrs. +Irving stood about them in a semi-circle. + +"It's so different from building a fire in the open," Amy commented. "I +always love them. Can't we toast marshmallows? That's the most fun of +all." + +"We could if we had any," Grace replied dryly. "I have some chocolates +but you can't roast them, and nobody had the sense to think to buy +marshmallows to-day." + +At this last remark, Frank sat back upon his heels and favored Mollie +with a sly wink--while that young lady smiled mysteriously. + +"Thereby hangs a tale of which you shall hear later," he said, and, in +spite of all their urging, he could not be made to say another word. + +However, their curiosity was forgotten a moment later--forgotten in the +excitement caused by a strange and curious happening. + +Suddenly the smoke which had been rolling in clouds up the chimney, +refused to roll farther. There being no other exit except into the room, +the girls and boys suddenly found themselves suffocating. They choked, +and the boys stumbled to their feet and followed the fleeing girls into +the dining room. + +There was a chorus of sneezes and smothered cries of "I'm choking! Open +the window, some one, quick!" + +"The windows are open and the doors, too," gasped Frank, in answer to +this last request. + +"Don't be alarmed, any one," Allen commanded. "It's nothing but a +clogged-up chimney, and that won't hurt anybody." + +"But the smoke!" gasped Mollie. "Why, the house will be ruined. What +will Aunt Elvira say?" + +"Oh, it won't hurt anything," said Betty, making a brave attempt to push +her way through the smoke into the living room. "But it is terrible. +Can't we do something to stop it, boys?" + +"I don't know how we can--unless----" Roy turned quickly to Mollie. "Did +your aunt say anything about a blower?" he asked eagerly. + +"I don't remember--I--I don't remember," stammered poor Mollie, whose +memory was being taxed to the utmost. "You might look though, and see +what you can find." + +"Oh, do hurry, somebody!" begged Grace. "I'll take to the woods in +another minute." + +"Oh, have a little patience, Sis, can't you?" cried Will, losing his +temper. "We are all doing the best we can." + +"But look," said Mollie, suddenly pointing to the other room. "The +smoke is beginning to clear and the wood isn't half burned out yet." + +"Let's investigate," Frank suggested. "Maybe we can find out what is +wrong with the thing. Come on," and in they all trooped, coughing and +choking, but dauntless. + +"Get me a stick, will you, girls," Roy entreated, as he went nearer to +inspect the fire-place. "A broom will do. Or anything else you happen to +have around." + +Mollie disappeared into the kitchen and returned a moment later, +bringing back with her an old stick that looked as though it might have +been a clothespole in its better days. + +"Will this do?" she asked, holding it out to Roy. "It was the only thing +I could find." + +"Just what I wanted," Roy answered. "Now, fellows, let's see what we can +do with the thing." + +The four boys crowded around, peering up into the opening as if they +hoped to find the solution of the mystery there, while the girls watched +them with breathless interest. + +It was then that it happened. Roy poked upward inquiringly with his +stick, and for answer a cloud of soot and ashes discharged itself from +the chimney, showering the boys' faces with grimy dust. + +They drew back with cries of disgust and began rubbing their eyes and +faces furiously. Then the four blackened adventurers turned to the girls +appealingly. They looked so funny, standing there with their faces black +and their clothes bespattered with grime and a look of sheepish chagrin +on their faces, that the girls burst into gales of uncontrolled +laughter. + +"You look just like candidates for a minstrel show," gasped Mollie, +while the boys stood regarding her reproachfully. "Oh, boys, if you only +had a mirror! If you only had!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +THE GATHERING OF THE CLANS + + +"If you got us some soap and water," Will suggested after they had +indulged in some sheepish grins at their own expense, "you might be +doing a little good in the world." + +"Well, you ought to know how to find it yourselves," Grace retorted. +"Suppose you go and wash, and make yourselves look like respectable +citizens again--even though you aren't," she added sweetly. + +"Look out, Grace, some time we will get even for all the knocks you have +been handing out," Frank threatened, shaking a grimy fist in her +direction. + +"Now I don't suppose we can have a fire at all," sighed Mollie, as the +boys made a rush for the stairs. "And I did so want one." + +"If we can find a blower," Allen shouted from the landing, "we'll have a +good fire yet." + +"Yes, look around, girls, will you?" Roy added, "It will save no end of +time." + +"Do you know what a blower looks like?" Mollie inquired, a puzzled frown +on her forehead. "How can I find anything when I don't know what it +looks like?" + +"Oh, I know," said Betty. "We used to have one at home before dad put +the hood on the fire-place. Let's go on a still hunt." + +This they did, and when the boys came down a few minutes later they +proudly announced their discovery. + +"This is it, isn't it?" asked Betty, indicating a big square of tin with +a handle at the top. "It looks like the one we used to use." + +"It's exactly the thing," cried Frank, pouncing on it eagerly. "Now if +this doesn't make the wood burn, nothing will." + +In less time than it takes to tell the boys had succeeded in igniting +the green wood, and had applied the blower before the smoke had had a +chance to get out into the room. + +The fire danced and glowed, while its leaping flames sent fantastic +shadows playing hide and seek around the room. + +"How is this for a fire, eh?" said Will, holding out his hand to the +welcome warmth of the blaze, for although the days were hot, the nights +were apt to be damp and cool on this island, surrounded as it was by the +waters of the lake. "Some time the girls will find out that we know our +business pretty well. Oh, that feels good!" + +"You are right," said Frank, as they instinctively drew their chairs +nearer to the fire. "Now all we need is something to roast or toast, it +doesn't much matter which." + +"That reminds me," said Betty, turning accusing eyes upon Roy and +Mollie, whose faces were clearly outlined in the dancing fire-light. +"You two people over there seem to have a secret that you don't want to +share with us. I think Mrs. Irving knows," she went on, turning an +accusing eye on the chaperon where she sat in the midst of the circle, +"but she won't let on. Suppose you tell the rest of us what it is." + +"Well, Mollie said something about a fire," Roy admitted, "and I thought +a couple of boxes of marshmallows wouldn't be unwelcome; so, when the +rest of you were all busy buying other things, Mollie and I slipped off +and got them. Where are they, Mollie?" + +"I'll get them," she answered, rising reluctantly from her comfortable +chair. "I hid them. I knew that if Grace once had an inkling they were +in the house she would never rest till she found them. In that case----" +she paused impressively, and looked about her, "there wouldn't have been +one left by to-night." + +They laughed, well knowing the truth of this remark, while Grace gave a +sigh at being so misunderstood. + +A few moments later, Mollie had returned with the cherished sweetmeats +and the boys were busily engaged in the process of toasting them on the +ends of long wire forks made especially for that purpose. + +"Um--um, this is good," said Betty, biting off the end of a delicious +morsel. "Why didn't you buy three boxes while you were about it, Roy?" + +"That's all you get----" Roy was beginning, when Mollie interrupted him, +speaking dreamily. + +"Wasn't he a funny old man, Roy?" she said--"the one who sold us the +candies, I mean." + +"Yes, I guess he must have been in his dotage," Roy agreed. "In five +minutes he told us all his life's history and then some." + +"That's pretty good," said Allen with interest, while he dangled his +marshmallow perilously near the leaping flames. "I bet you couldn't do +as well." + +"I know I couldn't," Roy answered modestly. "That old chap was a past +master all right. Some of the things he said were interesting, though. +Weren't they, Mollie?" + +"Very," said Mollie, while she stared fixedly at the fire. "Interesting +and--a little creepy," she added. + +The girls started and leaned forward eagerly, Mrs. Irving and the boys +evincing equal interest. + +"Creepy!" Amy repeated, in awed tones. "Oh, Mollie, what do you mean?" + +"Just that," said Mollie, enjoying the sensation she was making. "He was +an awfully wizened old man, and when he heard we were from Pine +Island--well, he told us some mighty queer things." + +"Pine Island?" cried Mrs. Irving, the color flaming into her cheeks, +whether from excitement or the warmth of the fire, no one could tell. + +"What can be strange about Pine Island?" demanded Betty. "Mollie, I +could shake you; why don't you tell us and have it over with?" + +Mollie glanced at Roy. "Shall I?" she asked, just as if she had not been +longing for the last half hour for the time to come when she could +create a sensation by telling. + +"You might as well," he answered condescendingly. "As long as we have to +have them around for the rest of the summer, we might as well let them +in on it." + +"Well of all the----" Grace was beginning, when Betty nudged her +sharply. + +"Don't interrupt, Grace, whatever you do," she whispered. "They take +long enough getting to the point anyway." + +Grace saw the wisdom in this, and stopped short. + +"Well," began Mollie, speaking slowly and with aggravating distinctness, +"you see, in the old days, this island used to be a rendezvous for all +the wandering gypsies for miles around." + +"What?" Frank cried. + +"Well, I am only telling you what the old man said," asserted Mollie +defensively and with warmth. "I don't say he may not be mistaken----" + +"Oh, that's all right, Mollie," Betty broke in quickly. "We understand +that you are not vouching for the old man's honesty. All we want is his +story. Please go on--I am awfully interested." + +"Just think, gypsies on this island!" murmured Amy, shuddering. + +"He says," Mollie continued, "in the old days there used to be as many +as two or three hundred of the gypsies gathered around here--on this +part of the island, too." She paused to see the effect of her words. + +"But didn't your aunt say anything about that, Mollie?" Grace queried. +"Why, it seems impossible. I don't wonder you felt creepy, especially +if there are many like that old crone we saw in Deepdale," and she +glanced over her shoulder in the direction of the open window. + +"Don't you think we had better lock the door?" suggested Amy. "Some of +those men in the gypsy camp looked actually murderous." + +Of course the boys laughed at her fears, and Roy remarked casually: "The +old chap told us something else, fellows, that may be of interest later +on." + +"What's that?" Will demanded. + +"He said that when the tide was on the ebb, you could actually ford the +lake to the islands farther south. It might be worth while trying some +time." + +"You bet it will!" said Allen, and his eagerness was not feigned. + +"We'll try it the first chance we get," Frank added. + +"We're going, too," said Betty. "You needn't think you can leave us +behind when there is anything like that afoot." + +"We wouldn't try," said Allen, ruefully. "Especially as you girls say +you can swim." + +"However, they will have to prove that point," Roy put in. + +"That's easy," said Grace fearlessly. "As we have remarked before, we +haven't been outdoor girls all our lives for nothing." + +"If you boys hadn't been so set on our looking at your old camp to-day," +said Amy with unusual spirit, "we would have proved it to you before +this. But do you really think there are gypsies on the island?" she +added. "Because, if there are, we might be able to find some of their +loot." She voiced this last desire in hushed tones. + +The girls laughed even while they drew their chairs still closer to the +fire. + +"Such a chance!" gibed Will, but Betty's eyes were shining in the glow +of the fire-light. + +"Oh, if we only could!" she whispered softly. "If we could only get the +stuff stolen from Deepdale!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +A VICTORY FOR BETTY + + +Breakfast was cleaned away and Betty, with Mollie at her heels, made a +rush for the bedroom. + +"I'm willing to wager anything," called the former, gaily, "that I'll be +in my bathing suit before any of the rest of you have started." + +"I hope the water isn't too cold," Grace shivered, as she took out her +bathing suit. "If there is anything I hate, it's trying to swim in icy +water. It almost makes my heart stop beating." + +"All right, we'll have the weather man heat it for you," said Betty, +slipping into her neat little suit. "I don't know how the water can be +cold, though," she added, "the air is suffocating to-day." + +"Now--one, two, three--go!" and they were off like four little black +sprites, down the broad stairway and into the living room where the boys +were already assembled, talking to the chaperon. + +The boys wore raincoats over their bathing suits; and, as the girls +entered the room, they shouted a merry greeting. + +"So soon?" called Frank in surprise. "Why, we didn't expect to see you +for an hour at least." + +"An hour?" said Betty, with feigned indignation--for she was a good +little actress, was Betty. "Why, we thought you were never coming!" + +"You mean to say you were waiting for us?" said Allen, incredulously. +"Betty, are you telling the truth? Mrs. Irving, is she?" + +"I assure you I was too busy finding my bathing suit and getting into it +to know just when the girls were ready," responded the chaperon. + +At one part of the island the ground dipped gradually so that one might +have any depth of water desired, and it was to this part that the young +folks made their way. + +"Remember----" said Frank, referring to the conversation of the night +before, "remember, you girls will have to prove your claims to +championship swimming this morning. If you were just faking, now is the +time we'll find you out." + +"We're not faking," Mollie denied stoutly. "I learned to swim when I was +nine years old, and I've been swimming ever since." + +"Really?" Roy inquired with interest. "Then you must be Mollie's ghost, +while the real Mollie is swimming around out there somewhere," waving +his hand in the direction of the water, "chumming with some of the +beautiful water nymphs. Just think, nothing to do but swim for--how many +years is it, Mollie?" he asked. + +"Goose!" was all she answered, but that one little word managed somehow +to contain a world of scorn. + +"You try it first, Will," begged his sister. "Then you can tell us +whether it is cold or not." + +"Say, what kind of sport are you, anyway?" Will demanded. "That's the +way with girls--they all make a big bluff about being able to do what we +can, and then when it actually comes down to business they want to try +it on us first. I'd like to see one of you go in first!" + +Betty made a dash for the water. "Wouldn't it be nice," she flung back +at him over her shoulder, "if all wishes could be granted so easily. +Come on, girls--we'll show them a thing or two," and she waded in till +the water was above her waist, then plunged in over her head. + +Mollie followed close upon her heels and it was a moment before the boys +realized what had happened, and could rouse themselves to action. + +"Come on, fellows!" Allen shouted. "We can't let two girls get the best +of us like that." + +Mrs. Irving, who was at home in the water, entered and swam out boldly. + +"Are you going to stay there?" Frank shouted to Amy and Grace, who stood +uncertainly on the bank, undecided whether to advance or retreat. "Come +on in--the water's fine." + +Thus encouraged, the two girls threw caution to the winds, and waded in +till the warm water was up to their shoulders. + +"Oh, it is wonderful!" cried Amy. "Look how far we are behind. Let's see +if we can't catch up with them." And they started off with a will after +their deserting comrades. + +It was not long before the powerful strokes of the boys brought them up +beside Mollie and Betty who were swimming easily. + +"Hello, runaways," was Frank's greeting, turning over on his back and +propelling himself by a whirlpool motion of his arms. "Thought you'd +give us the slip, did you? Well, we shall see." + +Betty followed Frank's example, floating lazily on the still surface of +the water. + +"We weren't running away," she said; "we just wanted to show you we +weren't afraid, that's all." + +"I'll give you a race to that floating log out there, Betty." + +Betty turned over and regarded the log in question with thoughtful eyes. +"All right," she agreed, after a moment's hesitation. "I guess I can +make that easily enough. Will you call the start?" + +"Just as you say," he answered. "We are almost even now, and when I say +go, we're off. Agreed?" + +"Uh'huh," answered Betty. + +"All right. One--two--three--go!" + +They shot forward together, side by side and shoulder to shoulder, each +determined to save his strength for the final spurt. + +By this time the others had come up and were watching the race with +interest. + +On, on the two racers went, with no apparent effort, until half the +distance to the log had been covered. It was then that the watchers +noticed the change. Betty lengthened her stroke a trifle and forged +ahead, while Frank still kept the same steady stroke. + +Then, when more than half of the remaining distance had been covered, +Frank evidently made up his mind that it was time to show those people +some real speed. Suddenly he dropped the lazy stroke, and it seemed as +though he were imbued with new life. His arms and legs worked together +with the precision of a machine and he shot through the water like a +catapult. + +Betty was not prepared for so sudden a transformation, but her surprise +lasted only a minute. Gallantly she gathered all her strength and made a +dash for the goal. + +"I see Betty's finish," Will was saying, when Mollie cried excitedly: + +"You just watch Betty. Did you ever see a girl like her?" + +As Allen came up beside the pair he thought that at last he and Mollie +had found something to agree upon. + +They watched Betty with straining eyes. + +"She'll do it!" cried Allen. "I never thought it was possible for a girl +to swim like that. Look, she has caught up to him." + +It was so. Betty had used the last ounce of strength in her strong, +young arms and the result was a tie. + +She and Frank laid hands upon the log at one and the same instant. + +Frank shook the water from his eyes, and regarded his rival in +amazement. "How did you ever do it?" he questioned. "I thought I had you +beat a mile." + +"Well, that's where you had another think coming." Betty would not have +been human had she not gloried in this victory--for even a tie with one +of Frank's strength and muscle was a triumph. "I told you I could +swim." + +"Hoorah for the cham_peens_!" shouted Will as the others reached the +goal a few moments later. "That's pretty good work, Betty. I have to +hand it to you." + +"Don't you think we had better get to the shore and rest a while?" Roy +suggested. "Amy and Grace seem to have gotten there before us, and Mrs. +Irving has gone back to the bungalow." + +The others agreed and they all swam lazily toward the mossy bank. Betty +drew herself up and sank upon the grassy knoll with a sigh of utter +relaxation. + +"I'd like to give you a longer race," said Frank, whose near defeat at +the hands of a girl was hard to bear. "I bet I could beat you easily on +a long stretch." + +Betty sat up suddenly and stared at him. "Frank Haley!" she cried, "I've +a good mind to take you up." + +"A race! a race!" cried Mollie, clapping her hands in delight. "Oh, I'd +love to see it." + +"Go on, Frank, set the day," Allen urged. "After what you said you are +in honor bound to give Betty a chance." + +"I am perfectly willing," said Frank, glancing toward Betty. "What do +you say about it?" + +"You can't arrange it too soon to suit me," Betty answered, undaunted. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +A SPLENDID CATCH + + +"Can't anybody think of anything to do?" Mollie queried impatiently. +"I'll go crazy if I have to sit around here for another half hour," and +she dug the toe of her shoe into the soft sward viciously. + +"You are not very flattering to our company," said Roy, leaning on one +elbow and smiling up lazily at the straight little figure beside him. + +Mrs. Irving was lying down and the rest of the party was gathering about +the camping place of the boys, some roaming about restlessly and others +sitting upon the grass. It was a sultry, scorching day, when not a +breeze came to temper the heat--a day when the slightest movement +produces the effect, as Mollie had said, "of a fire lighted right under +your nose." The young people were restlessly on edge, undecided what to +do. + +It was too hot to make the long-looked-for walk to the summer colony a +possibility. Of course they could swim, but this they had done all +morning long and one couldn't swim forever! This was the state of +affairs then, when Mollie made her petulant remark. + +"That's nonsense," she retorted, in reply to Roy. "It isn't the company +I find fault with, it's the atmosphere." + +Allen and Betty, who had come back from a little ramble in the woods, +surveyed the scene thoughtfully. + +"I tell you what we can do," said Allen, and the two on the grass +regarded him hopefully. "We fellows have brought some fishing +tackle--suppose we go out and try to get some fish for supper? That +doesn't require much energy," he added. + +"Allen, you have saved my life!" cried Mollie, springing up from the +mossy rock, which had been her seat. "Can't we go right away? Oh, do +call the others and ask them to hurry!" + +"Take it easy," Roy cautioned, still stretched out on the grass. "You'll +get all heated up again. Besides there's no such awful rush--we have all +the time there is before us." + +But Mollie was all action, now that there was some definite point in +view. + +She called the others to her, speaking quickly. + +"We are going to catch some fish," she announced eagerly. "Or at least +we are going to try to." + +"Try is good," murmured Frank, but Mollie continued, unheeding. + +"It is strange that I didn't remember before," she went on, "what Aunt +Elvira said about the wonderful fishing pool about a mile away." + +"A mile!" groaned Grace. "Do you mean to say that we have to walk a mile +in this blazing heat?" + +"Nobody _has_ to," Mollie retorted. "It's only a question of wanting to. +I'm going if I have to go alone." + +"Oh, come on, Grace, be a sport," Frank coaxed. "Just think how nice and +shady and cool it will be when we get there. It _will_ be nice and shady +and cool, won't it, Mollie?" he added, turning to her for confirmation. + +"Nice rocks with great, big trees shading them and clear, cold water +with lots of fish in it and--and--oh, everything!" she agreed in a burst +of enthusiasm. + +"That sounds mighty good to me," said Roy. "Now for the fishing +tackle--where is it, fellows?" + +"Oh, wait a minute," called Mollie, as they made a rush for the tents. +"There are some rods up at the house, too. We might as well take all we +can get." + +"Good!" said Will. "I'll go with the girls, fellows, and help them while +you are getting things ready." + +Their present elation was very different from the apathy which had +possessed them so short a time before. Indeed, Mollie's description of +the fishing pool was very alluring. + +"Whereabouts did you see the tackle, Mollie?" Will asked, as they +entered the house. + +"Oh, I can find it," said Mollie with conviction. "I think there were +four rods. I hope I wasn't mistaken." + +"If you were," said Amy, "one of us will have to sit still and watch!" + +"And I think I know who that will be," said Will with a sly glance at +his sister. + +"Just for that," Grace retorted, "I'll show you the best catch of the +day." + +"We shall see," said Mollie, opening the door of a small closet under +the stairs. "Look," she added, "there they are. You're a judge of rods, +Will--how do these look?" + +Will took them in his hands and examined them minutely. "They're +pippins!" he exclaimed joyfully. "I don't know when I've seen a better +outfit. You ought to be able to catch all the fish in the lake with +these, girls," and he regarded them admiringly. + +"We'd better watch out for the boys," said Amy, wisely, as they left the +house. "They will be exchanging their rods for ours, if we aren't +careful." + +They all laughed, including Mrs. Irving, who had come downstairs. She +had not been feeling well of late--the heat had been too much for +her--but she had announced a strong desire to accompany the young folks, +if they went very far from home. + +They found the three boys industriously digging worms, and so intent +were they in this absorbing occupation that they did not look up when +the party approached. + +"What are you doing?" Grace asked, and then, as Allen held up a +wriggling candidate for the hook, she shivered and drew back in disgust. + +"Ugh," she said, "how I hate the nasty things! Somebody will have to +bait my hook for me. I couldn't do it in a million years." + +"All right, nobody asked you to. How's that for a good fat one, eh?" +asked Roy, as he held up an unusually fine one for her inspection. + +"Why is it boys always have to tease?" Betty asked of the world in +general. "We know you have to have worms for bait, but that doesn't +make us like to look at them." + +"Well, I guess that's enough," said Allen, clapping the top on the big +tin box, and getting to his feet. "Now if the fish don't like the bait +any better than you girls, I shouldn't wonder if we got done out of our +supper." + +"My aunt says they are wonderfully agreeable," said Mollie as they +started down the path, "especially in that pool. She says they just fall +over one another in their hurry to get caught." + +"And you waited all this time to tell us about it," said Allen +reproachfully. "And even then I had to suggest it." + +"Yes, if it were just an ordinary pool you could understand it," Frank +added. "But a marvel like this! Gee, those fish must be hungry!" + +The Outdoor Girls and their companions tramped for what seemed to them a +very long time, but at last they were rewarded by a vision of a +beautiful glade--all trees and rocks and crystal-clear water. + +"Well, this looks like something," said Will, drawing a deep breath. "I +wouldn't mind camping here for the rest of the season." + +Betty laughed. "You would either have to saw down about a hundred +trees," she said, "or camp in the pool with the little fishes." + +"Well, it might not be so bad at that," said Will, cheerfully, while he +helped Amy over the uneven places. "I could have fish dinners if I +wanted them anyway." + +"Well, there is nothing like looking on the bright side of things," +laughed Allen. "Look, Betty, here is a place that was just made for you. +Seat and back and everything complete. Isn't it a dandy?" + +"Do I dangle my feet over it?" asked Betty doubtfully, surveying the +water beneath. "Suppose one of my slippers dropped off?" + +"I suppose I'd go down and get it," he said, brushing the difficulty +aside with a wave of his hand. + +"But it would be ruined," wailed Betty. "They don't feel very tight, you +know." + +Allen ran his hand through his hair in evident perplexity. Then his brow +cleared before the light of a sudden inspiration. + +"Can't you take them off?" he asked eagerly. + +"Allen!" she cried. "What an idea! Of course I can't." + +"Well, what are you going to do then?" he demanded despairingly. "I've +suggested everything I could think of and you certainly can't stand up +all afternoon." + +"What are you two talking about?" Grace demanded. "Don't you know you +are blocking the way?" + +"I don't want to put my feet over the edge," Betty explained. "And I +don't know what else to do." + +"Follow my example," Mollie suggested. "Sit on 'em." + +"Good idea," Betty agreed. And she immediately plumped down on her two +slim ankles, looking up at Allen invitingly. "You look so far away," she +said. "When you sit down you are not nearly so impressive. There's +plenty of room for two," and she patted the rock beside her. + +Allen obediently stretched his long length on the turf at her side, +letting his legs hang over. + +"You see I'm not afraid to risk a dip in the aqua pura," he said. "It +wouldn't ruin my dainty little gunboats." + +"It looks as if nothing would hurt them but an axe," Frank remarked. He +had seated himself next to Allen and Betty, after having made Grace +comfortable, and was busily engaged in baiting his hook. "You'd better +hurry up, Allen--we'll have all the fish in the place hooked before you +get started." + +"Oh, no you won't," said Allen. "Hand us some of those worms, Will, will +you?" + +"Don't let them come too near me, will you, Allen?" begged Betty. "I +don't like them much more than Grace does." + +"Anybody would think you were talking about some lion or tiger from the +jungle," laughed Allen, as Will handed him the bait, "instead of three +little, harmless, unoffending worms----" + +"Who seem to be running in a streak of hard luck," Frank finished, as he +cast his line into the water. + +"It does seem foolish," Betty admitted, taking her rod from Allen's +hand, "but I can't help it. Come, little fishes," she called, casting +her line far out into the pool. "Right this way! You have got to live up +to the reputation Mollie has given you." + +Allen had just succeeded in landing a magnificent, big fish, and was +holding it down to keep it from sliding into the water, when a terrified +cry broke the stillness. + +"Help! help! I am drowning." + +For one stupefied instant, the fishers gazed dumbly at one another. Then +Allen released his hold on the big fish, letting it slide unheeded into +the water, and led the dash through the woods. + +"Help! help!" called the voice again, fainter this time. + +"Keep up your courage!" Allen shouted. "We are coming!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON + + +"Oh, oh!" Betty almost sobbed, as they stumbled on over stumps and +fallen logs. "If the boys can only get there in time--if they only can!" + +As Allen was the first to start, so he was also the first to reach the +water's edge. He was just in time to see two hands above the surface of +the water--two hands clutching in anguish. + +As he rid himself of his shoes in frantic haste, there was one thought +and one only in his mind--to reach the helpless owner of those hands and +bring her back to life and hope. He was sure it was a girl--those little +appealing hands could belong to no other. + +The next moment he was in the water, swimming desperately toward the +point where he had seen the hands disappear. + +Oh, he would never reach it! The water seemed to be some living thing, +pushing him; driving him back to the shore in spite of himself! His +muscles seemed weighted with lead, his sodden clothing dragged upon him +mercilessly! Oh, he would never reach her in time--he couldn't! + +Then a wild, hot thought flashed through his consciousness, searing it +like a flame. Now was no time to say he could not! He must! _He must!_ A +life depended on his ability to reach that spot when the girl came to +the surface again--if indeed she ever did. Ah, perhaps what he had seen +had been the last time. Then he must dive, dive, dive until he found +her, even though he lose his own life in the attempt. + +But no--there right before him so near that he could almost touch it, a +figure rose to the surface, struggling faintly. + +With one supreme effort Allen forged ahead and grasped the skirt of the +girl's bathing suit as she sank for the last time beneath the surface. + +"Thank God!" he murmured, as he raised the girl's head, with its mass of +tangled hair, above the water. "Oh, thank God!" + +As he turned and started to swim slowly back to shore with his burden, +he almost ran into the other three boys who had followed close upon his +heels. + +"Oh, you've got her, have you?" said Frank, unutterable gladness in his +voice. "I was sure you would be too late." + +"It may be yet," said Roy, "if we don't get her to shore pretty quick. +Here, let me take her, old man--you're all tuckered out." + +Allen willingly released his burden, and they swam as quickly as they +could to the shore. + +They found the girls waiting for them, with white, strained faces. + +"Oh, oh!" cried Grace, as they lifted the poor little inert body on to +the bank. "Oh, do you suppose she is dead?" + +"Well, she will be if we don't hurry pretty fast," said Betty, her voice +trembling but determined. "Boys, look about and see if you can find +anything round and hard that we can use in place of a barrel. Oh, do +hurry! Mollie, you take her other arm and move it up and down--that's +the way--hard--hard." + +Mollie did as she was told and in less time than seemed possible the +boys returned bringing with them part of a fallen log. This Betty +declared was the very thing. + +For half an hour they worked over the unconscious form and more than +once during that time, they had almost given up hope of bringing back +the spark of life. Then, all at once, a change took place--the ashy look +of her face gave way to a faint tinge of color--the blue lips parted in +something very like a sigh, and her hands, which had been lying inert +and lifeless at her side, twitched almost imperceptibly. + +"Oh, she's coming back! she's coming!" cried Amy almost in tears. "Oh, I +was sure she was dead!" + +"Hush," Betty cautioned her in a whisper. "I think she knows what we are +talking about," then bending over the girl she said very gently: "Do you +feel better, dear?" + +Slowly the eyelids fluttered, and the eyes gazed vaguely up into Betty's +sweet ones. The lips moved and Betty bent down closer to listen. + +"I don't know you, do I?" the words were almost inaudible. "I--I--don't +seem to remember----" + +"Don't try, my dear," said Betty soothingly, while two tears made their +way down her face, only to be dashed away impatiently. "You have been +through a terrible experience, and you don't have to think very hard +just now--there is plenty of time." + +Slowly, understanding replaced the vague wonder in the girl's eyes, and +she reached out with an unsteady hand to touch Betty's white dress. + +"I wanted to be sure you were real," she explained, smiling wistfully. +"I was afraid you might vanish. Will you help me to remember?" she +pleaded. + +Betty's warm heart went out to the girl, and when she spoke her voice +was full of pity and tenderness. + +"I'll help you as far as I can," she promised. "You were swimming and +something happened that made you cry for help. Luckily we happened to be +near and one of the boys got you and brought you back to land. And here +you are getting strong and well again," she finished brightly. + +"Well, whoever you are, you're a dear," said the stranger, the emphasis +showing how quickly she was gaining strength. "I remember now all about +it. Mother and dad have told me over and over that I must not come over +here alone; but the day was perfect for a swim and no one else would +come, so I slipped off by myself. I was swimming all right, and then I +was taken with cramps. Oh, oh, it was terrible!" and she covered her +face with her hands to shut out the memory. + +"Don't think of it," said Amy compassionately, kneeling down beside the +girl and taking the cold hand in hers. "It's all over now, and you are +safe and sound. Try just to remember that." + +The girl looked up wonderingly at the sweet girlish faces gathered about +her. "I think you must be a--a company of angels," a sharp sob broke +the attempt at a laugh--for she was still very weak. "You are all so +good to me I----" + +"You would have done the same for any of us," said Betty, trying hard to +keep her voice matter-of-fact. "So you needn't thank us for it. How are +you feeling--better?" + +"A great deal," answered the girl, with a grateful glance toward Betty. +"I almost feel as if I could stand up." + +"If you want to try, one of the boys will help you," Grace suggested, +turning to the latter, who had been standing several feet back from the +little group, natural delicacy forbidding them to intrude. + +But now, being thus appealed to for help, they stepped forward like one +person, offering assistance. They helped the girl to her feet and +steadied her as she stood, weak and trembling. + +She looked from one to the other with a wan little smile on her lips. +"Which one of you have I to thank for--for saving me?" she asked. + +"None of us," said Roy, with an attempt at gallantry which was rendered +funny by his extremely sodden aspect. "It was a pleasure." + +Noting the girl's bewilderment, Betty hastened to explain. "They all did +it," she said; "but if credit is due to any one of them it must be given +to Allen for reaching you first." + +"Nonsense!" said Allen, abashed at being brought into the limelight. "I +was nearer than the other fellows, that's all. What's the use of talking +about it, anyway?" + +"There is a good deal of use, I think," the girl answered softly. "If +you people hadn't been so good and kind to me, I would have----" she +paused before the word, and shivered again in her weakness. + +"Don't think of it any more," Betty urged. "Now, what you most need is +rest. If we could get you back to our cottage or, perhaps, to your own +people----" she paused questioningly. + +"Oh, please," said the girl, "if you could only get me back to the +hotel, you don't know how grateful I would be. Mother and dad will be +crazy." + +"If we were only nearer our bungalow, we might take you back there and +then send word to your mother and father," said Mollie, thoughtfully. +"But I guess it is just about as far one way as the other." + +"Yes, the best thing we can do," Mrs. Irving decided, "is to get her as +quickly as possible to the summer colony. That is where you come from, +isn't it?" she asked. + +The girl nodded. All this time she had been standing, supported on +either hand by Roy and Will. But now Allen had a suggestion to make. + +"We could make a seat," he said, "and carry her the rest of the distance +to the colony. The sooner we start the better it will be." + +On this plan they agreed. Very naturally the girl was strainingly eager +to relieve the anxiety of her parents--to let them know she was safe +again. + +Allen and Frank, being the stronger of the boys, volunteered to carry +the slight girl--she was young, scarcely sixteen--for the first half +mile. Then the other two boys were to carry her the rest of the +distance. + +In a moment the little procession was formed, and it started off for the +woods, toward the summer colony. Allen and Frank moved in front with +their burden, followed by the four girls and Mrs. Irving, while Roy and +Will brought up the rear. + +The boys were wet to the skin, and even on a scorching day in August +that is anything but a pleasant sensation. Then, too, the way was rough, +and the briers and brambles along the path scratched their hands and +tore at their clothing. Ordinarily all these petty annoyances would have +tended toward making them irritable and cross, but on this day all such +trifles passed over their heads unnoticed. For had they not between +them done a marvelous thing? To save one life--to have brought back from +eternity one little soul--was there not joy enough in that to last them +all their days? The girls thought there was. + +After a walk that seemed endless, Will called out to the boys in the +front: "Isn't it time for relief work, Allen? We must have traveled more +than half a mile." + +"We're not tired," Allen shouted back. "The hotel is right ahead--we can +carry her for the rest of the way." + +"Just as you say," Roy answered. "But we are ready whenever you want +us." + +"All right," called Allen. "We may be glad of your help yet;" and so the +little party went on. + +A few moments later they heard voices directly ahead, and Anita--for +that, she had said, was her name--raised her voice excitedly. "They are +probably coming in search of me," she cried, cheeks flushing with the +hope of it. "I knew they would! Oh, I knew it! Dad! Conway!" she called. + +"Nita! where are you?" a voice shouted back, unutterable relief +vibrating in every syllable. "Call again!" + +Anita obeyed with a will. "Just keep on the way you are coming. I'm all +right, but please hurry!" + +Then the two relief parties came face to face. Frank and Allen set the +girl gently upon her feet and her father caught her in his arms. "You're +safe!" he murmured over and over again. "My little girl!" and the others +turned away before the depth of his emotion. + +His weakness lasted only a moment, then recovering his self-control he +handed Anita over to the affectionate bear hugs of an elder brother, and +turned to his daughter's rescuers. + +"Madam," he said to Mrs. Irving, "if you will tell me to whom I am +indebted for Anita's safe return, I will try to thank him or her or all +of you as the case may be. Although thanks at this time seem a small +return for such a service." + +"I am sure none of us wish any thanks for whatever little help we may +have been able to render your daughter," Mrs. Irving answered, with +grave courtesy. "We can only thank a kind fate for leading us within +hearing distance of her appeal for help. The rest is simply what you and +your son would have done for any of us had we been in similar danger." + +"That doesn't make what you have done any the less splendid," Anita's +brother broke in impulsively, holding his sister as though he would +never let her go again. "Anita is tired now, but when we hear the whole +story, I know we are going to be even more grateful to you than we were +before--eh, Anita?" + +"Oh, they were wonderful to me," said the girl, her eyes shining like +stars. "If it hadn't been for them--I don't dare--think----" and again +her hand flew to her eyes to shut out the horror of that awful moment. + +Suddenly all Mrs. Irving's mother instinct rose to the fore, and she +spoke impulsively. "Take the child home," she begged; "what she needs +more than anything else is rest. You can see she is at the breaking +point." + +Mr. Benton looked at his daughter, who indeed was trembling like a leaf +in her brother's arms, and saw the truth of the statement. "You are +right," he said slowly. "We can't get Anita home too soon." Then, +turning once more to Mrs. Irving, he added, while his eyes traveled over +the group of girls and boys behind her: "Although we haven't time now to +become better acquainted, we are going to stay here the rest of the +summer, and if you expect to remain our neighbors----" + +"Yes, father," broke in Anita, "they live at the bungalow at the other +end of the island, and they have already invited Conway and me to visit +them. When shall we go, Con?" + +"As soon as you are able, sister dear," Conway Benton said fondly. "I'll +be glad to go any time. Now we will have to get you home." + +So, after many words of mutual understanding and friendliness, they +parted and went on their separate ways. + +"I guess we shall have just time to get the fish and reach the bungalow +before dark," said Mrs. Irving, as our party started to retrace their +steps with weary feet and joyful hearts. + +It was not till they had nearly reached the fishing pool that Allen +thought of his big fish. + +"It was wicked to let that beauty go," he said, gazing ruefully into the +pool. "He was the king of them all." + +"Yes, but just see what you accomplished," Betty said at his elbow, +softly. "What you did to-day is worth a million fish." + +"Yes, and there are plenty more where that came from," he added, smiling +down at her. "Now let's hike along home--I am getting hungry." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +BENEATH THE MOON + + +"I have often read about it, but I never thought I would be fortunate +enough to actually see it," said Amy, clasping her hands behind her +head, and gazing out at the blue of an azure sky. + +The four girls were seated on the steps of the veranda talking, talking +over the events of the day before and speculating as to the future. + +"Well, it scared me nearly to death," said Grace, who was curled up on +the lower step, with a cushion brought from the house acting as head +rest. "I declare when I saw them drag her up on the bank, Betty, I +thought that she was dead. She looked so drawn and white, and----" + +"Well, you couldn't expect her to look particularly rosy and happy, +after all she had been through," Mollie remarked. "If I had been doused +under water as long as that poor girl was I would not only have looked +dead, I'd have been it." + +"Oh, I don't know," Grace retorted lazily. "If I'm not mistaken it +would take a good deal to stop that tongue of yours, Mollie." + +"Speak for yourself," Mollie was beginning angrily, when Betty entered +into the conversation. She had been dreamily studying the shimmering +ripples the soft wind had stirred upon the surface of the water. + +"Some day," she began in a sing-song voice, her eyes still fixed on the +distance, "I'm just going to let you two go on to the bitter finish. I +shouldn't wonder if you will be like the two cats of Kilkenny. You +remember what they did, don't you?" + +"No, what?" asked Mollie, and Grace added: "We might just as well know +where our bad tempers are going to land us. What did they do, Betty?" + +"They fought and they fit and they scratched and they bit," chanted +Betty, "till instead of two cats there weren't any." + +"I guess we had better take warning while there is still time, Grace," +said Mollie, with a little laugh. And so for the time being at least +peace was restored. + +"But when do you suppose Anita and her brother will come to see us?" +asked Amy. "I do hope it won't be very long." + +"I think Amy likes Conway," said Grace, then turning to Betty she asked +meaningly: "Do you, by any chance, believe in love at first sight?" + +"Oh, I think it can be done," Betty answered, her eyes twinkling with +fun as she looked at Amy's flushed face. "At least, I do believe in +strong attractions at the first meeting. Perhaps that is all Amy has +felt just yet." + +"Oh, girls!" implored Amy, in an agony of bashfulness, "I don't like +Conway Benton one bit more than any of the rest of you, and you know it. +I think it is mean for you to tease." + +"Oh, Amy, dear, it is only fun," cried Betty, throwing an arm about her +friend. "We don't really think that you have been smitten with a +stranger's charms. Still _stranger_ things have happened." + +"I don't agree with you," said Amy, and they wisely forbore to pursue +the subject. + +"Oh, but didn't that fish taste good last night?" said Mollie, coming +down to every-day matters. "I never ate anything like it in all my +life." + +"That's because we caught it ourselves," said Grace, unconsciously +voicing a common trait in human nature. + +"Let's take fish out of the conversation for a little while," Betty +suggested, "and talk about something romantic." + +"For instance?" Grace inquired, with uplifted eyebrows. + +"The gypsies," Betty answered. "Ever since the other night I've been +wondering if there was anything in what that old store-keeper said." + +"I hope not," said Amy, with a shudder. "I am more afraid of them than +anything else in the world, I think." + +"I don't see why," Mollie reflected. "Probably they are a great deal +more afraid of us." + +"Well, all gypsies are akin, they say; so maybe we could find out +something about Mr. Ford's Beauty and about Mrs. Billette's silver," +returned Betty. + +"Oh, don't talk about that," cried Mollie. "It fairly makes me sick, for +I'm sure we shall never hear of the things again." + +"I wonder when the boys are going to try to ford to the islands?" said +Grace. "The tide's getting low now." + +"Hello! where is everybody?" it was Will's voice calling from the woods. +"We are going for a paddle--who wants to come along?" + +"Ask us," called Betty. "We were just hoping you'd come to life." + +"Ah, the voice of the siren," called Will, over his shoulder. "Come on, +fellows, let's break up this galaxy of beauty." + +The boys sauntered up to the group of girls, and sprawled upon the steps +wherever there was room. + +"Where _have_ you kept yourselves all morning?" Mollie inquired, as +Frank drew a bur from her white skirt. "If you hadn't come pretty soon, +we were going over to look for you." + +"Oh, just around clearing up," Frank replied, with a vague little +gesture. "If we had known how much you wanted to see us, we would have +left some things undone." + +"You needn't have hurried on my account," Grace drawled. "I don't know +when I have ever felt happier than I did before you came. Oh, Roy, do +look out, you are sitting on my dress." + +Roy rose with alacrity. "Gee! a fellow can't do anything around here +without getting sat on," he complained. + +"It seems to me it was Grace's dress that was being sat on that time, +not you," Betty remarked, with a glint of mischief in her eyes. "I +wonder if anybody else has ever noticed," she went on, "the funny habit +all you boys have of blaming somebody else for blaming you." + +"You're away too deep for me, Betty," Roy protested with a shake of his +head. "That must be a mighty funny habit." + +"To change the subject," said Allen, rising and stretching his arms far +above his head, as if to make sure his muscles were still in good +condition, "who wants to share a nice little canoe with me? Your aunt +sure knew what she was doing, Mollie." + +"We would all like to go, I know," said Betty, with a doubtful glance at +the fast sinking sun. "Only I am afraid it is pretty near dinner time." + +"Well, I tell you what we'll do," said Frank, with sudden inspiration. +"We'll postpone our canoeing trip till to-night. There is going to be a +fine moon." + +"What difference does that make?" Grace asked severely. "I think we had +better go now, and have a fire this evening." + +"Oh, Grace, don't be a kill-joy," said her brother. "It is going to be +too wonderful a night to spend indoors." + +"Well, if Mrs. Irving says so," she began, and they all knew it was +settled. + +"Have dinner early, will you?" Roy urged, taking out his watch. "It is a +quarter past five now. Can you be ready to start by six?" + +"Oh, long before," Mollie assured him, rising hurriedly, and starting +toward the house, while the others followed her example. + +Then after a whispered consultation with the girls at the door, she +turned and threw the boys a merry glance. + +"If you are very good," she said, "we will let you eat with us +to-night." + +"Fine!" cried Allen. "And biscuits, Betty?" + +"Biscuits," she answered. + +They were hilarious all during the meal. In the first place, everything +was delicious, and in the second, everybody was in the best of spirits. + +Afterward they cleared away the dishes in no time, and the four girls, +Mrs. Irving having refused to be of the party, ran upstairs to get the +light wraps that were always needed at night. The boys met them outside +as they rushed down laughing and breathless, and ready for a good time. + +"I hope it doesn't take the moon till twelve o'clock to show itself," +said Will, as they made their way down the walk and on to the float +where the canoes were attached. "Mrs. Irving says that we are to be back +by ten o'clock at the latest." + +"That will give us plenty of time," Frank answered. "Don't you remember +we saw it a little after seven last night?" + +"It's lucky these canoes are eighteen feet long," said Allen, as he +unfastened the rope. "Otherwise we would have to take turns paddling." + +"Who's going to do the work first?" asked Betty. Then she added: "I love +to paddle." + +"If nobody has any objection," said Allen, "you shall. Grace, you drop +into the middle with Frank, until it comes your turn to do the work. +Betty may like it, but I must say I'd rather watch you people slave." + +"All right, we'll go fifty-fifty with you," Frank agreed cheerily. +"Here, Grace, step in the middle--that's the way. Now we are all +settled. Let her go, Captain." + +Allen swung himself into the stern, and deftly pushed the canoe clear of +the swaying float. "All right," he sang out. "Left hand or right, Betty? +It makes no difference to me. Now for the moon." + +"Look out, Allen, you are getting poetical," warned Betty, as she dipped +her paddle into the clear water. "Many a man has reached for the moon, +only to find that he had plucked some green cheese." + +"Are you sure it wasn't limburger?" asked Frank, mildly for so strong a +subject. + +"Ugh, don't!" cried Grace. "How I hate even the name of the horrid +stuff!" + +"And on a night like this, too," said Betty. "Can't we talk about +something less odoriferous?" + +"Remember you started it," said Frank defensively. + +"Yes, I know, but what I spoke of is such a wee little cousin to----" + +"Is that the dipper up there, Frank?" Grace asked, in haste to change +the subject. "Somehow it doesn't look natural." + +Frank squinted aloft. "That's our same old friend," he said. "By the +way, speaking of dippers, I am getting thirsty." + +"Well, I can't give you a drink, but I can feed you. Have a chocolate?" +cried Grace. + +"Oh, Grace!" protested Betty, "you never brought chocolates along?" + +"To be sure I did. Why not?" + +"You are hopeless," laughed Frank. + +"Look at that shooting star," said Betty, pointing with her paddle. "Oh, +that was a beauty!" + +"Did you wish on it?" asked Grace eagerly. + +"I didn't know I had to. Goodness, did I throw away an opportunity?" +Betty's tone was dismayed. + +"Why, of course," said Grace, with an air of superiority. "It's bad luck +if you don't." + +"All right, I won't let the next one escape," Betty promised. + +And so they went on and on, enjoying the shadowy stillness of the +night, and later revelling in the silver radiance of the moonlight. + +It was not until they started on their journey side by side with the +other canoe that Allen broached a subject that had been almost entirely +forgotten in the excitement of the last few days. + +"Say, when are you and Frank going to practice for the big race, Betty?" +he asked. "I am mighty anxious to see it." + +"To-morrow morning, I guess," said Betty, then added suddenly: "I don't +see why Frank and I should furnish all the fun. Why don't you all join +in? It would be ever so much more exciting." + +"That's a good idea," said Allen. "I'll do it if the rest are willing. +How about it, Grace?" + +"I'm willing," she replied. "Oh, I have a bright idea!" + +"Shoot!" said Frank inelegantly. + +"Suppose we take our lunch," she went on enthusiastically, "and have a +regular old-fashioned picnic in the woods beyond the camp." + +"Grace, you are a marvel," cried Betty. "I can't think of anything I'd +like better. Swimming in the morning and a party in the afternoon! Oh, +every day is more wonderful than the last!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +WATER SPRITES + + +The sunbeams danced across the shimmering water and into the room where +the Outdoor Girls lay sleeping. They made patches on the floors and +ceiling, and showered Mollie's face with golden darts. + +She moved restlessly and raised her hand as though to ward off this +invader of her dreams, muttering softly, "Oh--don't----" Gradually she +passed from sleeping to waking and, realizing the cause of the +disturbance, sat up in bed with a start. + +"Oh, the world's on fire with sunshine! What a day to swim! Now, as soon +as I can rouse these sleeping beauties, I'll proceed to get breakfast." + +"Oh, A--my!" she called aloud, giving the bed such a thump that Amy's +eyes sprung wide open on the instant--wide and startled. "Are you going +to sleep for-_ever_? Oh, I'm hungry!" with which words she sprang out of +bed and began dressing hastily. + +For once Amy seemed to agree with her chum, for the moonlight sail of +the night before with only Grace's candies to nibble on had left them +ravenous. + +"All right," she said, sitting up and looking toward the bed in the far +corner of the big room. "Betty and Grace are just yawning themselves +awake. We ought to beat them dressed easily." + +"We don't care," came Betty's sleepy voice. "Whoever gets down first has +to get the breakfast, you know." + +Even this did not daunt Mollie. She did not mind getting breakfast at +all. In her own words, "she could smell the good things that much +longer." So now her only answer was: "Sleepy-head," uttered in a severe +tone. + +"I don't care," came the defiant answer, "it's mighty nice to feel +sleepy sometimes," and Betty stretched luxuriously. + +"Oh, dear!" said Grace irritably, "it seems to me life is one long +succession of getting ups and going to beds." + +"The last isn't as hard as the first, is it, Gracy?" Mollie teased. + +"Probably if you _could_ sleep, you wouldn't want to," replied Grace. + +"Oh, if any one would only give you the chance!" and Betty gave Grace +an affectionate little shake. "Some time we won't call you, Grace," she +laughed. "I'd like to find out just how long you could sleep, if you +were left to yourself." + +"Goodness, I wouldn't like to chance it," said Mollie, slipping a middy +over her head. "I am afraid we would have to carry her home at the end +of the summer--a sleeping beauty still." + +"Or a still sleeping beauty," Betty suggested. "That would be more to +the point." + +"Suits me exactly," Grace drawled, "as long as the prince is handsome +enough." + +"Always the prince," groaned Mollie, giving Grace up in despair--then +added, as she opened the door preparatory to flight: "Frank is quite +good looking. Come on, Amy!" + +"I don't see what that has to do with it!" Grace retorted; but only a +sharp click of the door and a little derisive laugh in the hall outside +answered her. "Oh, well," she added, sitting up and regarding Betty +reproachfully as if that young person were responsible, "I suppose I +have got to get up." + +"Of course, and make yourself charming for the prince," said Betty, +pinning a rose at exactly the right angle in her soft white waist. "You +don't have to be a _sleeping_ beauty to find him, you know," she added +sagely. + +"You seem to know a lot about it," said Grace, regarding her friend +soberly. "I shouldn't wonder if you had found him, Betty." + +Betty turned sharply to see if she were joking, then the soft color +flooded her face. "Nonsense!" she said, but her tone was not convincing. + +"Yes, you have," said Grace, not to be put off. "I can tell by the way +you look at him, and the way he looks at you and oh--and--a hundred +little things." She waved her hand vaguely. + +"Oh, Gracy, don't be foolish," said Betty, recovering her usual +composure. "If you don't look out _I'll_ begin to get personal. You +needn't think you are the only one that has eyes." + +"Oh, well," said, Grace, flushing in her turn. "If you are going to +begin that---- Oh, Betty, just smell the bacon! Please hand me that +shoe, quick!" + +"Oh!" cried Betty, and drew back as a small stone flung by some one +below hurtled through the open window and fell to the floor at her feet. +"Look! It has something tied to it," she cried, and, stooping, picked it +up. + +"Bring it here," called Grace excitedly. "Oh, this is romantic! Betty, +let me see it, quick!" + +"Wait a minute, I haven't seen it myself yet," said Betty, as she +unfolded the tiny slip of paper attached to the stone. "Well, of all +the----" + +Grace looked over her shoulder and this is what the two girls read: + + "When are you coming out? The water's fine." + +With one accord they rushed to the window through which the message had +come and leaned far out. But look as they might in every direction, +there was no sight nor sound of human beings. The grounds about the +house and even the woods seemed deserted. + +The girls drew back in, looked at each other in perplexity, then their +gaze instinctively traveled to the note still held in Betty's hand. + +"Well," Grace announced, "it seems that we have here a key to some +mystery----" + +"Mystery nothing!" Betty interrupted disrespectfully. "We know who wrote +this--there is no mistaking Roy's scrawl. The senders have +decamped--that's all." + +"Speak of princes----" said Grace, as they went out arm in arm. + +"And they are sure to turn up," Betty finished merrily. + +Mollie's breakfast was good. And the young folks ate with the healthy +appetites of youth. Mrs. Irving left the table early to get herself +ready to go over to the summer colony where she had promised to spend +the day with friends who were summering there. The girls had scarcely +finished their breakfast when the boys broke in upon them. + +"You girls eat too much," Frank complained, when the first greetings +were over. "Now, if you only had our dainty little appetites----" + +"The best way to treat some people," put in Mollie significantly, "is to +pay no attention to them or their remarks." + +"Is she speaking to me or at me?" Frank inquired good-humoredly. + +"Oh, it is just a general slam at the sex," laughed Allen, who had not +taken his eyes from Betty and the pink rose. "We ought to be hardened by +this time." + +"Yes, you are terribly ill-treated, aren't you?" + +Betty sympathized and remarked: "It is truly a case for the S. P. C. +A.--I mean the S. P. C. C.," she corrected hastily, while the girls +laughed merrily and the boys looked injured. + +"That's the worst yet, Betty," Will reproached her. "You needn't make +out you didn't mean it, either--we know better." + +"Oh, all right," said Betty, her eyes twinkling. "Have it your own way." + +"To change the subject," Roy broke in, "what are you girls all togged +up for--didn't you get my message?" + +"Of course," said Grace. "You nearly put Betty's eyes out with it." + +"Sorry," said Roy, with a quick glance at Betty's nearly injured eyes, +which had never looked brighter than at that instant. "They look pretty +good to me. But that brings me back to my first query--why are you girls +all dressed up?" + +"Well, you know we could hardly wear our bathing suits down to +breakfast. Imagine a lot of sea nymphs boiling eggs and frying bacon!" +ejaculated Mollie. + +"Besides," Betty argued, "it's just as much trouble to put ugly things +on as it is pretty ones----" + +"And they don't look as nice," Frank finished. + +"Exactly!" said Betty. "And now if you will excuse us we'll put on our +suits, and show you boys how to swim. Come on, girls!" + +"You can't be too quick to suit me," Allen called after them. + +Mollie made a little face at him from the doorway. "Anxious to meet your +Water-loo?" she mocked impishly, and before he could answer had followed +the girls up the stairway. + +The boys raced back to camp to prepare themselves for the swim, and a +few minutes later met the girls coming from the house. + +"You see you didn't have to wait," said Amy. "We are as anxious as you +to get into the water this morning. Oh, I can almost feel it!" + +"Let's run," suggested Mollie. "Somehow to-day I can't be sedate. I'll +race everybody to the bank." + +[Illustration: THEY RAN OUT INTO THE TEPID WATER. + +_The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island._ _Page 158_] + +She broke into a run, and the others followed--bringing up at the edge +of the water a moment later, breathless but glowing. This time no one +hesitated, not even Amy. They ran out into the tepid water, then plunged +in, swimming with strong, even, steady strokes. + +It had been decided that all were to take part in the race--consequently +all were bent on losing not one moment of practice. They swam, off and +on, for the whole morning--occasionally throwing themselves upon the +mossy bank, to rest and get their breath, then going at it again with +renewed vigor and resolve. + +It was only when the position of the sun and acute pangs of hunger +warned them that it was long past their luncheon hour, that they decided +it was time to turn their attention to other things. + +"I left the basket back at the house," said Mollie, when they had come +to this conclusion. "I thought probably we would like to get dressed +before we ate." + +"Oh, why?" Will protested. "It's a scorching hot day, and we'll probably +want to go in for a swim later on, anyway." + +"Why not slip a skirt and middy over our bathing suits?" Betty +suggested. "By the time we reach the house, our suits will be dry. Mine +is almost, now." + +"Good!" said Grace. "We'll feel more respectable, and if we do want to +go in for a swim later it won't be any trouble at all to take them off." + +So it was decided, and they all tramped off through the woods, laughing, +merry, and friends with the world. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY + + +Upon reaching the house the Outdoor Girls ran upstairs while the boys +went back to camp to get some things they thought they might need. A few +moments later the girls rejoined them. + +"Where shall we go?" Roy, who was leading the van, paused and looked +behind him. "Let's take some different part of the wood--some place we +haven't explored yet." + +"If there is any," Allen agreed. + +"There is some place, for we have not yet found the gypsies Mollie's old +store-keeper told her about," put in Betty. + +"Very well, then, trot ahead, Roy, we'll follow you." + +"All right, but don't blame me if we are lost." + +"Oh, if there is any danger of that," said Amy, pulling away and looking +back longingly, "perhaps we better stick to what we know." + +"Oh, Roy is only talking to hear himself talk," Will assured her. "It +isn't possible to get lost on this island, even if you wanted to. All +we would have to do would be to follow the shore and sooner or later +we'd be bound to come upon 'The Shadows.'" + +Amy saw the reason in this and was reassured. "All right," she said; +"but it wouldn't be very much fun to get lost." + +"Why not?" demanded Will, and she looked at him in surprise. + +"Well, would it?" she asked wonderingly. + +"It would be the greatest little lark ever," he said so decidedly that +Amy blushed. "We'd have some excitement for a little while, anyway." + +When they had walked a little farther into the woods Roy stopped again, +and, pointing before him, called out: "We have found just the place, +people--it's Arcadia itself." + +They crowded about him, gazing in the direction he had pointed out. It +was a wonderful island, this--where you were always stumbling into some +little glade or woodland bower made especially for you. Surely this tiny +garden spot of nature was even more alluring than the famous fishing +pool, and the girls pushed forward eagerly. + +"That big flat stone over there will be just the very thing to spread +the eatables out on," said Grace, "and I guess we can all manage to get +around it, too." + +"Of course we can," said Mollie enthusiastically. "It's exactly the +right height. Oh, every thing is perfect!" + +"If you girls will only stop raving long enough to get us something to +eat," said Will plaintively, "you'll be doing some good in the world. +Gee, but I'm hungry!" + +"Poor boy," said Betty, with ready sympathy, "I know just exactly how +you feel, because I'm nearly dead myself. Hand over the basket, Allen, +please, and I'll spread the cloth." + +"You bet I will!" said Allen readily. "I'll help you fix things." + +"Look out for him, Betty," Roy cautioned. "He's got his eye on the good +things." + +"What good does that do?" sighed Allen. "I'd rather have my teeth on +them." + +"So say we all of us," laughed Frank. "Can't I help, too, Betty?" + +"Of course--all of you," the Little Captain agreed, magnanimously. "Come +on, girls--stop admiring the view and help with these things." + +"Oh! will we?" cried Mollie, and all made a rush for the baskets. +"What's first? You've got the table cloth? Well, then the napkins next +and the sandwiches--and the biscuits, and--oh, boys, you never could +guess----" Mollie sat back on her heels and regarded them laughingly. +"Think of the thing you want most in the world," she said. "That's it!" + +"There are lots of things I want," Frank began, but Roy interrupted him. + +"There is only one thing in the world that is better than anything +else," he said. + +"And that?" the others queried breathlessly. + +"Plum pudding!" He pronounced the two words with the reverence due them. + +Grace stared at him in amazement. "How did you know?" she stammered. +"It's almost uncanny." + +"Not at all," said Roy, with a superior air. "It's perfectly simple--I +smelled it." + +"Oh, so that was the blithe and savory odor that assailed our nostrils a +short time ago," said Frank. "But my hopes never soared to the heights +of plum pudding." + +"And here is the hard sauce," said Mollie, passing it around from one to +the other as though it had been a precious jewel. "Amy made it--all of +powdered sugar--with perhaps a little egg and butter thrown in--and I +know it is delicious." + +"You had better put that out of sight till we get through eating other +things, Mollie," Betty cautioned. "The boys will be starting at the +wrong end of the meal." + +"Yes, and spoil their appetites," Amy added, while Mollie removed the +temptation. + +However, from the way the good things disappeared, there seemed no +reason for Amy's fears--appetites like those were proof even against +plum pudding. + +At last the picnickers stretched themselves, replete and happy, upon the +soft grass, to discuss a further course of action. + +"What shall we do next?" asked Betty, after a somewhat lengthy pause. +"Are we going to take a walk or swim some more or just stay here?" + +"You've got the right idea," Roy commended. + +"Which?" she asked, with uplifted eyebrows. "I suggested three things." + +"The last of course," he answered, plucking a piece of long grass and +beginning to chew the end of it. "I don't know what you put in that plum +pudding, but it has made me everlastingly sleepy. I'd like to take a +nice long nap;" and a prodigious yawn gave truth to his words. + +"How interesting," Grace mocked. "Mrs. Irving warned Mollie that it +might have such an effect--in fact, she said it was too hearty for hot +weather. Behold we have the proof of her words." + +"For goodness' sake, Roy, brace up!" cried Will, in a stage whisper. +"Can't you see what you are doing? If you keep this up they won't give +us any more. Brace up!" + +Seeing the wisdom of this, Roy did his best to "brace up," but the girls +only laughed at him. + +"We are sleepy, too," Amy confessed, "so we won't tell. Besides, don't +you suppose _we_ like plum pudding?" + +"Good!" said Roy, leaning back against the tree with a relieved sigh. +"Now we can act naturally." + +However, the Outdoor Girls and their boy chums were too active to remain +quiet long, even after plum pudding. Allen was the first to become +restless, and the others soon caught it from him. He rose, went through +some gymnastic exercises, then looked about him curiously. "I wonder if +there are any more places like this hereabout?" he said. "Does anybody +want to take a little tramp and find out? You look about as energetic as +a bunch of turtles. Come on, let's do something." + +"Why do something when we can get lots more fun out of doing nothing?" +asked Roy lazily. "What wouldst have us do?" + +"I just told you," Allen's tone showed disgust. "Isn't there one among +you with any pep at all? How about you, Betty? You're usually the one +to start things." + +Betty looked up at him with a slow, tantalizing little smile. "That's +why I am letting you take the lead this time," she purred. "I thought +I'd wait and see who'd make the first move." + +"And I am going to force the second move," and before she could guess +what he was going to do, he leaned over, caught her two hands in his and +pulled her to her feet. "Now, you are going to take a little walk with +me, young lady. If the rest of this lazy crowd don't want to come along, +they know what they can do!" + +The Little Captain blinked at him uncertainty. "You might tell me what +you are going to do," she complained. "Look, Allen--you hurt me!" + +He regarded the brown little hand, held up for his inspection, +anxiously. "I don't see anything," he said. "But if I hurt it I am +sorry," and he stroked the place that should have been red. + +"If you are going, why don't you go?" Grace demanded, then added +meaningly: "I guess they _are_ glad we are lazy." + +"Please don't make any insinuations," said Betty, her nose in the air, +but Allen sent a laughing shot back at them before they disappeared into +the denser wood. + +"You can eat another plum pudding if you like," he said. + +Frank chuckled audibly. "Wise old chap--Allen," he remarked. + +"I wish we could take his advice," mourned Amy. "If you boys hadn't been +such pigs, we might have had some pudding left." + +"Oh, why didn't you make more?" was Will's uncivil comment. + +For a long time Allen and Betty wandered through the woods, seeing +nothing and hearing nothing but the usual sights and sounds of the +forest--and seemingly quite content to go on in that way forever. + +It was Allen who first broke the silence. "I wish you would tell me what +you are thinking about so hard, Betty. It must be very interesting, +because you haven't said a word to me since we left that lazy crowd back +there. 'Fess up!" + +Betty flushed faintly. "You should never ask what a person thinks about +on a beautiful summer, day when she is wandering through the woodland +with--with----" + +"Whom?" Allen prompted softly. "Go on, Betty, finish the story." + +"Can't," she smiled up at him roguishly. "It's one of those 'to be +continued.'" + +He caught her hand, but she drew it away quickly. "Allen, what's this?" +she cried. + +She had accidentally brushed aside some brambles that had caught on her +dress, and there close beside them, so near that she could thrust her +hand into the opening, yawned the cavernous black mouth of a cave. + +Allen drew her aside quickly. "Don't go near it," he commanded, in a +tone that made Betty look at him in surprise. "I'm suspicious of these +caves until I have investigated them myself. I am going to have a look, +Betty. You stay where you are." + +But the Little Captain had not been so named for nothing. She seized +Allen's arm, and drew him back from the opening. + +"Allen, if you go in there, I'm going, too," she cried, her eyes +blazing. "Do you suppose I'm going to stand here, and see you get eaten +up by a--a----" + +"A what?" said Allen, putting his hands on her shoulders and laughing +down at her. + +"Well, whatever there is in the cave," she finished lamely. "Anyway, I'm +going in with you." + +"Betty, do be reasonable," he pleaded, but she flared up at that. + +"Do you know, Allen, there is nothing a girl hates more than to have a +boy ask her to be reasonable, when she knows she is? Anyway," her voice +lowered and she pleaded her turn. "Anyway, it's lots worse to see +anybody get hurt, anybody that you like, that is, than it is to get hurt +yourself." + +"You little soldier," Allen murmured. "But can't you see, Betty, that I +am here to protect you from danger if there is any--not let you run +right into it?" + +"Then there is no reason why you should, either," she said obstinately. + +"Will it make you feel any better if we get the others?" Allen asked, +just a little exasperated, for he liked mysteries and hated to leave +them unsolved. "We can get to them in five minutes if we run." + +"Yes, that will be better," Betty agreed, seizing the suggestion +eagerly. "But do you think we can find the cave again?" + +"Easily," said Allen. "You see, we are pretty near the water right here +and that bent old tree at the edge of the lake--see what I mean?--well, +that's right on the line with the mouth of the cave. I guess it will be +easy enough to find." + +So it was settled, and they raced back hand in hand to the spot where +they had left their friends, eager to tell the news. + +"So here you are," cried Mollie, at sight of the runaways. "We thought +you were never coming back." + +Allen wasted no time, but told his story in the fewest words possible. +They were all tremendously excited, and followed the two adventurers +eagerly as they led the way along the shores of the lake. + +"Are you sure you can find it again?" Grace was asking when Amy seized +her arm and pointed out over the water. + +"Look!" she cried. "Gypsies!" + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +DANGEROUS VISITORS + + +"Gypsies?" Betty echoed. "Where?" + +"Can't you see?" returned Amy. "They are fording just as that old man +said they could. Oh, what are we going to do?" + +The boys had been gazing with interest toward the little group of +wanderers, but at Amy's cry they were aroused to sudden action. + +"Get to a place where we can see, and not be seen," said Frank. "I'd +like to watch this thing through." + +"They are coming right this way, too," said Grace, delightfully afraid. +"Oh, what have they got on their backs?" + +"Looks like loot of some sort," Will volunteered, peering forth from his +tree trunk. "Say, this promises to be a lark, fellows." + +"We'd better get back a little farther, if we don't want them to run +right into us," Roy suggested. "They are headed this way." + +The watchers retreated still farther into the woods until they came to +a dense overgrowth of foliage which effectually screened them from +prying eyes. + +"This is just the thing," Roy exulted. "I tell you we are running in +luck to-day." + +"I am glad you think so," said Amy. "If one of those gypsies discovered +us, I am afraid we wouldn't live long." + +"Well, they are not going to," said Roy, overhearing the last remark. +"Don't be a wet blanket, Amy. Anyway, just because they are gypsies they +needn't be murderers." + +"I'm not a----" Amy was beginning, when Allen hissed a sharp warning. +"Keep still, everybody," he said. "They are not a hundred yards away!" + +After that silence reigned, broken only occasionally by a nervous +whisper from one of the girls as they watched the approach of the +enemy--or so they regarded them--with breathless interest. + +There were about twenty in the group, of which the majority were men. As +they came nearer, the girls and boys could see how greatly their ages +varied. Some were old men with white hair and flowing beards, while +others were young striplings scarcely out of boyhood. Their clothes were +many hued and picturesque, while each one carried on his back a huge +bundle. They traveled along the bank, speaking in a low mellow tone, a +language which the Outdoor Girls and the boys had never heard before. + +Grace crowded close to Betty, and the Little Captain squeezed her arm +reassuringly. "I kind of like them," she whispered. "They look so +interesting. They look like bandits or----" + +Frank's hand closed abruptly over her mouth--for low as her tone had +been the gypsies were near enough now to hear the slightest whisper. + +On, on came the little procession so near that the girls, by stretching +out their hands, could almost have touched them. They scarcely dared to +breathe. + +The gypsies moved on for a short distance, then gathered about something +the nature of which the girls and boys could not discern. In his +curiosity, Allen forgot caution and rising from the protection of the +bushes he tip-toed over to a more advantageous lookout. In a moment he +was back again on his knees beside the crouching group crying in an +excited manner: "It's our cave--the cave Betty and I discovered--they +are going into it. Say, I wish we had gone in when we had the chance!" + +"I don't," said Mollie, "they might have found you there and knifed you +in the back or something." + +"Especially something," mocked Roy. But Mollie was too excited to hear +him. + +"Look!" Grace cried. "Now that they are all inside, you wouldn't know +that there was any opening there at all." + +"It _is_ tough to have to sit outside and look at nothing," Roy began. + +"Don't look at me when you say that," complained Mollie, with a little +grimace. + +"When we ought to be in there capturing the thieves--if that is what +they are," he finished. + +"I'd bet on it," said Frank. "All gypsies are born robbers. Just the +same, I wouldn't mind having some of their loot." + +"Frank!" Grace exclaimed, in a shocked voice. "You know you wouldn't +like anything of the sort." + +"Why not?" he said, his eyes twinkling, for teasing Grace was one of his +greatest delights. "I wouldn't go in anybody's house and deliberately +steal anything, but if somebody is kind enough to do it for me----" + +"It will do you as much good as it will them, eh, Frank?" finished Will, +companion in crime. + +"I think you are just talking to hear yourselves talk," Grace commented, +and Betty heartily approved. "That's the most sensible thing I ever +heard you say, Grace." + +"I'm getting stiff sitting on my heels," Mollie complained. "I wish +those old gypsies would go home where they belong, and let us get up." + +"Seventh inning," said Frank. "All get up and stretch." + +Willingly they followed his example, but no sooner had they risen to +their feet than they were sent scuttling back again like rabbits into a +burrow. The bushes were pushed aside and an aged gypsy stepped forth +from the opening. With a little gasp of excitement the girls realized +that he was without his heavy pack. Whatever it was they had brought +evidently had been left behind in the cave. One by one they emerged +until their number was complete. The last of the little band, a lad +apparently no more than sixteen years old, replaced the screening bushes +very carefully across the mouth of their hiding place. Then they turned, +and retraced their steps, still speaking that strange melodious tongue +of theirs, until they had reached the shore and departed the way they +had come. It was not till then that the watchers ventured to speak above +a whisper. + +"Now for the cave and what it contains!" cried Will, and started for the +spot the gypsies had so lately occupied. + +The girls and boys followed him, the former excited yet half fearful. + +"Do you think we had better?" asked Amy, as Will pushed aside the +curtain of foliage and peered inside. "It's getting dark, and besides +the gypsies might come back. Please don't, Will." + +"Do you mean to say that you girls want us to go home without seeing +what is in there?" asked Frank incredulously. "It can't be done, Amy." + +Nevertheless, the boys hesitated before the entrance to this mysterious +hole. After all, it was getting dark and the very blackness of the place +was forbidding. + +"If we only had some matches," said Roy uncertainly. "It wouldn't do us +much good to go stumbling around in the dark." + +"And I presume Mrs. Irving is back and will be terribly worried," Mollie +added, seizing upon the most effective argument she could think of. "She +told us to be home before dark." + +"Yes, and we can come here to-morrow, anyway," Amy added. "What do you +think about it, Betty?" + +"Well, I am just crazy to see what the gypsies left there," the Little +Captain answered, "but I do think it's a little late now to begin +exploring. It isn't as if this were our last day on the island." + +"I think Betty is right, fellows." It was Roy who spoke. "Mrs. Irving +left the girls in our care and she won't do it again in a hurry if we +don't get them home pretty soon." + +"That's so, of course," Allen admitted reluctantly. "Just the same, it's +a crime to leave a discovery like this without getting to the bottom of +it." + +"But we can come to-morrow," Betty pleaded. "It isn't as if----" + +"Oh, I know all about that," he interrupted. "But we probably can't find +the place to-morrow." + +"Well, we will have to take our chances on that," cried Mollie, tapping +her foot impatiently. "The rest of you may stay here all night if you +want to, but I'm going back to 'The Shadows.'" + +"Hold on a minute, Mollie, can't you?" said Will. "I wish it weren't so +late, but since it is, I suppose we shall have to act accordingly. Who's +got the lunch basket?" + +"Frank had, the last time I saw it," said Amy, looking about her at the +gathering shadows uneasily. "Oh, please let's hurry." + +"I forgot all about the basket," Frank confessed. "I think I left it +over there behind the bushes." + +Allen went with him to find it, while the girls stood huddled together, +wishing themselves back at the bungalow. Mystery is wonderful in the +glaring sun of noon-day, but in the chill dusk of evening, with a damp +mist rising and touching all the land with clammy fingers--at such a +time it is not so alluring. All they wanted was home and a fire and a +chance to talk things over. + +Allen and Frank, carrying the basket between them, soon rejoined those +who were waiting at the cave, and they started along the shores of the +lake, keeping a sharp lookout for anything that looked like a gypsy. + +However, they reached home at last without encountering anything more +formidable than their own shadows. + +"But I _would_ like to know what they had in those bags," sighed Betty, +as the boys took leave of them. "Can we go back the first thing in the +morning, Allen?" + +"We can't go too soon to suit me," Allen agreed. "But aren't you going +to let us fellows come over to-night to talk things over?" + +"Of course," said Mollie, "and we'll have a fire." + +"That sounds good," said Roy. "We won't keep you waiting." + +Then the girls went in to relieve Mrs. Irving's anxiety and to tell her +the wonders they had witnessed that afternoon. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +THE LOST TRAIL + + +Before the cheerful glow of the fire, the young people talked long that +night, while Mrs. Irving listened with interest. Her eyes sparkled at +the description of the cave and the gypsy troupe and once she broke in +with: + +"You needn't think you are going to leave me behind when such exciting +things are happening. After this, I am going to be on the spot with the +rest of you." + +"I wish you would," Mollie answered. "We thought you didn't care to go +along." + +"Ask me in the morning," she said. + +And now the morning had come at last. Betty had lain awake most of the +night, too excited to sleep and impatiently awaiting the first streak of +dawn. + +Now it had come after a wait that had seemed interminable and she +slipped silently out of bed, determined not to awaken the sleeping +girls. But before she had time to move half way across the room, Grace +hailed her. + +"Hello, Betty!" she called, "I'm glad you are up--I haven't been able to +sleep for the longest while. What are you going to do?" + +"Get dressed, I suppose," Betty answered. "I simply couldn't lie in bed +any longer." + +"Guess I will, too," said Grace; and that being the first time she had +ever agreed with Betty on that subject, the latter looked at her in +surprise. + +"You must be all worked up, Gracy," she commented, "to be willing to get +up at this time in the morning. I don't think it can be six o'clock, at +the very latest." + +"Well, anything is better than lying in bed awake," yawned Grace, +sitting up in bed and curving her arms behind her head with that slow, +instinctive grace that was part of her. "Look at Mollie staring at us +for all the world like a little night-owl," she added. + +"Thanks," said Mollie dryly. "I feel highly complimented, I'm sure. I'd +hate to tell you what you look like." + +"Don't," said Grace. "What I don't know won't hurt me." + +"Let's all agree that you both look as bad as you can," said Betty +crossly, for the strain of a sleepless night was beginning to tell. "It +would be a relief to know the worst, anyway." + +"Oh, for goodness' sake, Betty, don't you begin to disturb the peace, +too," Amy broke in sleepily. "It was bad enough before with Grace and +Mollie always at swords' points, but if you begin it, I don't know what +I shall do." + +Amy's despair was so comical that the girls had to laugh in spite of +themselves. As if at a signal, the sun broke through the heavy mist that +had risen over night and flooded the room with golden beams. Somehow the +world suddenly seemed a better and a happier place to live in, and the +girls' spirits rose like mercury. + +"Do you suppose Mrs. Irving will really want to go?" Amy asked, as they +finished dressing. "She seemed eager enough last night, but she may have +changed her mind by this time." + +"I don't think so," said Betty. "She is as game as we are for things +like that." + +"Yes, and she is feeling better now," said gentle little Amy. + +The boys called for them bright and early. It seemed that they, also, +had spent a rather restless night, and were glad of the sunshine and +warmth of the morning. + +The party started off in high spirits to find the cave and solve its +mysteries. Mrs. Irving was with them, for, as Betty had said, she was a +game little person and in for a good time whenever one could be found. + +"Suppose we can't find the place?" it was Grace who voiced the thought +that had been secretly troubling them all. "Betty just found it by +accident yesterday." + +"Don't cross bridges till you come to them, Grace," Frank admonished +her. "We'll find it, all right, if we have to cover every square inch of +the island." + +"I vote that we let Allen and Betty take the lead," Roy suggested. "They +know more about it than we do--or at least they ought to." + +"What's that?" asked Betty, who had been deep in a conversation with +Amy. "Who's talking about me now?" + +"They are shifting the responsibility to our shoulders, that's all," +Allen explained. "Roy says because we found the cave in the first place, +it's sort of up to us not to disappoint them now." + +"You may be sure we'll do our best," said the Little Captain, with her +whimsical smile, "since we'd be disappointing ourselves at the same +time." + +"Wasn't it somewhere about here, Allen?" asked Mollie, pointing into the +woods. "The place looks familiar." + +"I don't think so," said Allen, puzzled. "Betty and I noticed a big tree +that was almost directly on a line with the cave, but I don't see it +to-day. I wonder----" + +"It's a little farther ahead, I think, Allen," Betty volunteered, trying +to force conviction into her tone. "I'm sure we haven't passed it." + +"Well, I'm not," said Mollie, abruptly. "I'm positive I saw the bushes +where we hid yesterday quite a distance down the road." + +"Well, why on earth didn't you say so," Grace demanded, "instead of +letting us wander on ahead?" + +"Well, I wasn't sure," Mollie retorted. "And besides, I thought Betty +and Allen knew what they were doing----" + +"Sh-h!" warned Mrs. Irving. "There's nothing to get excited about. We +all want to find the cave, and we are all going to do our best to find +it. Remember, we are equally interested." + +"Well, but it's very strange that we can't locate that tree," said the +Little Captain, a troubled frown on her forehead. "Allen and I were so +particular about it yesterday." + +"Well, we surely won't accomplish anything by standing here," said Will, +a shade impatiently. "Let's travel ahead a little--it seems to me it was +farther on." + +So they started again, troubled and perplexed and scanning every step of +the way. Half an hour later they halted for another conference. The tree +was nowhere to be found--neither was the cave. It seemed as if their +adventure of the day before had been a dream which had faded and +vanished into thin air with the advent of the morning. + +"Every place we look at seems to be it, and then it isn't," wailed Amy. + +"That's fine English, I must say," Will teased. "Where did you go to +school?" + +"Oh, for goodness' sake, let her English alone, Will!" Grace admonished. +"It isn't _that_ we're interested in just at present. Oh, where has the +old thing gone to?" + +"I guess it never was," Roy replied gloomily. "We just imagined it." + +"Imagined it!" sniffed Betty. "If I thought I had an imagination like +that I'd write books or something." + +"I wish I knew what the something stood for," said Frank, laughing at +her. "It must be good." + +"I imagine it would be," said Betty, laughing back at him, "if I only +knew myself." + +"Stop fooling, you two, and help us think of something," Mollie +demanded. "We can't stand here and admire the view all day." + +"What would you suggest?" Frank asked politely. "We are willing to give +weighty consideration to anything you say." + +Mollie looked weakly about her for support. "Grace, can't you do +anything with him?" she pleaded. "He does nothing but talk nonsense all +day long." + +"And just after he's paid you a compliment," Grace drawled. "I wonder +you call that nonsense." + +Mollie had opened her mouth for a stinging rejoinder, but before she +could voice it there came a disturbance from a new and unexpected +quarter. The bushes parted and two figures emerged--a young man and a +girl. + +Astonishment held the little group motionless, but the strangers, or so +they appeared, stepped forward impulsively. + +"It's no wonder you don't remember me," said the girl impulsively, +"since I was dressed very differently when you last saw me. I am Anita +Benton--the girl you rescued the other day." + +As usual, Betty was the first to find her voice. "Oh, we _are_ glad to +see you!" she said warmly. "We were wondering when you and your brother +were coming to pay us that promised visit." + +"Oh, we would have been here long ago, but, you see, I was rather, +well--shaken up," Anita explained, with a merry little laugh that made +the girls warm to her at once. "Conway could hardly wait to come to tell +you all how grateful he was--and is," she added, with a quaint little +sideways glance in the direction of her tall brother. + +"Anita's right. I almost came alone when I found she was inconsiderate +enough to get sick," said Conway, who had been regarding the scene with +lively interest. "You see, I never knew before what it was to almost +lose a small sister." + +"He speaks as if he had any number of them," cried Anita, gaily; and one +could see at a glance the perfect understanding and union between the +two. "But, really, this is the very first day I have been able to walk +any distance at all, so Con and I thought we'd take advantage of it." + +"Well, we are mighty glad you did," said Roy heartily, and Mollie +glanced at him sideways. "I wonder if you two could help us solve a +riddle," he added. "We had just about given it up for a bad job when you +came along." + +"What is it?" asked the girl eagerly. "I love riddles." + +"Don't let him get your hopes raised," Betty warned. "It isn't a riddle +at all. The thing is, we found a cave yesterday, and to-day it has +simply vanished, disappeared, gone up in smoke." + +"A cave?" said Conway, interestedly. "A cave around here? Why, I never +heard of any." + +"Well, we are beginning to think that _we_ dreamed it," said Allen, +pessimistically. "The only strange thing about it is that we all should +dream the same thing." + +"But please tell me what you mean," begged Anita. "Caves are even better +than riddles. Why did you say you dreamed it?" + +There could be no escaping this emphatic young person--that they +realized--so Allen started to explain. When he had finished the two +visitors were almost, if not quite, as excited as the Outdoor Girls and +their boy chums had been. + +"You think it was somewhere about here, don't you?" Anita asked. "It +ought to be easy enough to find." + +"That's what we thought before we started," said Grace, "but after you +have been hunting for an hour or two you begin to realize your mistake. +I vote we do something else." + +"Grace! And leave the cave?" Amy cried, amazed at her friend's lack of +romantic fervor. + +"Why not?" said Grace. "It won't run away. Besides, I guess everybody's +forgotten this is the day we set for the race." + +They stared at one another dumbfounded. It was as Grace had said--this +was the day they had decided on for the race and they had forgotten all +about it. Had ever such a thing happened before in the annals of +history? If so, they could not remember it. + +"A race?" demanded Anita. "What race?" + +Betty looked at her dazedly. "What race?" she repeated. "Why, _the_ +race, of course. Oh, I beg your pardon--I forgot you didn't know. The +fact is, we have been planning a swimming race for--oh, ever so +long--and now this gypsy-cave business put it clear out of our heads. +Oh! how could we have forgotten it?" + +"Well, it isn't too late yet," said Will, practically. "That is, if you +aren't too set on finding this elusive cave to do anything else." + +"Oh, that's safe enough where it is," said Allen. "If we can't find it, +it's a pretty safe bet that nobody else can." + +"I vote we get into our bathing suits just as fast as we can," said +Frank. "That is, if our visitors don't mind seeing a crazy race," he +added, half-apologetically; for he remembered his manners just in the +nick of time. + +"There's nothing we would like better," Conway assured him heartily. +"And I don't think it will be crazy, either, from the way you fellows +demonstrated your swimming ability the other day." + +"Oh, it would be all right if we fellows could be in it alone," said +Roy, wickedly. "But, you see, the girls have a mistaken idea they can +swim, too, and so, just to encourage them, we have let them in on it." + +"Let them in on it, indeed!" sniffed Betty. "If I remember correctly, we +were the first to propose the race. That doesn't look as if we were +particularly afraid of getting beaten." + +"Sheer nerve, that's all," said Frank, snapping his fingers with an air +of superiority. + +"We don't need to talk," said Mollie; "we will _show_ you what we can +do." + +"All right, we're from Missouri," Will announced, cheerily. "All we want +is to be shown." + +By this time they were well on their way to the bungalow, and now the +subject of the cave was overshadowed by the excitement of the +approaching race. + +As the young people neared "The Shadows" their excitement grew, and when +at last they reached the house the girls fairly flew up the stairs, +dragging Anita with them, Conway going with the boys, of course. + +"Don't you want a suit?" Betty inquired of her visitor, pausing in the +act of slipping her skirt over her head. "I brought an old one in case +of emergency that I think would fit you." + +Anita shook her head. "Thanks just the same," she said. "But the doctor +says I mustn't think of swimming for some time." + +"It's pretty hard luck," said Mollie, sympathetically, "to have to stay +out of the water on days like this. Say, girls, do you think we have a +chance in the world of even keeping up with the boys?" she asked, +anxious, now that the moment of the test had come. + +"Why, of course we can," said Betty, pretending a confidence she did not +feel. "Especially if the boys give us the heavy handicap we agreed on. I +didn't want them to, but I guess it may come in handy." + +"Well, are you ready?" cried Mollie, jumping up. "I am. Come on, girls, +let's show them something!" and she was off down the stairs with the +others close behind. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +MOLLIE WINS + + +The Outdoor Girls found the boys waiting for them, and evidently as +eager as the girls to begin the race. + +"Well, it didn't take you very long," Frank remarked; for the boys had +never ceased to marvel that girls could be on time. + +"What point do you start from?" asked Conway, as they started off +together. "How long is the race, anyway?" he added. + +"Well," said Allen, electing himself spokesman, "we decided on a +starting point about a quarter of a mile from here. You see, from a +sharp turn there, there is, for about three-quarters of a mile, a course +almost straight. So, you see, that makes a fairly good course." + +"I should say so," Conway commented. "Why didn't you say something about +it to the folks over at the hotel--you'd have had considerable of a +crowd for an audience." + +"Oh, we didn't want it," cried Amy, shrinking from the very mention of +such a thing. "I couldn't swim at all if I thought anybody was looking +at me." + +"Don't you make any exceptions?" asked Anita, twinkling. "Con and I +don't feel like going home just yet, and Mrs. Irving has elected to be +audience instead of actor." + +"Oh, of course I didn't mean you!" Amy exclaimed, embarrassed at the +slip. "I don't mean one or two----" + +"Of course you don't," said Anita remorsefully. "I only wish I could go +in with you." + +They soon reached the bend of the river which Allen had indicated, the +girls growing more nervous with every step. + +"I tell you what you can do," said Allen, struck by a sudden thought. +"You and your sister can be the judges. In case there are any +ties--although, of course such a thing is improbable"--the girls refused +to become indignant at this shot--"we'll need somebody to settle our +dispute, and Mrs. Irving has flatly refused to interfere before this." + +"All right, that will be fine--provided everybody agrees to abide by our +decision. You see, we are absolutely neutral." + +"Oh, we won't kick at anything you say," Frank promised. "There is not +much I can say for this crowd. But one thing--we are good sports. All +in favor of Allen's proposition say 'Aye.'" + +The vote was carried unanimously, and the newly made judges were +instructed by Will to "trot along to the finishing point" and wait till +they saw him leading the van. Then they would know who had won the race. +There was an ironic shout at this assertion and Conway's laugh came back +to them as he and his sister started to obey orders. + +"Well, now, is everybody ready?" Roy asked, surveying the group +critically. "Suppose you girls get started. We won't jump in until one +of you gets well past that jut in the shore--then it's our time to show +a little speed." + +"All right, we are ready," said Mollie. "Frank, when you say the word +we'll start." + +The girls lined up with beating hearts, waiting for the word that would +relieve their taut muscles. + +"One--two--three--_go_!" Frank counted, and the Outdoor Girls made a +running dive into the water, which was deep at this point, and struck +out strongly for the goal. + +"Those girls sure can swim some," was Will's admiring comment. + +"For girls," grunted Roy. + +"Get ready now, fellows," commanded Allen. "They've almost reached the +point." + +"I think we gave them too big a handicap," said Frank doubtfully. "They +swim like fish." + +"You old croaker!" Will exclaimed. "Why, we ought to be able to beat +them with twice that handicap." + +"Look out, Mollie has reached the point, fellows!" Allen shouted. "Now's +the time!" + +Without more ado, the boys struck out bravely, determined to overtake +the girls in the shortest time possible. They found it was not so easy, +however, as might have been anticipated. The girls had had a big +advantage and were still swimming strongly. Will and Roy began to agree +with Frank that they had given them too long a handicap. + +On the other hand, the girls were not so confident. The strain was +beginning to tell even upon their tried young muscles. Their breath was +becoming labored and the goal seemed terribly far away. + +Mollie and Betty had fallen a short distance behind the other two. They +had felt the tax the speed was making on their strength, and had decided +wisely to save the rest of it until it was more needed then at the +present. + +Naturally Amy and Grace thought their friends were giving up and +marveled at it. How on earth could they have lost out so soon? Had they +been more versed in races they could have answered that question +themselves. + +Meanwhile the boys, pulling hard, had managed to make up half the +distance between them and the girls, and in sight of Betty's and +Mollie's evident weariness their hopes soared high. Why, with these last +two out of the running the race was as good as won. + +On, on they came, hand over hand, stroke following stroke, rhythmic and +strong and confident. + +Betty looked at Mollie and Mollie looked at Betty, and each knew she had +discovered the other's secret and at the same time recognized a rival. + +Amy had come to the limit of her strength with the goal an eighth of a +mile away. She knew that for her the race was over. The waters pushed +her back, forced her back, seeming like some pitiless enemy bent upon +her downfall. + +And what of Grace? She would not acknowledge to herself that her +strength was leaving her--why, she had swum as far as that many a time +before--it was absurd that she should give up now. Besides, she was +leading them all. With this thought she put the remainder of her waning +strength into a few last desperate strokes. + +Meanwhile, the boys had caught up with Mollie, and seeing this she +quickened her stroke, forging ahead again. But Betty kept the same calm, +steady stroke which had so deceived the boys--and the girls, too, for +that matter, with the exception of Mollie. + +On, on they came--almost abreast now. The boys, tired from the long +chase, were resting, gathering strength for the last spurt. + +The finish line had been very conveniently marked by a slender tree +which had evidently been torn down in some terrific storm and now lay +half on the shore and half upon the water. This, then, was their goal. + +Conway was the first to see them coming. "Look, Nita!" he cried, seizing +his sister's arm and drawing her to the edge of the water. "From the way +they are all lined up I should judge this is nobody's race yet. That's +the kind of a thing I enjoy--where there is occupation at the end. And +look----" + +"Look at Betty," cried Anita, interrupting him. "She can swim better +than I can, and I thought I was pretty good." There was no conceit in +this remark--it was simply a statement of fact. + +Out on the water the girls and boys knew the time had come when they +must show what was in them. Grace and Amy, with the discomfited Will, +had fallen to the rear, and the race lay between the other five. Allen +was leading, and the two young judges on the bank had just decided that +either he or Frank would be the winner. Then it happened! The two girls +gathered all their energy, that splendid reserve strength they had kept +so well in check--summoned every ounce of vitality they had and gave it +full rein. + +Their muscles, trained to outdoor life, gallantly responded to the call. +They passed first Frank, then Allen, who stared after them stupidly. You +see, the boys were not believers in miracles. However, they rallied +their reserved strength and shot ahead until they were even with the +girls again. + +The goal was close before them. Now, if ever, must come the last +desperate spurt. Could they make it? They must! they must! The thought +kept hammering itself over and over in the girls' consciousness. They +were so near now--they couldn't lose--oh, they couldn't! + +And the girls were right. Anita almost fell into the water in her +excitement as the four swept on, swimming as though they had just +touched the water. + +"Mollie! Betty!" she cried. "Go it--for the cause!" + +Whether this encouragement reached the ears it was intended for is +doubtful. Suffice it to say, the girls followed her instructions to the +letter. + +Conway stretched forward eagerly as the swimmers rushed on toward the +mark. Four hands closed over the fallen tree trunk almost at the same +instant--but not quite. Mollie reached the goal a fraction of a second +ahead--the race was hers. + +As the dripping contestants drew themselves up upon the bank, Anita and +Conway rushed forward eagerly. "Mollie had it!" they cried together, and +Nita added: + +"I don't see how you ever did it--it was the closest thing I ever saw." + +For a few seconds the swimmers were too spent even to congratulate the +winner. But when they did recover sufficient breath, they fairly +overwhelmed her with praises. As Roy had said, "they were nothing if not +sports." + +"It was lucky you did have a judge, or, I should say judges." Conway +glanced apologetically toward his sister. "Otherwise I don't believe +anybody would have known which of you got there first. It was as near a +tie as anything I have ever seen." + +As the four lagging participants in the race came up to them, rather +sore and disgruntled, the young folks delicately forbore to look in +their direction and Frank covered their coming with a remark. "I don't +know how you girls ever accomplished it--I thought you were done almost +at the beginning. Tell us the secret." + +Mollie and Betty looked at each other significantly. "That's our +secret," said Betty. Then, springing to her feet, she cried: "Let's give +three cheers for the winner of the race, Miss Mollie Billette!" + +The cheers were given with a will that awoke the answering echoes on the +island. + +Mollie flushed gratefully. "Thank you," she said. "It was only luck +anyway that I happened to touch the tree a second before the rest of +you." + +"Don't be modest, Mollie," Roy entreated. "You beat us all +fairly--especially me," he added ruefully. They laughed and Betty added +whimsically: "I thought I had you up to the last, Mollie. It wasn't fair +to lead me on like that." + +"Well, you sure know how to swim--all of you," Conway commented +admiringly. "You must do a lot of it." + +"Oh, we are at it a good deal of the time," Frank agreed carelessly. +"And the girls--well, they have formed a club for all sorts of outdoor +stunts. You see the results." + +"Oh, isn't that great!" exclaimed Anita with genuine enthusiasm. "I +love all those things, too. I wish I could belong to such a club." + +"If you lived anywhere near Deepdale," said Betty warmly, "we should be +very glad to have you join us." + +Only too soon--for Anita and the Outdoor Girls had taken a great liking +to one another--the former declared that it was time she and her big +brother must be starting for home. "Dad and mother worry whenever I am +out of their sight nowadays--even though Con is with me," she explained. + +"Come again soon," Betty called after them. + +"Will you have another race?" asked Anita. + +"Yes, especially for your entertainment," laughed the Little Captain. +"And we won't let Mollie win it either." + +"All right, then, I'll come," Anita promised. + +"Humph, we'll see about that," said Mollie, referring to Betty's last +remark. "History often repeats itself, you know." + +Allen sighed as they started homeward. "We won't be able to come +anywhere near them now, fellows," he said. "They'll have suffrage +banners hung all over the house." + +The girls laughed, for after all they _had_ won through Mollie, and the +taste of triumph was very sweet. + +"Wasn't it grand!" cried Betty. + +"The best ever!" returned Grace, as she popped a chocolate candy in her +mouth. + +"I'd like another such race," said Mollie, wistfully. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +HIDDEN TREASURE + + +The week that followed the Outdoor Girls remembered as just one endless +round of fun. With the exception of two days, the weather was perfect. +They traveled over to town on the rickety ferryboat several times. They +took the cars out of the garage for short spins about the country, and +otherwise amused themselves. + +Then, too, the fish in the unrivaled fishing pool proved just as +agreeable as they had on that first day, and provided many delicious +suppers for the young people. The only thing that served to mar their +pleasure was the continued reluctance of the mysterious cave to come to +light--it was as though the earth had opened and swallowed it up. + +"I'm beginning to think it just never was," Grace remarked, as she +contentedly munched some chocolates that Frank had laid on her altar. +"Will is terribly worried about it. He thinks since he is in the secret +service that he ought to investigate it." + +"How can he if there isn't anything to investigate?" asked Betty. And in +truth there seemed some reason in her query. "It makes me angry every +time I think of it." + +"Yes, the fellows say Will even talks in his sleep about the cave," Amy +volunteered. "Probably they exaggerate, but I don't wonder he is all on +edge about it." + +"And we have to leave so soon, too," Mollie commented. "We haven't much +more time to look for it." + +"It doesn't seem possible we have to go back home in less than a week," +sighed Amy. "I just hate to leave this place." + +"To change the subject," said Betty, "I wonder what's keeping the boys. +Let's get the lunch and go to meet them." + +The girls agreed, and Betty ran in to get the luncheon and tell Mrs. +Irving where they were going. + +Before they had gone more than a hundred feet from the house they were +met by the boys, who seemed in a great hurry. + +"Oh, did we keep you waiting?" Roy inquired anxiously, evidently +relieved to see them. "Old Will here disappeared and we had to go on a +still hunt to find him." + +"Yes, he still has that confounded cave in his head. I'd given the +thing up. Why worry about a thing you can't find?" Frank demanded. + +"But we saw it," Will argued, relieving the girls of the basket. "And as +long as we saw it, it's got to be on this island somewhere--that's a +sure thing--and I'm going to find it." + +"Well, I wish you luck," said Allen gloomily. "Blow a horn when you find +it--we all want to be in at the death." + +"If you are going to be so lazy I'll keep it all to myself," Will +retorted. "That cave is somewhere on this island, and I intend to find +where if I have to stay for another six months." + +"Hear! hear!" cheered Roy. "That's the way I like to hear a fellow +talk." + +"Yes, you do," Will was beginning when Betty interrupted him. + +"I'm on your side, Will," she said staunchly. "I'm not going to stop +looking for the cave until we have to go home. Why, just think of the +things we might find. There is probably loot in that place that is worth +a great big lot of money, and in some cases they might be things that +money couldn't replace. It's not a question of mere curiosity, it's a +duty we owe to society." + +"Speech! speech!" Roy cried again. "We have some little orator in our +midst! But may I ask," he added, with exaggerated politeness, "how we +are to go about accomplishing this service to society?" + +Betty's patience was at an end. "Ask something you can answer yourself!" +she said shortly, and Roy was silenced. + +They deposited the basket at what seemed to them an ideal spot and were +about to examine the contents when a sharp cry from Mollie arrested +their attention. + +"Look! look!" she cried. "I've found it! Girls--boys, come here! Quick." + +There was no need of urging, for they fairly flew in the direction of +her voice. There she was down on her knees before an opening much lower +and narrower than the one they had discovered before, but nevertheless +unmistakably another entrance to the cave. + +"I caught my foot in a twig," she explained, as they crowded around her, +wild with excitement, "and I almost fell into the cave." So, as in the +first place, the discovery had been made through an accident. + +The cave seemed to have been formed in a rise of the ground--it could +hardly be termed a hill--and as the young people looked inside, its +black interior stretched as far as they could see. + +"Who wants to go in first?" asked Amy, her tone low and awed in the +presence of the unknown. "The boys will have to stoop to get in." + +"I'll go," said Will, pushing his way past them, and in his tone was a +ring of command. "Come on, anybody that wants to. I'm going to find +what's in this place before it disappears again." + +The place had a damp and earthy smell, and Amy drew back uncertainly. +"The rest of you go first," she said. "I'll come--later." + +Nothing loath, Mollie, Betty and even Grace pressed into the opening +after Will, the boys standing aside--this last bit of self-control +proving that chivalry was not all dead yet. The first temptation had +been to run pell-mell after Will, regardless of girls or any other +disturbing element that might be about. + +However, as has been said, they allowed the girls to go in first and +followed them as closely as they dared, Amy, however, going last of all. + +After several feet of back-breaking progress the girls came out into +another portion of the cave, where the roof was high enough to admit of +an upright position. As they stood up, nerves aquiver with suppressed +excitement, Will rushed back to them. + +"There is another entrance at the other end," he cried. "That must be +the one you and Allen found, Betty. Come over here where you can get +more light," he added. "It filters through the leaves and twigs at the +opening." + +All this time he was leading the way to the spot that he was describing, +the others following breathlessly. Once there, he grasped Allen's arm +excitedly, crying in a tense voice: "Look here, old man, here is one of +those bags they carried the other day--the place is full of them. Now I +am going to open this one. You keep a good lookout." + +"Hush!" cried Allen, and they listened, scarcely daring to breathe. From +the mouth of the cave, soft but unmistakable, came the sound of +voices--voices speaking in a tongue the boys had heard before. There +could be no mistake--the gypsies were visiting their hiding place! + +"Get back," breathed Will. "Back into the other mouth of the cave." He +pushed the others before him with all his force and they obeyed without +question. + +They shrank back in the darkness and waited for what was to come. They +might have fled, but curiosity held them chained to the spot. + +Once Amy uttered a weak protest, saying: "Don't you think we had better +go back?" when Will silenced her, none too gently. The moment was a +critical one. + +The little group of young people held their breath while the gypsies +entered, silent now. In the dim light of the cave their features could +not be seen, but there was something about the bent old figure of the +foremost gypsy that proclaimed the leader of that other day. They were +as velvet-footed as cats, and as the girls' eyes became more accustomed +to the gloom they discovered that the gypsies were not hunch-backed, as +had first appeared, but merely carried upon their backs packs like those +others scattered about the cave. These they deposited on the floor +without much ceremony and were gone before the girls and boys had fairly +realized it. + +The watchers stood motionless even after the footsteps had died away in +the distance. It seemed as though a mystic spell had been woven about +them, which, for the time, they were powerless to break. + +It was Roy who first "came to life," as Mollie expressed it. "I say, +what's the use of standing here?" he inquired. "Let's have a look." + +"Oh, hush, please!" begged Grace, alarmed at the unrestraint of his +tone. "They might come back." + +"No, they won't," Will asserted, for he had suddenly acquired great +dignity. "They have probably gone for another haul. In the meantime it +is up to us to inform the authorities, and mighty quick, too." + +"But we don't even know that it _is_ loot, Will," Betty protested. "We +ought to make sure first." + +"That's easy enough," Allen commented. "Besides I've been anxious to +examine the contents of that bag for a long time. Now, I'd like to see +anybody keep me from it!" and he rushed over to the other side of the +cave and was opening one of the bags even as he spoke. + +The others crowded close beside him as he knelt on the ground, taking +advantage of the meager light from the cave mouth to examine its +contents. What they did see literally made them gasp. Gold and silver +and strings upon strings of beads--some very valuable, others less +so--and trinkets of all sorts and descriptions. + +"Say, those gypsies are experts!" Frank exclaimed, awe in his tone. "I +think I'll go into the business." + +The girls didn't even pretend to be shocked at this--they were too taken +up with their own emotions--too excited to notice such trivial remarks. + +"Oh, aren't they wonderful?" cried Amy, down on her knees before the +bag, and running her fingers through the brilliant mass delightedly. +"How do they ever get such things?" + +"That's a funny question to ask," Grace remarked. "They steal them, of +course." + +"But what are we going to do?" asked Betty practically. "If all the bags +contain things like these, this cave is a mighty valuable place. Oh, and +to think that we were the ones to discover it!" + +"Well, you people can stay here and guard the loot if you want to," said +Will. "But I'm going over to the mainland to hunt up a couple of ancient +sheriffs--I suppose they are ancient," he added whimsically. "In +stories, you wouldn't recognize a sheriff without his whiskers." + +"Never mind the whiskers," said Mollie impatiently. "The thing is, +somebody has to stay and guard the cave or it will disappear the way it +did the other time, and you will bring the authorities over here for +nothing." + +"Well, of course you will have to stay until I get back," Will decided. +"In the meantime, you can eat lunch. Good-bye, I'm off." And he led the +way into the sunlight, which dazzled their eyes after the semi-gloom of +the cave. + +"But you will have to wait for the ferry," Allen called after him, "and +it may not be along for some time." + +"I'll take a chance," Will flung back. "I'll get there if I have to +swim!" + +"Maybe if you swim you can beat the ferry," suggested Allen, with a +laugh. + +"Say, that's a scheme! I guess I had better try it." + +"Nonsense! You take the boat, old as it is." + +"All right, Allen." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +LYING IN WAIT + + +Somehow the lunch did not taste as good that day. Excitement had robbed +the Outdoor Girls and their boy friends of appetite. They ate in a +preoccupied way, eyes now on the cave so close at hand, now wandering in +the direction from which the gypsies had come. If these latter should +return before Will--well, then it would be time for a hurried exit on +their part. They had no intention of being caught in the wolf's lair. + +It was Will, however, who reached the place first, and those waiting for +him could have danced with relief when they heard his voice. A moment +later they caught sight of him, accompanied by two men from the town. +Judging from their gesticulations, the latter were more than ordinarily +excited. Incidentally, let it be recorded that neither of them, the +sheriff nor his deputy, had a beard. + +"Here they are!" Will cried, as he caught sight of his friends. "I +thought I was on the right track. Any news since I left?" + +"Not a thing," Frank answered. "The place has been absolutely deserted." + +"Good," said Will, then, turning to the men beside him, added: "This is +the entrance we found to-day--you see the bushes hide it completely. But +there is another and a larger opening at the other end--that's the one +we stumbled into in the first place." + +The two men listened to his words attentively, and when he had finished +set about little explorations of their own. + +"You say there is another opening at the farther side?" one of them +inquired, pausing in the act of pushing aside the bushes. "That probably +is the main one." + +"I think so," Will agreed, "but they both lead to the same place." + +Satisfied on this point, the two continued their investigations. They +disappeared within the cave and the young folks waited impatiently for +their reappearance. + +"Do you suppose they will bring the bags out here?" asked Mollie +eagerly. "If they do, then we can really see what the things are like." + +"I hope so," Amy stated. But Betty started to speak dreamily, saying: + +"What will those poor old gypsies do when they come back and find the +place cleared out?" + +"They'll probably all go to the penitentiary," said Frank calmly. "The +authorities will be on the lookout for them and they'll get caught all +right when they do come back." + +"Oh!" said Grace, horror in her tone; for so far that side of the +question had not occurred to her. "It's terrible to think of sending +those poor things to jail." + +"Well, but they have earned it," Allen argued. "They must have been +getting away with this thing for years." + +"It's a wonder Aunt Elvira never suspected anything," said Mollie, +frankly puzzled. "Why, she didn't even mention the gypsies." + +"Probably thought the story too old to tell," Roy suggested. "We +wouldn't have believed there was such a place on Pine Island ourselves +if we hadn't seen it with our own eyes." + +"I suppose not," Mollie admitted, and then the sheriff and his deputy +emerged into the daylight once more and each brought with him a bag. + +"Now we will find out how far their rascality has gone," one of the men, +the elder of the two, asserted. "Perhaps you don't know it," he added, +untying the fastenings of the first bag, "but you young people have done +the community a great service. People all over are complaining of +stolen property, and, although we have suspected the gypsies for some +time, so far we haven't been able to prove anything. However, this +discovery of yours changes things considerably. Ah, what have we here?" + +The sun struck full upon the brilliant mass, making it glow and sparkle +like a jewel. There were other and real jewels, too, in the collection, +which they were soon to discover. + +"Oh," murmured Mollie, "if I could only find some trace of mother's +silver service among those things!" + +The detective looked up sharply. "Have you folks lost anything?" he +asked. + +"Oh, yes!" Mollie explained. "Mother lost her silver tea service that +has been in the family for ever so many years, besides an expensive jet +necklace. And, besides that, Miss Ford's father had his pet thoroughbred +horse stolen." + +"And one of the big stores in Deepdale was looted," Betty added. "Oh, +there was tremendous excitement there for a time." + +"Hum," said the spokesman, stroking his beardless chin thoughtfully. "It +looks as if we might be able to trace a good many things." And he +continued to explore the contents of the bag to the very bottom. + +The other one was treated in like manner but nothing familiar met the +watching eyes. Of course, all were disappointed, but Mr. Mendall, for +such was the sheriff's name, warned the young people that it was not yet +time to give up hope--there were plenty more bags where these had come +from. + +"But we haven't time to go through all of them now," he stated. "I +simply wanted to assure myself that the things were valuable. Now that I +am satisfied on that score, the best thing to do is to get the loot away +as soon as possible and then set somebody to watch for those gypsies. I +never saw anything like them when it comes to nerve," he added, waxing +enthusiastic on the subject. "Why, I believe if you were crossing a +chasm with only a board between you and eternity, and they happened to +need that board for kindling wood they would pull it out from under you +without the slightest compunction." + +The girls laughed, but they could not help thinking that the statement +was somewhat exaggerated. + +"But you are not going to leave the cave unprotected until you get the +loot away?" Mollie cried. "Suppose they should come back in the +meantime?" + +"Then they would fall into a very prettily laid trap," was the grim +answer. "No, my dear young lady, we are not going to leave the cave +unguarded. I'll have men watching day and night until we catch them +red-handed. It is sure to come sooner or later." + +The girls drew a relieved sigh. They had not liked the idea of being +alone on this end of the island when the gypsies returned to find the +cave empty. + +Mr. Mendall rose to his feet, gripping a bag in each hand, but together +they were all that he could carry. "Here, Trent, you take one of these," +he ordered. "I'll take the other and, armed with proof like this, we +ought to be able to convince even those skeptical people on shore." Then +he added, turning to Will: "If you will keep watch for another hour we +will be back with more men to relieve you." + +Will readily promised, and once more the young folks were left alone. + +"You people don't have to stay just because I do," said Will, meaning to +be generous. "You can go home, or go in swimming, or anything else to +amuse yourselves you wish, while I do the sentry act." + +"Go home!" Mollie cried indignantly. "Why, how can you think of such a +thing, Will, when you know how interested we all are? I, for one, can't +do anything but wait." + +"Nor I," said Grace. "They may be able to find your mother's silver, +Mollie, but I'm afraid our poor dear Beauty is gone forever." + +"Oh, I wouldn't say that," Betty argued cheerfully. "Just because they +didn't sew him up in a bag and stick him in a gloomy old cave is no +reason why we can't find him. We may come across him any time." + +"Well, maybe," sighed Grace, and her tone was anything but optimistic. + +The friendly sheriff had set an hour for the time of his absence, but +long before the hour had sped he returned, bringing with him six other +men and a small hand-cart. + +"I don't see how you managed to get it through the woods," said Allen, +referring to the hand-cart. + +"Oh, we stuck to the shore most of the time," said Mr. Mendall, +cheerily, "and the rest of the way there are pretty broad paths. Now for +the clearing up," and he led his half dozen followers after him into the +cave. + +They made several trips until the crazy cart was heaped high with +veritable treasure bags. + +"Oh, aren't you going to let us see what is in them now?" Betty +entreated, intense disappointment in her voice. "We are so anxious to +know." + +"Sorry," said the big man kindly, "but I'll feel safer when this loot is +safely locked up on shore. We'll let you know exactly what's in them as +soon as we know ourselves," he promised. + +"Nothing could be fairer than that," said Allen cheerfully. "I guess +since we've waited so long, we can afford to wait a little longer." + +"It won't be much longer," Mr. Mendall responded. "We want you all to +know how grateful we are for this assistance. Without it we would +probably have been a long time getting to the bottom of things. As I +said before, you have rendered a great service to the community." + +And with this graceful little speech, Mr. Mendall and two of the men he +had brought with him took their leave, carrying with them the precious +bags, one of which Mollie so hoped would contain some, at least, if not +the whole, of her mother's silver. The other four men were left behind +to watch for the return of the gypsies. + +"Oh, I don't know how I can wait till to-morrow," wailed Mollie, as they +started homeward. "I'm simply dying to know. I think they might have +opened the things while we were there. Horrid old things! The gypsies +probably wouldn't be back for another two weeks, anyway, and there +really wasn't any danger." + +"But to think we had the luck to find it!" cried Betty, her eyes still +glowing. "And after we had given it up, too. Goodness, I'm glad you had +that tumble, Mollie." + +"Thank you," sniffed Mollie. "Just the same," she added with a gleeful +little laugh, "I'd give a great deal to see Aunt Elvira's face when she +hears the story." + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +GLORIOUS NEWS + + +"I guess they will never come," said Mollie, gazing despairingly out +over the water. "They must have been gone at least an hour." + +"Goodness, Mollie!--an hour," echoed Betty, in imitation of Mollie's +tragic tones. "Don't you know that it would take at least three hours +for the boys to go over, find out what Mr. Mendall has to say to them +and get back here? Remember they have to wait for the ferry," she added +significantly. + +"Well, I know, but if it is going to take that long, we won't get home +to-day," Mollie grumbled. "Besides, I've _got_ to hear the news." + +It was early in the morning of the day on which the Outdoor Girls and +the boys had decided to start for home. For days they had expected word +from Mr. Mendall. The boys had haunted the town hoping to hear from +him--but no word had come. Then suddenly Will had burst in upon the +others with the great news that he had almost run into Mr. Mendall +turning a corner, and that genial man had expressed great pleasure at +sight of him. + +"Why, he said----" Will had reported excitedly, "he said that if he +hadn't met me, he fully intended coming over to camp--that he had +something to tell me that might be of great interest. And he wants us +fellows to come over first thing in the morning," he had finished +exultantly. + +So it was that the girls were waiting impatiently for confirmation of +their hopes. + +"We don't really have to go home to-day," Amy was saying doubtfully. "I +don't see why we couldn't have waited until to-morrow." + +"It does seem a shame to leave this wonderful place," sighed Grace +looking about her. "It seems to me it is more beautiful now than it ever +was. September is the best time in the year, anyway." + +"Why can't we stay over anyway--to-morrow is Saturday. I think we might +as well finish out the week," cried Grace, seized with a bright idea. +"Maybe Mrs. Irving will consent, since it is bound to be late when we do +get home." She popped a chocolate in her mouth as she finished. + +Betty regarded her chum pityingly. + +"That _is_ clever," she said. "Especially since the boys have taken +down their tents, and we have everything packed up." + +Grace looked rather crestfallen. + +"Well, I suppose we couldn't," she admitted. "Just the same I would be +glad of any excuse that would keep us on the island a few days longer. +Oh, dear----" and she gazed about her longingly. + +"Haven't we had a good time?" asked Betty, as she settled herself on the +steps. "This last week has been great, too--even though we were so +anxious to hear about Mollie's silver." + +"Oh, and do you know what Anita said the other day?" Amy broke in +suddenly. "She said she had some distant relatives in Deepdale, and that +if she could fish around and get an invitation, she might see us there." + +"Oh, wouldn't that be great!" said Mollie, with genuine enthusiasm. + +"Yes, she's a fine girl," Betty echoed. "I only wish she lived in +Deepdale, so we might invite her to join our happy little party." + +"Yes, and the boys like her brother, too," said Grace. "Will says he is +a fine fellow; and Will never says a thing like that unless he means +it." + +"Do my eyes deceive me?" cried Betty, springing up and pointing toward +the mainland, "or is that the good old Pine Island dreadnaught steaming +majestically from the harbor? Tell me some one--am I right?" + +"You are!" cried Grace, dramatically. "That noble ship could be no +other." + +"Oh, do stop your nonsense," cried Mollie impatiently. "Are you sure +that's the ferry?" + +"Since it is the only apology for a boat that ever comes this way," +Grace remarked lazily, "I guess it must be." + +"Oh, Grace, don't tease," warned the Little Captain, in an aside. "Can't +you see how worked up Mollie is? No wonder she is excited--the news may +mean a lot to her." + +Grace glanced at her chum and saw that Betty had spoken the truth. +Mollie's hands were clenched tight to her side, crimson flamed in her +face, and her foot tapped nervously on the ground. + +"Oh, they'll never get here," she was saying over and over again. "Can't +the old ferryboat get up any steam at all?" + +"Perhaps we might help tow it in?" Betty suggested, striving to break +the tension. "I think we could paddle lots faster in the canoes." + +"Goodness, I would almost like to try it!" Mollie exclaimed. "I think +they might get something modern on the lake--something real +modern--around the eighteenth century." + +"Oh, isn't she sarcastic," said Amy, putting an arm about her friend and +patting her hand gently. "Never mind, Mollie, all things come in time." + +Of course she was right, even Mollie had to admit it. + +At the end of one of the longest half hours the girls had ever spent, +the rickety little ferryboat scraped against the dock, and they ran down +to meet the boys. The latter almost fell out of the boat, careless of +what any one might think. At the first sight of them the girls were +convinced their news was of the best. + +"Oh, oh, hurry!" cried Mollie. "I thought you would never get here. Oh, +you have something wonderful to tell us--I know it!" + +"You bet we have!" cried Allen. "We have the very finest news you ever +heard." + +"Oh, what is it?" the girls cried in unison, and Mollie added +pleadingly: "Don't keep us waiting any longer, boys, please." + +"All right," Will agreed; for he was as anxious to tell as the girls +were to hear. "Come to the house and we will tell you the whole story." + +"But did you get them?" Mollie demanded. "I don't see why you have to +wait till you get to the house to tell me that." + +"You can see by their faces they have, Mollie," Betty assured her. "You +had better not interfere--they will tell the story their own way, +whatever you say." + +By this time they had reached the house and called to Mrs. Irving to +come and hear the news. + +She joined them in a moment, and Will began. + +"Well, you see," he said, "in the first place, Mr. Mendall didn't want +to raise our hopes until he found out definitely whether anything there +belonged to us." + +"Yes," broke in Mollie quickly. + +"Don't interrupt," Will warned her. "You might sidetrack me or +something." + +"Oh, Will, don't be a goose!" cried his sister. "Go on." + +"I'm not a goose," he declared with dignity, "and I expect to go on if I +am given half a chance." + +He paused for a reply, but as none was forthcoming and as only +threatening looks met him on every side, he continued hurriedly. + +"Well, as I was saying," he went on, "Mr. Mendall did finally succeed in +getting the information he wanted. Then yesterday afternoon I happened +to meet him----" + +"Yes, we know all about that," said Betty, dancing with mingled +excitement and exasperation. "Please get to the point." + +"Since you insist," Will answered gravely. "The fact is, Mollie, that +all your mother's silver is there--even down to the little sugar bowl." + +"Oh!" gasped Mollie, and for a moment she could say no more. + +Then the flood gates of speech opened, and her questions poured forth. + +"Oh, Will! isn't that wonderful?" she cried. "I didn't dare really to +believe till this very moment. Are you sure everything is there--not a +thing missing? The creamer and teapot? And oh, Will!" she grasped his +arm beseechingly, "did you find the necklace?" + +Will looked evasive. + +"Why, you see----" he was beginning, when Frank interrupted him. + +"The necklace is probably gracing the swarthy neck of some fair gypsy +damsel," remarked the latter, rather flippantly. "Here we offer you a +whole silver service, and you're not satisfied." + +Mollie looked from one to the other of her two tormentors in pathetic +bewilderment. + +"Please, _please_!" she begged. "Mother'll be wild when she hears about +the silver. But oh, I do want that jet necklace almost more than +anything in the world! Don't tease me any more, please." + +At this appeal, Will's heart softened, and, with a quick movement, he +drew his hand from behind him, disclosing to four pairs of incredulous +eyes the precious jet necklace. + +"Here it is," he announced triumphantly. + +Mollie grasped the heirloom with a little cry of joy. Then she threw her +arms about Betty's neck, and began to laugh hysterically. + +"Don't mind me," she gasped, as the boys looked on mystified. "I--I +can't help it! I'm just so--so happy!" + +Betty patted her chum's shoulder, soothingly. + +"Now, see what you've gone and done," she accused poor Will. + +"I--I didn't know----" he was beginning, but he seemed destined not to +finish his sentences that day. + +Mollie, a creature of moods, withdrew herself from Betty's arms and +favored the promising young detective with an ecstatic little hug that +amazed and delighted that young gentleman immensely. + +"I say, Mollie, do it again," he pleaded, while the other three boys +hastened to demand their share of the reward. + +But Mollie had caught Grace about the waist and they were engaged in +what might be called a cross between a Virginia reel and an Indian war +dance. + +When they were forced to stop from sheer lack of breath, the volcanic +Mollie flung herself upon the steps, and beamed upon them. + +"And that's not all," Will said, and glanced instinctively toward his +sister. + +Grace started, and leaned forward beseechingly. + +"Will?" she breathed. + +"Yes," he continued, answering her unspoken question, "we found Beauty." + +The girl's eyes opened wide at this new disclosure, and Grace grasped +her brother's arm imploringly. + +"Oh, Will, where?" + +"He was found by one of the farmers near the town. Looked as though he'd +broken away from whoever'd had him. The farmer saw he was a +thoroughbred, and guessed at once that he had been stolen. Luckily for +us he was an honest man." + +"Darling old Beauty," murmured Grace, tearfully. "Oh, wait till dad +hears!" + +"I guess he'll get a welcome, all right," Will agreed gleefully. "Poor +old Beauty! I saw him myself this morning." + +"Mr. Mendall says," Allen volunteered, "there are traces of a good many +other things from Deepdale. We'll probably have a triumphant home +coming. And they have captured the gypsies and put them in jail." + +"Oh, oh, and to think we did it!" sighed Amy, contentedly. + +So joyful were they at the outcome of their detective work, that the +long journey to Deepdale was almost forgotten. It was Mrs. Irving who +brought them to their senses. + +"I'm afraid," she said, "that if we don't start pretty soon, Deepdale +won't see us until to-morrow morning, and that will never do. Come, +girls, get ready." + +"Oh, I don't want to go home," wailed Amy, as they rose to follow +instructions. + +"But just think what we will have to tell them when we get there!" said +Betty, and the thought lent wings to their feet. + +Once more the Outdoor Girls and their comrades assembled on the wharf, +waiting for the ridiculous little ferryboat that had been the butt of +their jokes during the summer. Now that they were going away, however, +the sound of the shrill little whistle, as it panted up to them, seemed +somehow strangely typical of their life on the island, and they felt an +unexpected throb of home-sickness. + +"We'll have to come back to it some time," Betty said. "I love the +place." + +"I wonder if there are any more mysteries floating around loose," said +Roy, pausing for one last backward glance over his shoulder. "If there +are, I'm going back." + +But Allen seized him and drew him aboard. + +"Come on," he cried, "we're off!" + +The four girls linked arms, as they gazed back at the familiar bungalow. + +Suddenly Mollie chuckled irrepressibly. + +"Oh, girls," she murmured softly, "I must be on the spot when Aunt +Elvira hears the news." + +The little ferryboat steamed away from the dock, carrying with it our +happy Outdoor Girls, to whom we must once more wave a reluctant +farewell. + + +THE END + + + + +THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS SERIES + +By LAURA LEE HOPE + +Author of "The Bobbsey Twins Series." + + * * * * * + +=12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING= + + * * * * * + +The adventures of Ruth and Alice DeVere. Their father, a widower, is an +actor who has taken up work for the "movies." Both girls wish to aid him +in his work and visit various localities to act in all sorts of +pictures. + + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS + Or First Appearance in Photo Dramas. + +Having lost his voice, the father of the girls goes into the movies and +the girls follow. Tells how many "parlor dramas" are filmed. + + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT OAK FARM + Or Queer Happenings While Taking Rural Plays. + +Full of fun in the country, the haps and mishaps of taking film plays, +and giving an account of two unusual discoveries. + + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS SNOWBOUND + Or The Proof on the Film. + +A tale of winter adventures in the wilderness, showing how the +photo-play actors sometimes suffer. + + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS UNDER THE PALMS + Or Lost in the Wilds of Florida. + +How they went to the land of palms, played many parts in dramas before +the camera; were lost, and aided others who were also lost. + + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT ROCKY RANCH + Or Great Days Among the Cowboys. + +All who have ever seen moving pictures of the great West will want to +know just how they are made. This volume gives every detail and is full +of clean fun and excitement. + + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT SEA + Or a Pictured Shipwreck that Became Real. + +A thrilling account of the girls' experiences on the water. + + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS IN WAR PLAYS + Or The Sham Battles at Oak Farm. + +The girls play important parts in big battle scenes and have plenty of +hard work along with considerable fun. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS SERIES + +By LAURA LEE HOPE + +Author of the "Bobbsey Twin Books" and "Bunny Brown" Series. + + * * * * * + +=12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING= + + * * * * * + +These tales take in the various adventures participated in by several +bright, up-to-date girls who love outdoor life. They are clean and +wholesome, free from sensationalism, absorbing from the first chapter to +the last. + + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE + Or Camping and Tramping for Fun and Health. + +Telling how the girls organized their Camping and Tramping Club, how +they went on a tour, and of various adventures which befell them. + + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE + Or Stirring Cruise of the Motor Boat Gem. + +One of the girls becomes the proud possessor of a motor boat and invites +her club members to take a trip down the river to Rainbow Lake, a +beautiful sheet of water lying between the mountains. + + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A MOTOR CAR + Or The Haunted Mansion of Shadow Valley. + +One of the girls has learned to run a big motor car, and she invites the +club to go on a tour to visit some distant relatives. On the way they +stop at a deserted mansion and make a surprising discovery. + + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A WINTER CAMP + Or Glorious Days on Skates and Ice Boats. + +In this story, the scene is shifted to a winter season. The girls have +some jolly times skating and ice boating, and visit a hunters' camp in +the big woods. + + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN FLORIDA. + Or Wintering in the Sunny South. + +The parents of one of the girls have bought an orange grove in Florida, +and her companions are invited to visit the place. They take a trip into +the interior, where several unusual things happen. + + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT OCEAN VIEW + Or The Box that Was Found in the Sand. + +The girls have great fun and solve a mystery while on an outing along +the New England coast. + + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND + Or A Cave and What it Contained. + +A bright, healthful story, full of good times at a bungalow camp on Pine +Island. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH SERIES + +By GERTRUDE W. MORRISON + + + * * * * * + +=12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING.= + + * * * * * + +Here is a series full of the spirit of high school life of to-day. The +girls are real flesh-and-blood characters, and we follow them with +interest in school and out. There are many contested matches on track +and field, and on the water, as well as doings in the classroom and on +the school stage. There is plenty of fun and excitement, all clean, pure +and wholesome. + + + THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH + Or Rivals for all Honors. + +A stirring tale of high school life, full of fun, with a touch of +mystery and a strange initiation. + + + THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH ON LAKE LUNA + Or The Crew That Won. + +Telling of water sports and fun galore, and of fine times in camp. + + + THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH AT BASKETBALL + Or The Great Gymnasium Mystery. + +Here we have a number of thrilling contests at basketball and in +addition, the solving of a mystery which had bothered the high school +authorities for a long while. + + + THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH ON THE STAGE + Or The Play That Took the Prize. + +How the girls went in for theatricals and how one of them wrote a play +which afterward was made over for the professional stage and brought in +some much-needed money. + + + THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH ON TRACK AND FIELD + Or The Girl Champions of the School League + +This story takes in high school athletics in their most approved and +up-to-date fashion. Full of fun and excitement. + + + THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH IN CAMP + Or The Old Professor's Secret. + +The girls went camping on Acorn Island and had a delightful time at +boating, swimming and picnic parties. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE TOM SWIFT SERIES + +By VICTOR APPLETON + + * * * * * + +=12mo. CLOTH. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING. COLORED WRAPPERS.= + + * * * * * + +These spirited tales convey in a realistic way the wonderful advances in +land and sea locomotion. Stories like these are impressed upon the +memory and their reading is productive only of good. + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR CYCLE + Or Fun and Adventure on the Road + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR BOAT + Or The Rivals of Lake Carlopa + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIRSHIP + Or The Stirring Cruise of the Red Cloud + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS SUBMARINE BOAT + Or Under the Ocean for Sunken Treasure + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RUNABOUT + Or The Speediest Car on the Road + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIRELESS MESSAGE + Or The Castaways of Earthquake Island + + TOM SWIFT AMONG THE DIAMOND MAKERS + Or The Secret of Phantom Mountain + + TOM SWIFT IN THE CAVES OF ICE + Or The Wreck of the Airship + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS SKY RACER + Or The Quickest Flight on Record + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RIFLE + Or Daring Adventures in Elephant Land + + TOM SWIFT IN THE CITY OF GOLD + Or Marvellous Adventures Underground + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIR GLIDER + Or Seeking the Platinum Treasure + + TOM SWIFT IN CAPTIVITY + Or A Daring Escape by Airship + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIZARD CAMERA + Or The Perils of Moving Picture Taking + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS GREAT SEARCHLIGHT + Or On the Border for Uncle Sam + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS GIANT CANNON + Or The Longest Shots on Record + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS PHOTO TELEPHONE + Or The Picture that Saved a Fortune + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AERIAL WARSHIP + Or The Naval Terror of the Seas + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS BIG TUNNEL + Or The Hidden City of the Andes + + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS NEW YORK + + + + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS SERIES + +By VICTOR APPLETON + + * * * * * + +=12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING.= + + * * * * * + +Moving pictures and photo plays are famous the world over, and in this +line of books the reader is given a full description of how the films +are made--the scenes of little dramas, indoors and out, trick pictures +to satisfy the curious, soul-stirring pictures of city affairs, life in +the Wild West, among the cowboys and Indians, thrilling rescues along +the seacoast, the daring of picture hunters in the jungle among savage +beasts, and the great risks run in picturing conditions in a land of +earthquakes. The volumes teem with adventures and will be found +interesting from first chapter to last. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS + Or Perils of a Great City Depicted. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN THE WEST + Or Taking Scenes Among the Cowboys and Indians. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS ON THE COAST + Or Showing the Perils of the Deep. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN THE JUNGLE + Or Stirring Times Among the Wild Animals. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN EARTHQUAKE LAND + Or Working Amid Many Perils. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS AND THE FLOOD + Or Perilous Days on the Mississippi. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS AT PANAMA + Or Stirring Adventures Along the Great Canal. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS UNDER THE SEA + Or The Treasure of the Lost Ship. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS SERIES + +By VICTOR APPLETON + + + * * * * * + +=12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING.= + + * * * * * + +In these stories we follow the adventures of three boys, who, after +purchasing at auction the contents of a moving picture house, open a +theatre of their own. Their many trials and tribulations, leading up to +the final success of their venture, make very entertaining stories. + + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' FIRST VENTURE + Or Opening a Photo Playhouse in Fairlands. + +The adventures of Frank, Randy and Pep in running a Motion Picture show. +They had trials and tribulations but finally succeed. + + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS AT SEASIDE PARK + Or The Rival Photo Theatres of the Boardwalk. + +Their success at Fairlands encourages the boys to open their show at +Seaside Park, where they have exciting adventures--also a profitable +season. + + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS ON BROADWAY + Or The Mystery of the Missing Cash Box. + +Backed by a rich western friend the chums established a photo playhouse +in the great metropolis, where new adventures await them. + + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' OUTDOOR EXHIBITION + Or The Film that Solved a Mystery. + +This time the playhouse was in a big summer park. How a film that was +shown gave a clew to an important mystery is interestingly related. + + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' NEW IDEA + Or The First Educational Photo Playhouse. + +In this book the scene is shifted to Boston, and there is intense +rivalry in the establishment of photo playhouses of educational value. + + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS AT THE FAIR + Or The Greatest Film Ever Exhibited. + +The chums go to San Francisco, where they have some trials but finally +meet with great success. + + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' WAR SPECTACLE + Or The Film that Won the Prize. + +Through being of service to the writer of a great scenario, the chums +are enabled to produce it and win a prize. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE OUTDOOR CHUMS SERIES + +By CAPTAIN QUINCY ALLEN + +The outdoor chums are four wide-awake lads, sons of wealthy men of a +small city located on a lake. The boys love outdoor life, and are +greatly interested in hunting, fishing, and picture taking. They have +motor cycles, motor boats, canoes, etc., and during their vacations go +everywhere and have all sorts of thrilling adventures. The stories give +full directions for camping out, how to fish, how to hunt wild animals +and prepare the skins for stuffing, how to manage a canoe, how to swim, +etc. Full of the spirit of outdoor life. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS + Or The First Tour of the Rod, Gun and Camera Club. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON THE LAKE + Or Lively Adventures on Wildcat Island. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS IN THE FOREST + Or Laying the Ghost of Oak Ridge. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON THE GULF + Or Rescuing the Lost Balloonists. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS AFTER BIG GAME + Or Perilous Adventures in the Wilderness. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON A HOUSEBOAT + Or The Rivals of the Mississippi. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS IN THE BIG WOODS + Or The Rival Hunters at Lumber Run. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS AT CABIN POINT + Or The Golden Cup Mystery. + +=12mo. Averaging 240 pages. Illustrated. Handsomely bound in Cloth.= + + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH SERIES + +By GRAHAM B. FORBES + +Never was there a cleaner, brighter, more manly boy than Frank Allen, +the hero of this series of boys' tales, and never was there a better +crowd of lads to associate with than the students of the School. All +boys will read these stories with deep interest. The rivalry between the +towns along the river was of the keenest, and plots and counterplots to +win the champions, at baseball, at football, at boat racing, at track +athletics, and at ice hockey, were without number. Any lad reading one +volume of this series will surely want the others. + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH + Or The All Around Rivals of the School + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE DIAMOND + Or Winning Out by Pluck + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE RIVER + Or The Boat Race Plot that Failed + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE GRIDIRON + Or The Struggle for the Silver Cup + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE ICE + Or Out for the Hockey Championship + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH IN TRACK ATHLETICS + Or A Long Run that Won + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH IN WINTER SPORTS + Or Stirring Doings on Skates and Iceboats + +=12mo. Illustrated. Handsomely bound in cloth, with cover design and +wrappers in colors.= + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE FAMOUS ROVER BOYS SERIES + +By ARTHUR W. WINFIELD + + * * * * * + +American Stories of American Boys and Girls + + * * * * * + +A MILLION AND A HALF COPIES SOLD OF THIS SERIES + + * * * * * + +=12mo. CLOTH. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING. COLORED WRAPPERS.= + + * * * * * + + THE ROVER BOYS AT SCHOOL + Or The Cadets of Putnam Hall + + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN + Or A Chase for a Fortune + + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE JUNGLE + Or Stirring Adventures in Africa + + THE ROVER BOYS OUT WEST + Or The Search for a Lost Mine + + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE GREAT LAKES + Or The Secret of the Island Cave + + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE MOUNTAINS + Or A Hunt for Fame and Fortune + + THE ROVER BOYS ON LAND AND SEA + Or The Crusoes of Seven Islands + + THE ROVER BOYS IN CAMP + Or The Rivals of Pine Island + + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE RIVER + Or The Search for the Missing Houseboat + + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE PLAINS + Or The Mystery of Red Rock Ranch + + THE ROVER BOYS IN SOUTHERN WATERS + Or The Deserted Steam Yacht + + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE FARM + Or The Last Days at Putnam Hall + + THE ROVER BOYS ON TREASURE ISLE + Or The Strange Cruise of the Steam Yacht + + THE ROVER BOYS AT COLLEGE + Or The Right Road and the Wrong + + THE ROVER BOYS DOWN EAST + Or The Struggle for the Stanhope Fortune + + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE AIR + Or From College Campus to the Clouds + + THE ROVER BOYS IN NEW YORK + Or Saving Their Father's Honor + + THE ROVER BOYS IN ALASKA + Or Lost in the Fields of Ice + + THE ROVER BOYS IN BUSINESS + Or The Search for the Missing Bonds + + THE ROVER BOYS ON A TOUR + Or Last Days at Brill College. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE DICK HAMILTON SERIES + +By HOWARD R. GARIS + + * * * * * + +A Series That Has Become Very Popular + + * * * * * + + DICK HAMILTON'S FORTUNE + Or The Stirring Doings of a Millionaire's Son. + +Dick, the son of a millionaire, has a fortune left to him by his mother. +But before he can touch the bulk of this money it is stipulated in his +mother's will that he must do certain things, in order to prove that he +is worthy of possessing such a fortune. The doings of Dick and his chums +make the liveliest kind of reading. + + + DICK HAMILTON'S CADET DAYS + Or The Handicap of a Millionaire's Son. + +The hero is sent to a military academy to make his way without the use +of money. Life at an up-to-date military academy is described, with +target shooting, broadsword exercise, trick riding, sham battles, etc. +Dick proves himself a hero in the best sense of the word. + + + DICK HAMILTON'S STEAM YACHT + Or A Young Millionaire and the Kidnappers. + +A series of adventures while yachting in which our hero's wealth plays a +part. Dick is marooned on an island, recovers his yacht and foils the +kidnappers. + + + DICK HAMILTON'S FOOTBALL TEAM + Or A Young Millionaire on the Gridiron. + +A very interesting account of how Dick developed a champion team and of +the lively contests with other teams. There is also related a number of +thrilling incidents in which Dick is the central figure. + + + DICK HAMILTON'S TOURING CAR + Or A Young Millionaire's Race for a Fortune. + +Dick's father gives him an automobile made to live in, which enables him +and his companions to have a good time. + + + DICK HAMILTON'S AIRSHIP + Or A Young Millionaire in the Clouds. + +Tells how Dick built an airship to compete in a twenty thousand dollar +prize contest, and of many adventures he experiences. + +=12mo. Handsomely printed and illustrated, and bound in cloth stamped in +colors. Printed wrappers.= + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +The Putnam Hall Series + +Companion Stories to the Famous Rover Boys Series + +By ARTHUR M. WINFIELD + +Open-air pastimes have always been popular with boys, and should always +be encouraged. These books mingle adventure and fact, and will appeal to +every manly boy. + +12mo. Handsomely printed and illustrated. + + + THE PUTNAM HALL MYSTERY + Or The School Chums' Strange Discovery + +The particulars of the mystery and the solution of it are very +interesting reading. + + + THE PUTNAM HALL ENCAMPMENT + Or The Secret of the Old Mill + +A story full of vim and vigor, telling what the cadets did during the +summer encampment, including a visit to a mysterious old mill, said to +be haunted. The book has a wealth of fun in it. + + + THE PUTNAM HALL REBELLION + Or The Rival Runaways + +The boys had good reasons for running away during Captain Putnam's +absence. They had plenty of fun, and several queer adventures. + + + THE PUTNAM HALL CHAMPIONS + Or Bound to Win Out + +In this volume the Putnam Hall Cadets show what they can do in various +keen rivalries on the athletic field and elsewhere. There is one victory +which leads to a most unlooked-for discovery. + + + THE PUTNAM HALL CADETS + Or Good Times in School and Out + +The cadets are lively, flesh-and-blood fellows, bound to make friends +from the start. There are some keen rivalries, in school and out, and +something is told of a remarkable midnight feast and a hazing that had +an unlooked for ending. + + + THE PUTNAM HALL RIVALS + Or Fun and Sport Afloat and Ashore + +It is a lively, rattling, breezy story of school life in this country +written by one who knows all about its pleasures and its perplexities, +its glorious excitements, and its chilling disappointments. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP,--NEW YORK + + + + +The Flag and Frontier Series + +By CAPTAIN RALPH BONEHILL + +These bracing stories of American life, exploration and adventure should +find a place in every school and home library for the enthusiasm they +kindle in American heroism and history. The historical background is +absolutely correct. Every volume complete in itself. + +12mo. Bound in cloth. Stamped in colors. + + +WITH BOONE ON THE FRONTIER, Or The Pioneer Boys of Old Kentucky. + +Relates the true-to-life adventures of two boys who, in company with +their folks, move westward with Daniel Boone. Contains many thrilling +scenes among the Indians and encounters with wild animals. + + +PIONEER BOYS OF THE GREAT NORTHWEST, Or With Lewis and Clark Across the +Rockies. + +A splendid story describing in detail the great expedition formed under +the leadership of Lewis and Clark, and telling what was done by the +pioneer boys who were first to penetrate the wilderness of the +northwest. + + +PIONEER BOYS OF THE GOLD FIELDS, Or The Nugget Hunters of '49. + +Giving the particulars of the great rush of the gold seekers to +California in 1849. In the party making its way across the continent are +three boys who become chums, and share in no end of adventures. + + +WITH CUSTER IN THE BLACK HILLS, Or A Young Scout Among the Indians. + +Tells of the experiences of a youth who, with his parents, goes to the +Black Hills in search of gold. Custer's last battle is well described. + + +BOYS OF THE FORT, Or A Young Captain's Pluck. + +This story of stirring doings at one of our well-known forts in the Wild +West is of more than ordinary interest. Gives a good insight into army +life of to-day. + + +THE YOUNG BANDMASTER, Or Concert, Stage and Battlefield. + +The hero is a youth who becomes a cornetist in an orchestra, and works +his way up to the leadership of a brass band. He is carried off to sea +and is taken to Cuba, and while there joins a military band which +accompanies our soldiers in the attack on Santiago. + + +OFF FOR HAWAII, Or The Mystery of a Great Volcano. + +Several boys start on a tour of the Hawaiian Islands. They have heard +that there is a treasure located in the vicinity of Kilauea, the largest +active volcano in the world, and go in search of it. + + +A SAILOR BOY WITH DEWEY, Or Afloat in the Philippines. + +The story of Dewey's victory in Manila Bay as it appeared to a real, +live American youth who was in the navy at the time. Many adventures in +Manila and in the interior follow. + + +WHEN SANTIAGO FELL, Or The War Adventures of Two Chums + +Two boys leave New York to join their parents in Cuba. The war between +Spain and the Cubans is on, and the boys are detained at Santiago, but +escape across the bay at night. Many adventures follow. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP,--NEW YORK + + * * * * * + +Transcriber's Notes: + +Obvious punctuation errors repaired. + +Page 53, "Gracie" changed to "Gracy" to conform to rest of text. (Oh, +Gracy, dear) + +Page 105, "girmy" changed to "grimy". (shaking a grimy fist) + +Page 162, "Molly" changed to "Mollie". (will we?" cried Mollie) + +Page 197, "splended" changed to "splendid". (that splendid reserve) + +Two cases of "fire-light" and three of "firelight" were retained. + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island, by Laura Lee Hope + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND *** + +***** This file should be named 19294-8.txt or 19294-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/2/9/19294/ + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Emmy and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island + Or, A Cave and What It Contained + +Author: Laura Lee Hope + +Release Date: September 16, 2006 [EBook #19294] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND *** + + + + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Emmy and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + + + + +<div class='bboxtitle'> + +<h1>The Outdoor Girls<br />On Pine Island</h1> + +<h3>OR</h3> + +<h2>A CAVE AND WHAT IT CONTAINED</h2> + +<h3>BY</h3> + +<h2>LAURA LEE HOPE</h2> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Author of "The Outdoor Girls of Deepdale," "The<br />Moving Picture Girls," +"The Bobbsey<br />Twins," "Bunny Brown and His<br />Sister Sue," etc.</span></div> + +<div class='center'><br /><br /><br /><i>ILLUSTRATED</i><br /> +<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> +NEW YORK<br /> +<big>GROSSET & DUNLAP</big><br /> +PUBLISHERS</div> + +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class='bbox'> +<h2>BOOKS FOR GIRLS</h2> + +<h3>By LAURA LEE HOPE</h3> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume,<br />50 cents, postpaid.</div> + + +<h3>THE OUTDOOR GIRLS SERIES</h3> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Outdoor Girls Books"> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A MOTOR CAR</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A WINTER CAMP</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN FLORIDA</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT OCEAN VIEW</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND</td></tr> +</table></div> + + + +<h3>THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS SERIES</h3> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Moving Picture Girls Series"> +<tr><td align='left'>THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT OAK FARM</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS SNOWBOUND</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS UNDER THE PALMS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT ROCKY RANCH</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT SEA</td></tr> +</table></div> + + + +<h3>THE BOBBSEY TWINS SERIES</h3> + +<div class='center'>For Little Men and Women</div> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Bobbsey Twins Series"> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOBBSEY TWINS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE COUNTRY</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE SEASHORE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SCHOOL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SNOW LODGE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON A HOUSEBOAT</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT MEADOWBROOK</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT HOME</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</span><br /></div> +</div> +<div class='center'><br /><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1916, by Grosset & Dunlap</span></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island</span></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 249px;"> +<img src="images/p001.jpg" width="249" height="400" alt="THEIR CLOTHES WERE PICTURESQUE AND EACH ONE CARRIED A HUGE BUNDLE." title="THEIR CLOTHES WERE PICTURESQUE AND EACH ONE CARRIED A HUGE BUNDLE." /> +<span class="caption">THEIR CLOTHES WERE PICTURESQUE AND EACH ONE CARRIED A HUGE BUNDLE.</span> +</div> + +<div class='center'><i>The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island.</i> <i>Frontispiece</i> (<i>Page <a href='#Page_172'>172</a></i>)</div> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<tr><td align='right'><span class="smcap">chapter</span></td><td align='left'></td><td align='center'><span class="smcap">page</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>I</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Runaway Car</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>II</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Lucky Escape</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_8'>8</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>III</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Fortunes</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_14'>14</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>IV</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Gypsy Encampment</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_23'>23</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>V</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Thieves in Deepdale</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_32'>32</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VI</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Wonderful Outing</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_41'>41</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VII</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Closed for Repairs</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_50'>50</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VIII</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Jet Necklace Reappears</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_60'>60</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>IX</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Pine Island at Last</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_70'>70</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>X</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Bright and Early</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_79'>79</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XI</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Jolly Trip</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_88'>88</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XII</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">"Where There Is Smoke——"</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_96'>96</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIII</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Gathering of the Clans</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_105'>105</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIV</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Victory for Betty</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_113'>113</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XV</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Splendid Catch</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_120'>120</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVI</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Not a Moment Too Soon</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_129'>129</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVII</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Beneath the Moon</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_141'>141</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVIII</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Water Sprites</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_151'>151</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIX</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Marvelous Discovery</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_160'>160</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XX</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Dangerous Visitors</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_171'>171</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXI</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Lost Trail</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_179'>179</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXII</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Mollie Wins</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_191'>191</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXIII</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Hidden Treasure</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_202'>202</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXIV</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Lying in Wait</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_212'>212</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXV</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Glorious News</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_221'>221</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h3>THE RUNAWAY CAR</h3> + + +<p>"The boys will be here in five minutes!" cried Mollie Billette, bursting +in upon her friend, dark hair flying and eyes alight. "You'd better get +on your hat."</p> + +<p>"What boys and why the hat?" returned Grace Ford who, pretty and +graceful, as always, was provokingly calm.</p> + +<p>"I'll answer any and everything if you will only get ready. Oh, have you +got to go upstairs? Hurry then," and Mollie swung her feet impatiently +as Grace detached herself from the great chair slowly and gracefully and +started out into the hall.</p> + +<p>"If you will come upstairs with me, Mollie," Grace suggested, "perhaps +you will deign to tell me why you rush in here like a whirlwind and +insist on my putting on my hat to go goodness knows where."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, all right, if you will only hurry," cried Mollie in desperation, +and jumping from her chair she propelled her friend in most undignified +haste up the broad stairway—Grace protesting at every step.</p> + +<p>"Here's your coat. Now don't talk—act!" Mollie was commanding when +Grace took her firmly by her two shoulders and backed her up against the +wall.</p> + +<p>"Now listen here, young lady," she said, looking sternly down into her +friend's laughing eyes. "It's my turn to talk. I refuse to budge another +step until you have explained, to my perfect satisfaction, the cause of +all this rush."</p> + +<p>"Well, since you feel that way about it," laughed Mollie, "suppose you +let me—sit down."</p> + +<p>"Will you tell me about it if I let you go? Promise!"</p> + +<p>"Uh-huh," said Mollie, and so she was released. "There isn't much to +tell anyway," she went on. "Betty and I met Frank Haley and Will a few +minutes ago and Frank happened to remark that it was a splendid day for +an auto ride. We agreed with him—that's all."</p> + +<p>"Fine—but where's Betty?" and Grace adjusted her tiny toque with care +before the huge mirror.</p> + +<p>"Oh, she's coming, just as soon as she lets her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span> mother know where she's +off to. We wanted Amy to go along too—stopped in there on the way +down—but Mrs. Stonington isn't feeling well and Amy thought she ought +to stay with her."</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry for that. But would there have been room for all of us in +Frank's car, anyway?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, it's a big seven-passenger affair. Mr. Nelson says it is a +wonder. Just think! I can only squeeze five into mine," and Mollie drew +a long sigh at Fate.</p> + +<p>"How ungrateful, Mollie—most girls would be glad of the chance to ride +around in a neat little machine like yours. Why, I'd even be thankful +for a tiny runabout."</p> + +<p>"There it is now," Mollie said as a motor horn tooted insistently on the +drive below. "Don't let's keep them waiting."</p> + +<p>"Hello, girls, we'd have been here sooner if Betty hadn't delayed us." +It was Frank Haley who spoke, a handsome young fellow, whose merry grey +eyes showed that he deserved his name—the first part of it, at least. +"Come, 'fess up, Betty," he added, turning to the bright-eyed, +rosy-cheeked girl beside him.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid I did keep them waiting, girls—about two minutes," Betty +Nelson admitted, then<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span> added in defense: "But I couldn't go looking the +way I was, you know."</p> + +<p>"I don't see why not. I didn't see anything wrong."</p> + +<p>"That doesn't prove a single thing, Frank," Grace retorted as he opened +the door for the girls. "Boys never do."</p> + +<p>"Don't they though?" Frank objected. "Do you mean to say I don't know +that that little whatever-you-may-call-it in your hat is quite +considerable——"</p> + +<p>"Class?" finished Will, who had been busy tucking in the robe about +Mollie's feet. "Personally I think we're a pretty fine crowd, take us +all together."</p> + +<p>"Well, did you ever hear such—Frank, don't you think we'd better get +started before he says anything worse?" and Betty turned appealingly to +Frank.</p> + +<p>"Just as you say," he answered obligingly, and at his words the great +car glided noiselessly down the drive and out into the street.</p> + +<p>"Where to?" called Will from the tonneau. "How about a little spin in +the country, Frank?"</p> + +<p>"Ask the girls," was the reply. "What they say goes."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, let's," said Mollie eagerly. "It is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> just getting so green and +beautiful now. Summer is the only time in the year anyway."</p> + +<p>"The winter didn't seem to bother you girls much last year," Frank broke +in. "If I could go to Florida every winter, the cold and wintry blasts +would have no more terrors for me."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, it was wonderful—in more ways than one," this last so low +that only Will heard it, as Grace squeezed his hand under cover of the +robe. You see, Will was her brother, and they were very fond of each +other, as well they might be.</p> + +<p>"Whom did you wave to then, Betty?" Mollie asked, as the car swung off +into the country road. "I didn't see them till we were almost past."</p> + +<p>"Alice Jallow and her friend, Kitty Rossmore. They're always together," +Betty answered, then added: "By the way, Mollie, it seems to me you were +just saying you had something good to tell."</p> + +<p>"My aunt has a bungalow out on Pine Island. It's a lovely place, the +bungalow, I mean, not the island, although if all they say is true, I +shouldn't wonder if that's all right too."</p> + +<p>"But, Mollie, what has that to do with us?" Grace interrupted. "Is she +going to ask you to make her a visit?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No. It's lots better than that. You see Uncle James wants to take her +to Europe this summer and so——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mollie!" Betty interrupted, her eyes sparkling. "You don't +mean——"</p> + +<p>"Yes I do—exactly," and Mollie settled back with a contented sigh.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid I am very stupid to-day," Grace remarked.</p> + +<p>"More than usual?" asked Will, the irrepressible, with a twinkle in his +eye.</p> + +<p>"Why don't you see, Grace?" Betty's face was radiant. "Can't you see +Mollie means that we are to occupy that vacated bungalow this summer?"</p> + +<p>"But please, girls, don't get your minds made up to it yet, for nothing +is really settled, you know. Perhaps I should have waited till I was +sure before I spoke of it." Mollie seemed to be doubtful.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's certain to turn out all right," said Betty, with conviction. +"Everything has that we have ever planned before, and there is no reason +why this should be an exception."</p> + +<p>"And even if it doesn't, just think what fun we will have thinking about +it," added Grace, philosophically, at which they all laughed.</p> + +<p>"Anyway you are a dear, Mollie, for having<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> such lovely relatives," +cried Betty gaily. "If I could only climb over this seat, I'd give you +two great big hugs, one for each of them."</p> + +<p>"Nobody calls me a dear and offers to hug me, and I've got the loveliest +relatives in the world—you can ask them if you don't believe me," and +Frank managed to look very pathetic and forlorn.</p> + +<p>All this time they had been getting farther and farther out into the +country and now Frank put on extra speed to ascend the rather steep +incline directly in front of them.</p> + +<p>"Your car runs like a dream, Frank," Betty was saying as they reached +the top. "Look at that great big haystack down there—it must have taken +some time to gather it in. Why don't you slow down a little? Don't you +think—oh, what is it, Frank?" for she had noticed the set lines of his +mouth and the look of terror that had flashed into his eyes. "Oh, +Frank!" she cried again.</p> + +<p>"Sit tight," he muttered through clenched teeth. "The brake won't work!"</p> + +<p>On, on dashed the great machine, swaying from side to side and gaining +velocity with each second, while the girls, with terror tugging at their +hearts, sat still—and waited.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h3>A LUCKY ESCAPE</h3> + + +<p>To those who are already acquainted with the Outdoor Girls, no +explanations are necessary, but for the benefit of my new readers I will +take advantage of this moment to make them better acquainted with the +characters and setting of the story.</p> + +<p>In the first book of this series, called "The Outdoor Girls of +Deepdale," the girls, Betty Nelson, sometimes called the Little Captain, +because of her fearless leadership, Mollie Billette, Grace Ford and Amy +Blackford, had gone on their famous walking tour, and during their +wanderings had solved the mystery of a five-hundred-dollar bill.</p> + +<p>The second volume, "The Outdoor Girls at Rainbow Lake," tells of a +summer full of interest and adventure during which the horse Grace was +riding ran away with her. This misfortune led to the loss of some very +valuable papers, with a subsequent strange happening on an island, +about<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> which, and the recovery of the papers, you may read, dear reader, +if you will.</p> + +<p>"The Outdoor Girls in a Motor Car" is the third book of the series. Yes, +there really was a house where all sorts of weird sights and sounds +might be seen and heard at night if one had the courage to stay around. +And you may imagine the consternation of the Outdoor Girls when Mollie +was captured by the "ghost."</p> + +<p>At the end of a delightful summer, spent in touring the country in +Mollie's car, the girls had a wonderful chance to spend the winter in +the woods. Needless to say, they took advantage of the opportunity. The +fourth book, "The Outdoor Girls in a Winter Camp," describes the +settlement of a certain property dispute, involving Mr. Ford. The happy +result was made possible by the good fortune that favors our girls. This +volume tells also how Amy was claimed by a brother, of whose existence +she was unaware.</p> + +<p>Then followed their adventures in Florida during which the girls had +succeeded in finding Will Ford, Grace's brother, who had been virtually +kidnapped by a villainous labor contractor and had been set to work in a +turpentine camp. The fifth volume, entitled "The Outdoor Girls in +Florida; or, Wintering in the Sunny South," tells of many other +adventures the girls had during<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> their winter among the "orange +blossoms," but now it was over, and Deepdale, which they had left +covered deep with snow, had begun once more to stir with life beneath +the gentle touch of spring.</p> + +<p>In the sixth book, "The Outdoor Girls at Ocean View," the girls have +many good times and stirring adventures. The discovery of a box, +containing veritable riches in diamonds, led to the kidnapping of Betty +and Amy and their subsequent rescue.</p> + +<p>And now that spring had dipped into summer, and they were again in +Deepdale, was this ride of theirs, begun so joyously, about to end in +tragedy?</p> + +<p>"Frank, Frank!" screamed Grace, "if you don't stop, I'll jump, I will—I +will!"</p> + +<p>"No, you won't! Sit where you are!" her brother Will commanded sternly. +"Sit still, I tell you!"</p> + +<p>On, on, they went with ever-increasing speed, while Frank tried +desperately to jam the useless brake—but to no effect! The car was like +a horse with the bit between its teeth, plunging madly to destruction.</p> + +<p>"Oh, oh, <i>oh!</i>" screamed Grace, pressing her hands tightly before her +eyes. "We're going to be killed, I know it!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p> + +<p>There was a shock, a sound like tearing cloth, the big machine plowed +half its length through the big haystack and—stopped!</p> + +<p>"Frank, I'm getting smothered; won't you dig me out?" It was Betty's +voice, plaintive and half hysterical.</p> + +<p>Will and Frank shook the hay from their own eyes and then went to the +rescue of the girls. Then they stared at each other. Gradually the look +of utter bewilderment faded from their faces and a smile flashed from +one to the other like a ray of sunshine.</p> + +<p>Then suddenly Mollie laughed. "Oh, you look so funny!" she gasped. "Just +when I thought we were all going to be killed——"</p> + +<p>"You get disappointed," Frank finished with a rueful smile. "Just the +same, it's lucky for us that big haystack was just exactly where it is," +he added. "When I hit the rock I sure thought we were all goners."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't," begged Grace, then added, with a shame-faced little smile, +"I'm sorry I made such a fuss—I always am ashamed of myself when the +danger is over."</p> + +<p>"You needn't apologize, Grace," said Betty, quickly. "If there's one +time you ought to be excused for making a fuss it's when you think it's +going to be your last chance."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p> + +<p>That was Betty all over—bright, generous, fun-loving, the acknowledged +leader of the girls. Grace was tall, graceful, slender, with a pretty +face framed in a wealth of bright hair. She was accustomed to take life +more easily than Betty and, although not a coward in the true sense of +the word, she was always willing to have the other girls go first. Then +there was Mollie, dark eyed and quick tempered, with more than a touch +of the French in her, but Betty's equal in bravery. The last of the +little quartette was Amy Blackford (formerly called Amy Stonington), who +has not yet appeared in this book. Up to a year before she had been +surrounded by a mystery which would have held great interest for the +girls even had they not loved and admired her for her own good +qualities.</p> + +<p>Such were the girls who, with Betty's help, were fast recovering their +good spirits.</p> + +<p>"If we can back the machine out of this haystack," Frank was saying, "I +guess we had better start for home."</p> + +<p>"But don't you think we had better walk," Grace suggested nervously. +"I'm afraid to trust myself to the old thing again."</p> + +<p>"Oh, there won't be any danger now," Will assured her. "We can go back +by a roundabout<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> route where there aren't any hills to speed us into +haystacks. How about it, Frank?"</p> + +<p>"You're right! We are not going to take any more chances, I can tell you +that." Then, turning to the girl beside him, he added, "How are you +feeling, Betty? Awfully shaken up?"</p> + +<p>"Not a bit," she assured him, gaily. "Why, after the first shock I +really enjoyed it."</p> + +<p>"That's the way to talk and I'm mighty glad no one's hurt. Now for +home."</p> + +<p>After a great number of half starts and sudden stops they succeeded +finally in backing the great machine away from the haystack and out on +the road again.</p> + +<p>"Now remember your promise," cried Grace as they started off. "No more +speeding, Frank, and no more hills."</p> + +<p>"Right," he sang back, cheerily. "We have had excitement enough for one +day. Just watch me."</p> + +<p>And, true to his word, after an hour's roundabout trip, they swung +quietly into Deepdale, without having encountered further mishap on the +way.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h3>FORTUNES</h3> + + +<p>Early the next morning Mollie hailed Betty as the Little Captain went up +the street.</p> + +<p>"Where to, so early?" she called. "Why didn't you stop for me?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I was going to Amy's first, to find out how Mrs. Stonington is," +said Betty as she turned back. "Then I was going to stop in to see if +you would go with me to call on Grace. I promised her last night I would +come over this morning."</p> + +<p>"But isn't it early?" said Mollie, doubtfully. "Probably Grace won't +even be up yet."</p> + +<p>The Little Captain seated herself comfortably on the board step of the +veranda. "Yes she will," she said decidedly. "I told her yesterday that +if I came over this morning and found her in bed eating candy before +breakfast instead of enjoying the wonderful morning air, I'd never come +over again. She knows that I mean it, too."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, in that case, she may be up," laughed Mollie. "If you will wait a +minute I'll go with you to Amy's," she added and ran lightly into the +house.</p> + +<p>The girls found Mrs. Stonington very much improved and Amy only too glad +to get out into the glorious sunshine of the summer morning.</p> + +<p>As the three chums, clad daintily in white, with a background of velvety +green lawn to set them off, approached the Fords' beautiful home, they +were surprised beyond measure to see Grace swinging leisurely back and +forth in the big hammock under the trees. They stopped short and gazed +upon this spectacle.</p> + +<p>"And she's not eating chocolates either," remarked Amy in an awe-struck +voice. "What can have happened?"</p> + +<p>"I wish you would stop gazing at me like that," said Grace, raising her +head and looking at the three girls who were still regarding her +fixedly. "Is it my hair, or is my nose red, or is it my skirt that's too +tight? Please tell me and get it over with. I can stand anything but +this suspense."</p> + +<p>"A miracle has taken place—the impossible has happened!" cried Betty, +striking a theatrical pose. "Never again will I doubt the wisdom of +those so learned——"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What is she raving about, girls, do you know?" asked Grace plaintively. +"She never used to be like this."</p> + +<p>"It's the shock, that's all," interpreted Mollie. "Never mind, Betty," +she added soothingly. "You will get used to it in time."</p> + +<p>"Amy, you're the only sane one in that crowd," cried Grace in +desperation. "Will you kindly explain what those two lunatics are +talking about—if they know themselves!" This last was uttered so +vindictively that the girls came down from rhetorical heights with a +bounce.</p> + +<p>"Oh," laughed Betty, running up to Grace and giving her a hug. "You must +really forgive us, Grace dear, we just couldn't help it—you reformed so +suddenly, you know."</p> + +<p>"Reformed?" said Grace, still mystified, while she made room for the +other girls in the hammock. "What do you mean—'reformed'? I didn't know +I needed to."</p> + +<p>"Listen to the child," mocked Mollie. "Why, don't you know, Grace, that +there isn't one of us that doesn't need a lot of reforming?"</p> + +<p>"Speak for yourself, Mollie Billette," remarked Grace, a trifle shortly, +for her natural good temper was becoming ruffled under the continued +teasing.</p> + +<p>"Now, please, girls," said Betty, fearing a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> storm, "don't let's +quarrel, whatever we do. We were only surprised to see you up so early, +Grace, that's all. But now I'm mighty glad you are, because we'll have a +chance for a nice long talk. What time do you suppose it is now?"</p> + +<p>"It was nearly ten when I came out of the house," Grace replied, +placated by the Little Captain's tactful changing of the subject. "Can't +you all stay to lunch? Then we can make a good long day of it."</p> + +<p>The girls took a walk about town before lunch, just to "be sure of an +appetite," as Amy said. During the tramp they met Roy Anderson, an old +boy friend.</p> + +<p>"Are you doing anything particular this afternoon?" he wanted to know, +and upon the girls replying in the negative, asked if he might bring +some of the other boys around. "We have made a discovery!" he shouted +after them. "We'll tell you about it when we see you."</p> + +<p>And so, the noon meal over, the girls strolled out on the lawn again and +waited eagerly for what the boys might have to tell them.</p> + +<p>They had not long to wait—in fact they had barely had time to settle +themselves in the comfortable chairs, when along the road came—not the +boys, but a ragged, bent, old woman, leaning heavily on a twisted stick +for support. Instead of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> going straight on, as the girls had expected +she would do, the old woman turned in at the drive and made straight for +them.</p> + +<p>"What shall we do? Shall we go in the house?" whispered Grace to Betty. +"I don't like her looks very much, do you?"</p> + +<p>"She isn't particularly beautiful," Betty telegraphed back. "But she +can't possibly do us any harm. Let's wait and see what she has to say."</p> + +<p>As the old hag drew nearer, the girls instinctively shrank back in their +chairs. And, indeed, she was not a prepossessing figure. Her head was +bound about with an old red handkerchief, tied under the wrinkled chin +and framing a face seamed and crisscrossed with a million wrinkles. An +old, tattered shawl covered her bent shoulders, and the hand that +grasped the knotted stick was claw-like and emaciated. Her eyes were the +only part of her that seemed to retain some semblance of youth. They +were little and beady and exceedingly keen, so that when she raised them +to Betty's young face, that staunch little captain felt that she would +almost rather be anywhere else than there beneath the trees with the +searching eyes of the old crone fixed upon her.</p> + +<p>"What do you want?" Betty gasped, trying to make her voice calm and +steady, but with little success.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I won't hurt you, pretty ladies," said the old woman, divining their +repugnance and half-fear and desiring to placate them. "Won't you have +your fortunes told? Only twenty-five cents, and I can tell you of your +past and as much as you will of your future. Only a quarter, pretty +ladies."</p> + +<p>Betty glanced inquiringly at the other girls, but they shook their heads +decidedly—the mumbling old crone was getting on their nerves.</p> + +<p>"Not to-day," said Betty, as kindly as she could. "We are expecting +company and we haven't time. Some other time perhaps."</p> + +<p>"Some other day may be too late," said the old crone, leeringly. "Oh, +yes, you will have all the time there is to be miserable in. And you +will be! You will be! The curse be on you for refusing an old woman like +me the price of her bread!" and she hobbled down the long drive +muttering to herself and stopping once to shake her fist at the startled +girls.</p> + +<p>"Oh, did you ever!" Mollie exclaimed. Just then there was a sound of +jolly, masculine laughter and around a corner of the house came the +boys.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I've never been so glad to see anybody in all my life!" said Grace +with a little shiver, as the boys paused to gaze after the retreating<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> +form of the old hag. "It is such a relief to have some boys around!"</p> + +<p>"I say! who's your venerable friend, Grace?" Roy inquired as he and his +friends joined the girls.</p> + +<p>"Yes, what did you do to her, Betty?" It was Allen Washburn who asked +the question. He was a young lawyer, liked and admired by every one in +Deepdale, and let it be said here that Betty was no exception to the +general rule. And as for young Allen Washburn himself, he never sought +to conceal his genuine admiration for the Little Captain. "The last I +saw of her, she was shaking her fist at the house. She didn't seem to be +in any too sweet a temper, either."</p> + +<p>"It was just because we wouldn't let her read our fortunes," Betty +explained. "Oh, I wouldn't let that old thing touch me!"</p> + +<p>"I could tell your fortune for you, if you'd only let me," whispered +Allen, so softly that only Betty heard. But that was as it should be, +since it was intended for her ear alone.</p> + +<p>"She looked just like a—oh, what do you call them?—the people that +wander around all the time and never have any homes—oh, I know, +gypsies," said Amy eagerly. "Wasn't she a gypsy, Will?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, now she's gone and spilled the beans!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> said Frank, so ruefully +that they all laughed. "Here we come, all primed to give you a surprise, +and we find you prepared beforehand."</p> + +<p>"But what surprise?" asked Mollie. "She didn't tell us anything—we +wouldn't let her."</p> + +<p>"Yes, she did. She told you everything, only you don't know it," was +Will's enigmatic comment. "You see," he went on, "there's a gypsy +encampment near by and we thought you girls might like to visit it. The +caravans they use and the strange costumes are all mighty interesting."</p> + +<p>"Oh, won't that be fine!" said Grace eagerly. "I've always wanted to see +one of those things near by. When can we go?"</p> + +<p>"I thought you didn't like gypsies, Grace," Betty broke in.</p> + +<p>"Well, I wouldn't if they were all like this," answered Grace. "But +they're not, are they, Roy? There are lots and lots of really +romantic-looking ones if all the books I've read know anything about +it."</p> + +<p>"Of course there are. You don't suppose we'd take you to see a lot of +old crones like this peppery woman, do you?" Roy answered. "Why, I've +heard there are some mighty good-looking girls in this crowd."</p> + +<p>"Now I see why they're so anxious to go," laughed Betty. "I don't think +we'd better chance<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> it, girls. They might become so charmed with the +fair gypsy maids that they'd forget our existence."</p> + +<p>"I don't think you need worry too much about that," said Allen, +answering the challenge in Betty's eyes. "The only question is whether +we will have eyes to see the charms of the gypsy maids."</p> + +<p>"Here! here!" shouted Will. "You're coming on, Allen, you're coming on. +I wish I could reel them off like that. Well, ladies, what day shall we +set for the adventure?"</p> + +<p>"To-night," said Betty promptly.</p> + +<p>"Good," Frank responded. "Betty has the right idea, all right. To-night +it is!"</p> + +<p>So it was settled, and when they parted eyes were bright with the +excitement of the coming adventure.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h3>THE GYPSY ENCAMPMENT</h3> + + +<p>Betty was ready before any one arrived that night. The boys and girls +were to meet at her house and from there go on to the gypsy encampment.</p> + +<p>She sat on the porch with a light wrap thrown over one arm and waited +impatiently.</p> + +<p>"Oh, why don't they come?" she thought. "The girls said they would be +early, and the boys are always away ahead of time. Oh, here come Grace +and Will, now if the others will only hurry."</p> + +<p>"Hello, Betty! Been waiting long?" It was Will's cheery greeting.</p> + +<p>"Oh, for hours and hours," said the Little Captain with a sigh. "I'd +begun to think everybody had forgotten all about it. I'm so glad you're +here. You can keep me company anyway."</p> + +<p>"Oh, are we the first?" Grace was surprised.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> "I hurried Will till he +nearly had a fit. Said we would be ahead of everybody else, but I didn't +believe him."</p> + +<p>"Some day," said Will in a prophetic voice, "some day, young lady, you +will learn that I <i>do</i> know something."</p> + +<p>"Oh, do you really think so?" said Grace, hopefully. "If that day ever +comes, Will, dear, I will be the very first to congratulate you."</p> + +<p>"Here come some of the others," Betty cried out. "I can't quite make +them out, but it looks like Roy and Amy and—yes—there's Allen, too. +But who is the other girl? It certainly isn't Mollie. I know her walk +too well."</p> + +<p>"No, it isn't Mollie," said Grace, slowly. "Do you know whom it looks +like, Betty?"</p> + +<p>"No," said that young person, straining her eyes in the direction of the +newcomers. "Who is it?"</p> + +<p>"I'm not sure but it looks like——" Grace paused a moment, then said +with conviction, "I'm right! It's Alice Jallow, and I don't like her +very much. What is she doing in our crowd anyway?"</p> + +<p>"That's what I would like to know," growled Will. "We had just enough +before. I don't know who's going to take care of her."</p> + +<p>"Will, don't be ungallant," warned his sister.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> "Play the game. Probably +there's some explanation, anyway."</p> + +<p>But to the Little Captain, as she watched the quartette approaching, +there seemed no plausible explanation. Why should Allen be paired off +with "this Jallow girl"? Betty knew very little of the latter except +that she was always trying to get in where she was not wanted. Well, she +certainly was not wanted now. Oh, why did Allen look so happy? If "this +Jallow girl" had her, Betty's, escort, where did she come in? Hot tears +of anger and mortification rose to her eyes, but she drove them back +mercilessly and her greeting to the newcomers was as merry as ever.</p> + +<p>"Hello, everybody!" she called. "You surely took long enough to get +here."</p> + +<p>"Hello, Betty! This is——" Amy paused, then went on rather awkwardly. +"You see, Alice happened to be at the house when the boys came +and—well—we brought her along," she finished, lamely.</p> + +<p>"And here I am," said Alice effusively. "I do hope I'm not putting any +one out. The idea of visiting the gypsy camp was so fascinating that I +simply couldn't resist the temptation. I think you might have let me in +on it in the first place," and she looked reproachfully at Allen.</p> + +<p>That young gentleman had been sending im<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>ploring looks in Betty's +direction over Alice Jallow's head, which the former had chosen +absolutely to ignore. Now, being thus appealed to, he smiled down at +Alice.</p> + +<p>"It certainly was a grave oversight on our part," he said.</p> + +<p>Betty felt as if her little world had been turned upside down and she +wanted to shake somebody—it didn't much matter who it was—but shake +somebody she must, good and hard!</p> + +<p>Just at this critical moment up came the two missing ones, Mollie and +Frank—and a third.</p> + +<p>"Now, who is that?" thought the poor Little Captain in despair. "If this +keeps on, we shall have the whole town assembled pretty soon. Oh, dear!"</p> + +<p>"Betty, this is a friend of mine, Jack Sanford," Frank introduced him in +his own pleasant way. "He's not such a bad chap when you get to know him +well," he added, while his friend thanked him, ironically.</p> + +<p>Betty acknowledged the introduction gaily. If Allen liked "this Jallow +girl," why, he could, that was all! and she was not going to let them +spoil the evening for her. Besides, here was one providentially sent, or +so it seemed to her. And he was nice, too, very nice! He seemed to be +hail-fellow-well-met with the boys. And the girls<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>—well, one could see +that they liked him from the start. But if only Allen would not look so +happy!</p> + +<p>"Suppose we start, now we're all here," suggested Roy. "The sooner we +get there the more time we'll have."</p> + +<p>"Bright boy," commented Allen. "How did you ever find that out?" Then, +under cover of the laughter and the darkness, he found Betty's hand and +held it for a moment. "Betty," he pleaded, "I——"</p> + +<p>"May I, Miss Nelson?" It was Jack Sanford, bowing low before her.</p> + +<p>"Sounds like a dance," laughed Betty, and added: "Indeed you may. Oh, +isn't it a wonderful night?"</p> + +<p>Allen ground his teeth and once more submitted to the effusive +attentions of Alice Jallow. If Betty could have seen him then she would +have been moved to pity.</p> + +<p>"Is it very far to the camp?" Mollie asked, after they had been walking +some time. "I'm anxious to get there."</p> + +<p>"Not very far, now," Roy assured her. "It's just on the outskirts of the +town. Just wait till you get there. When you see how interesting it is +you won't mind the walk."</p> + +<p>"I guess you don't know whom you are talk<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>ing to," called Betty, just +behind them. "You forget that walking is our middle name."</p> + +<p>"Pardon, fair damsel," said Roy in mock humility. "I must confess I had +forgotten for the moment that——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, look! look! All the bonfires and things and people sitting around +them!" Mollie interrupted. "That must be the camp, isn't it, Roy?"</p> + +<p>It really was the camp. The young people drew closer together as they +neared it, fascinated, yet half afraid. There were huge bulky objects in +the background beyond the illuminated circle of firelight.</p> + +<p>"Those are the caravan wagons, aren't they?" demanded the Little Captain +in hushed tones. "Oh, I wish I could see inside one of them."</p> + +<p>"Yes, they are the Pullman cars of the gypsies," laughed Jack. "Perhaps +you wouldn't like them so much inside if you did see them," he added.</p> + +<p>"Oh, let's go on," urged Grace at Betty's elbow. "I'm dying to see more +of them, even if I am horribly afraid. Just look at all the tents they +have put up. They must expect to stay a long time."</p> + +<p>The girls' eyes grew wider and wider as they advanced toward the circle +of flickering firelight.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> It seemed they were not the gypsies' only +visitors, for there were many residents of Deepdale, some of whom the +girls recognized.</p> + +<p>The roving folk had set forth their wares upon rudely constructed +tables, ready for the first purchaser. Some of the things were truly +beautiful—pieces of rare old lace, chains and chains of many-colored +beads, silver that was polished till it reflected dazzlingly the dancing +firelight. There were rude tents set aside for the telling of fortunes, +and somewhere further back in the camp the wild, sweet strains of a +violin mingled with a man's sweet tenor voice.</p> + +<p>"Some of those fellows surely can sing," Frank remarked. "I'd give a +good hundred dollars this minute if I had his voice."</p> + +<p>"I wish I could find one for you, Frank," said Grace. "I need the +hundred badly."</p> + +<p>The young people spent over an hour wandering about the place, enjoying +to the full the novelty and the romance of it all.</p> + +<p>Just as they had about made up their minds that it was time to go home, +Betty, who had exclaimed more than once over the beauty of some of the +young gypsy girls, their beauty being emphasized by the picturesque +clothes they wore, stepped back to look into a tent they had passed a +moment before.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p> + +<p>Allen saw his opportunity and was quick to improve it.</p> + +<p>"You must be careful how you trot about alone here, Betty. You know——" +he began, when she interrupted him.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it is!" she said. "It is!"</p> + +<p>"What?" asked Allen, mystified.</p> + +<p>She drew him back into the shadows before she answered. "I wasn't sure, +but now I know," she said. "That's the very old woman who wanted to tell +our fortunes at Grace's this afternoon."</p> + +<p>"Well, what of it?" he inquired, with an attempt to be reassuring. "She +won't hurt you—not while I'm around."</p> + +<p>"Oh, but I don't like her looks," and the girl shivered slightly.</p> + +<p>"You need your coat, Betty," said Allen. "Where is it?"</p> + +<p>"Jack—Mr. Sanford has it. I'll get it."</p> + +<p>She started forward, but he laid a restraining hand on her arm. "Betty, +Betty," he whispered. "You're not going to keep this up, are you?"</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" she questioned, with an attempt at dignity that was +not a very great success.</p> + +<p>"You know as well as I do," he answered. "It wasn't my fault. Amy +introduced her and I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>—well, I had to be decent. Betty, don't you know +me well enough——"</p> + +<p>"Where have you people been anyway?" It was Amy's voice. "We've been +looking all over for you."</p> + +<p>"Right here, every minute," said Allen cheerily, and the little party +started on again. Not, however, before Mollie and Grace had exchanged +very significant glances.</p> + +<p>The young people turned for a last look at the gypsy rendezvous before a +bend in the road shut it from view.</p> + +<p>"I've had an awfully good time," said Grace, then added, irrelevantly: +"I only hope those gypsies don't steal anything."</p> + +<p>"That's a good hope," whispered Allen in Betty's ear. "They are dabsters +when it comes to getting away with other people's property."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h3>THIEVES IN DEEPDALE</h3> + + +<p>The door bell rang out its noisy summons.</p> + +<p>Betty forestalled the maid on her way to the portal with a merry: "I'll +go, Mary. It's probably one of the girls."</p> + +<p>It was not one of the girls only, but all three of them, and seemingly +in the wildest excitement.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Betty, Betty!" Mollie cried, not even stopping to say "hello." +"Have you heard the news—have you?"</p> + +<p>"No, it's so early——" began Betty, but Grace interrupted her.</p> + +<p>"But it isn't half as bad as what happened to us," she said, sinking +into a porch chair and fanning herself violently, being overcome either +by the heat or her emotions—possibly both. "Why! dad's running around +the house like a mad man this morning, swearing all sorts of vengeance +on the thief, whoever he or she is—I suppose it must be a he, though, +because women don't steal——"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hold on, hold on a minute," commanded Betty, her hands over her ears. +"How <i>do</i> you expect me to find out what has happened if you won't come +to the point?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I was going to tell you if you'd only have a little patience," +Grace continued, in an injured voice. Here she paused to put into her +mouth a chocolate cream, which she had taken from a little box she had +brought with her. Then, seeing Amy about to speak, she went on hastily, +holding the box out mutely toward her friends, who all shook their +heads. "Here I rush all the way over and get all heated up and +everything——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, for goodness' sake, Grace!" Mollie broke in, having come to the end +of her patience. "If you don't tell the story I will. You have been half +an hour already getting nowhere."</p> + +<p>At this dire threat Grace continued quickly. "Oh, well," she +capitulated, "since you are in such a hurry—well, the fact is, Betty, +Beauty's been stolen," and she delivered the terrible news in a hushed +voice.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" said Betty, horrified. "And your father valued him above all the +rest. Are you sure he was stolen, Grace?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't see what else could have happened to him." Now that she +had delivered her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> news, Grace was once more as calm and composed as +ever. "The horse couldn't very well file the padlock from the outside or +climb out the window, and the groom wouldn't be very likely to take him +for a gentle stroll in the middle of the night. And unless one of those +things has happened, Beauty has been stolen. Anyway, he's gone, there's +no doubt of that."</p> + +<p>"That's pretty bad—I can imagine just how your father feels, Grace," +Betty's voice was grave. "I do hope they will be able to trace him. Does +your father suspect the gypsies?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, ever since the store was robbed the other night, dad has been +suspicious of them," Grace answered. "He has tried to watch his horses +with especial care, too. That's one thing that makes him so tearing mad +to-day. Oh, you should have heard him!" and Grace sighed at the memory.</p> + +<p>"I remember," said Betty thoughtfully, "that Allen said something the +other night when we went to visit their camp about the gypsies being +expert thieves. From the way things have turned out I guess he knew what +he was talking about."</p> + +<p>"And they looked so nice and romantic, too," said Amy, and drew a sigh +at the irony of fate.</p> + +<p>This conversation took place between the girls on a certain morning +several days after their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> memorable visit to the gypsy camp. A day or so +before one of the large stores of the town had been looted and +practically cleaned out. For two days Deepdale had been in a furore of +excitement and indignation, for in the memory of most of the inhabitants +no such crime had ever been perpetrated. There had been small robberies, +of course, but that Hendall's, traditionally the oldest store in +Deepdale, should have been treated to such insult, and by a band of +roving gypsies, too—for every one suspected them from the first—why, +it was unheard of! incredible!</p> + +<p>Detectives and sheriff had searched the town from end to end but had +found no sign of the missing goods. They had visited the gypsy camp, +too, submitting it to a strict investigation, but with no result. The +countryside had been scoured for miles around, but no trace had as yet +been found of the missing criminals nor of their loot. Indeed, the +thieves had covered their tracks well, and the inhabitants of Deepdale +were beginning to lose hope of immediate reparation.</p> + +<p>Such was the chaotic state of affairs on this beautiful summer morning +when Mr. Ford had awakened to find his splendid horse, Beauty, the +ornament of his stables and the pride of his heart, strangely and +inexplicably missing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p> + +<p>For an hour or so the girls pondered on these two mysterious robberies +and found themselves not one whit nearer the solution. It was Mollie who +finally suggested that they go to her house and look at a couple of new +dresses she had bought recently. "It will help get our minds off the +robbery," she said.</p> + +<p>The girls agreed readily, for they were always anxious to see Mollie's +things. "They are always so novel," Grace had once said, and Mollie had +been uncertain whether to ticket it a compliment or otherwise.</p> + +<p>"Really, my head aches trying to figure things out," Amy complained, as +they neared the Billette home.</p> + +<p>"Well, it seems to me it is just about time some of those detectives +found things out for us," Mollie rejoined. "Will ought to be able to +help, Grace," she added, "since he is in the secret service."</p> + +<p>"You may be sure he is doing his best," Grace retorted with spirit. +"Those gypsies make thieving their profession and it isn't always as +easy to track them as it seems. If you don't believe me, just try it +yourself."</p> + +<p>"I didn't say anything about not believing you," Mollie rejoined, icily. +"And there's no reason why you have to go up in the air<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> about nothing. +I was simply suggesting, that's all."</p> + +<p>"Girls, some day, I am just going to get terribly angry about something +and then let fly," Betty broke in. "I'd just like to know what would +happen and where we would end up if you didn't have me to act as +peacemaker."</p> + +<p>"Probably in the county jail for disturbing the peace," said Grace +ruefully, and Mollie laughed, thereby restoring harmony, for the time +being at least.</p> + +<p>"Oh, hurry, please do hurry, Mollie!" A small cyclone precipitated +itself out of the house and into Mollie's arms. "Muvver's cwyin' tuwible +and she's telephonin' to evwybody to make you come home quick. +Oh—oh——" This was the beginning of a muffled wail—silenced by +Mollie's hand over the small one's mouth.</p> + +<p>"Dodo, don't cry," Mollie implored. "What is the matter with mother? Is +she sick? Oh, don't bother to tell me—I'll see for myself. Come on, +girls."</p> + +<p>"Had we better?" asked Betty, with instinctive delicacy. "It may be +something she won't want us to know."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't be silly," cried Mollie, impatiently, shoving the three girls +before her through the doorway. "You know as well as I do that we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> +haven't any secrets from you. Oh, what can be the matter?"</p> + +<p>They found Mrs. Billette in the library where her small daughter, +Dora—nicknamed Dodo, and one of a pair of exceedingly mischievous +twins—ran to tell her of Mollie's timely arrival.</p> + +<p>The girls followed hesitatingly, as Mollie rushed forward and threw her +arms about her mother's neck, crying: "Mother, dear, what is it? Dora +says you have been crying and that you have been telephoning for me all +over. Oh, I wish I had known! We would have run all the way."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I suppose a few moments more or less would make no difference. It +wouldn't bring back the silver," said Mrs. Billette, quietly. Hysterics +had given place to a sort of despairing resignation. "Only, at first, I +felt as if I must talk to some one about it. The twins didn't +understand, of course, and I couldn't very well talk to Jane."</p> + +<p>"But, Mother, what is it?" Mollie demanded again. "Has Aunt Elvira died +or has Paul caught the mumps, or——"</p> + +<p>"Of course not, Mollie! How silly of you," her mother broke in, +impatiently. "Aunt Elvira will probably live another twenty years. And +as for Paul's having the mumps——"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then what is it? Have we been robbed?" Mollie's little foot tapped a +sharp tattoo on the floor.</p> + +<p>"That is just what has happened to us," said Mrs. Billette, as the girls +stared incredulously. "We've been robbed of some things that money never +can replace. Oh-oh-oh, if I had only put it in a safer place! How could +I have been such a fool! Oh! oh!" and Mrs. Billette, poor woman, was +fast verging on another attack of hysteria.</p> + +<p>Mollie put her arms about her mother soothingly. "There, there, Mother," +she crooned. "It may turn out all right after all. But, remember, you +haven't told us what is lost yet," she suggested, with a gentleness very +unlike her former impatience. "I think it would make you feel much +better to talk about it. Did you say it was the silver that had been +stolen?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, the silver tea service that has been in the family for over a +hundred and twenty years." Mrs. Billette's French origin gleamed in her +dark eyes as she added: "Oh, if we could only catch them! I'd like to +make them suffer for this!"</p> + +<p>From Mrs. Billette's rather disjointed story the girls gathered that not +only the valuable tea service was missing, but also a number of smaller +articles, such as knives and forks. Then there was a valuable jet +necklace which Mrs. Billette<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> had locked up with the silver for safe +keeping.</p> + +<p>The girls were stunned by this last calamity. They could think of one +solution and one only, and that was—the gypsies.</p> + +<p>As Betty took leave of the girls at her own door that noon, after vainly +urging them to stay to lunch—they were too impatient to get home and +spread the news to stop for anything, even lunch at Betty's—she heard +the jangle of the telephone.</p> + +<p>"Sorry you won't come in," she called. "I'll see you later, anyway!" and +she flew upstairs to answer the insistent summons.</p> + +<p>"Hello! . . . . Oh, that you, Allen? . . . . Yes, I've just come home from Mrs. +Billette's. . . . . She has lost a silver tea service and some other +things. . . . . What's that? . . . . Yes, stolen. . . . . Gone! . . . . Are you sure? . . . . Oh, +now they will never get their things! . . . . Yes, come over to-morrow and we +can talk things over. . . . . Don't be silly! . . . . Yes, come early. . . . . +Good-bye."</p> + +<p>As she hung up the receiver mechanically, Betty's gaze traveled out of +the window and over the smooth, green lawn to the far-distant horizon.</p> + +<p>"Gone!" she murmured. "The gypsies are gone! Oh, I wonder where they +went to?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h3>A WONDERFUL OUTING</h3> + + +<p>"Hello, Betty, that you? Yes, this is Mollie, of course. It seems to me +that I'm always at the 'phone these days. But, oh, Betty, I just simply +couldn't wait a minute to tell you! . . . . Yes, I've just received a +letter. . . . . What's that? . . . . No, mother hasn't been able to trace her +silver at all yet. Isn't it terrible? . . . . Oh, well, she is becoming +resigned to the worst. . . . . But, Betty, aren't you a bit interested? . . . . +Yes, I know you are, dear, and it's very sweet of you. . . . . Well, it's +from Aunt Elvira. Remember I told you the other day that she intended to +go to Europe? Well, it's about that. . . . . Yes, there has been so much +excitement about these old gypsies that I had almost forgotten I had +such an aunt. . . . . No, I won't tell you one thing more about it, except +that everything is O. K. Will you come over to-night? . . . . What's +that—you can't? Oh, Betty, you just have to. Oh, well, if that's all +why don't you bring him along? . . . . Yes, all the boys are coming anyway. +Will<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> says he has something to talk over with us. . . . . Then I may count on +you, to-night, honey? . . . . All right—good-bye till then."</p> + +<p>This conversation took place in the morning. Promptly at eight that +evening the door bell rang and Betty, after a last peep in the mirror +and a finishing pat to her dress, flew down to answer the summons.</p> + +<p>"Right on the dot, Allen," she laughed, flinging the door wide open. +"The clock is just striking the hour—listen," and obediently he +listened, his eyes on Betty's face, while the sweet chimes filled the +hall with melody.</p> + +<p>"No wonder I am on the minute," he said, smiling whimsically. "I have +been wandering around for the past half hour trying to kill time. You +see I didn't quite dare to come at half-past seven."</p> + +<p>She laughed gaily. "You would have had to spend your time in the library +if you <i>had</i> come early," she said. "Because I have been ready for only +half a minute. Here's your hat, Allen," she added, taking it down from +the peg where he had just deposited it for the evening. Her manner was +grave but mischief sparkled in her eyes.</p> + +<p>"What's the big idea?" he inquired, regarding the hat held out to him +with a puzzled expression. "I am very well acquainted with the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> article +in your hand. Too well acquainted, in fact, for this is the second +season we have been chums; and I see prospect of a third, if the law +business doesn't pick up. But, seriously, what is the idea, Betty? Do +you want me to go home and spend a dismal evening all by myself—is that +it?"</p> + +<p>"Far from it, Allen. Oh, please don't look so glum," she added, and the +mischief bubbled over from her eyes and she laughed happily.</p> + +<p>Opening Allen's hand, she placed the unwelcome hat therein and closed +his fingers over it. "The explanation for all this," she went on, making +him a curtsy, "is very simple. We have been invited to spend the evening +at Mollie's."</p> + +<p>"Oh, bother M——" he began, then added, decidedly: "I came to see you +to-night and I am not going to the Billettes' or anywhere else! Here, +hat, get back where you belong," and he flung the offending article back +on the hook with an air of finality that matched his words.</p> + +<p>"Please don't be an old bear," coaxed Betty, and Betty knew how to coax +to perfection. "Mollie has some perfectly wonderful news to tell us and +all our girls and boys are going to be there to hear it. You wouldn't +want me to be terribly disappointed—now you know you wouldn't," and she +looked at him appealingly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mollie opened the door to them herself, radiantly eager to tell her +news.</p> + +<p>"Oh, hurry, you two!" she cried. "I thought you would never get here. We +have been waiting for—oh, ever so long."</p> + +<p>"Well, if we are the last, everybody must have turned over a new leaf +just for to-night," remarked Betty, as she started for the library from +which came a confused murmur of many voices, speaking all at once, with +now and then a burst of merry laughter.</p> + +<p>"Leave your hat here, Allen," said Mollie, and Betty threw him a merry +glance over her shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Hello, everybody," she called a moment later, as she flung aside the +portières and stood framed in the doorway. "Mollie tells us we are the +last and——"</p> + +<p>"Well, so you are. We thought you and Allen had mistaken the date," said +Frank. "Accidentally on purpose," he added slyly.</p> + +<p>"Not a chance in the world, Frank," said Allen, who had come into the +room in time to hear the last remark. "I might be afflicted with loss of +memory; but, Betty—never!" They all laughed with enjoyment—all but +Betty who threw him a reproachful glance which he refused to catch.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, now we are here, let's have the news," said Roy, who was always +impatient to get to the heart of things. "Come on, Mollie—out with it."</p> + +<p>Nothing loath, Mollie settled herself with an important air and began +her tale.</p> + +<p>"Well, you see——" she began, when Will interrupted.</p> + +<p>"No, we don't. What?" he asked innocently.</p> + +<p>"Now I won't try to tell it at all if you are going to begin that," said +Mollie with asperity. And Grace added:</p> + +<p>"Do let Mollie tell it her own way, Will, and if you interrupt again, we +will get the boys to throw you out. You will do it, won't you, boys?"</p> + +<p>"Sure!" they shouted with one accord, and Will retired meekly into a +corner.</p> + +<p>"I'll begin all over again," said Mollie. "You all know, with the +exception of Amy and Allen, and they soon will, that I have been +expecting to hear from my aunt and uncle every day. They took rather a +long time to make up their minds, but now everything is settled. They +are really going to Europe, and we girls are going to have the use of +their bungalow, 'The Shadows,' for the summer. Or at least for the month +and a half that is left."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Splendid, Mollie! Where is the bungalow?" inquired Betty, leaning +forward eagerly. "We ought to have a wonderful time."</p> + +<p>"Well, I hope we shall," Mollie continued. "The bungalow is on an island +called Pine Island in Lake Tarracusio. They say it is a beautiful place, +and it is only about a day's journey in an auto. We could make it +easily."</p> + +<p>"All this is very fine, but where do we come in?" Allen inquired. "There +isn't room in this wonderful bungalow for us, is there?"</p> + +<p>"Of course not!" said Mollie scornfully. "And if there were, do you +think we would have you boys fussing around?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I was just in search of information," Allen answered defensively. +"And all I get is scorn and ridicule."</p> + +<p>"Hard luck, old man," said Will, feelingly. "I am in the same boat. But +you girls had better look out," he added threateningly. "Don't forget +that I had something to suggest to-night and if you don't treat me +better, I'll——"</p> + +<p>"Will this do," interrupted Mollie, and, with hands clasped in prayerful +attitude, she besought Will, with tears in her voice, to have pity. "Oh, +kind and noble sir," she said, "be kind—be gracious to us, your humble +slaves, and deign to honor——"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now that's something like," broke in Will, beaming around on the +assembled company. "If you had done that from the first, Mollie——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Will, please hurry," Betty urged impatiently. "I know you have +something good to tell us, and I wish you wouldn't keep us in such +terrible suspense."</p> + +<p>"Well, since you appreciate how great is the——"</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, go on," Grace interrupted.</p> + +<p>"News I am about to impart," he continued without a glance in her +direction.</p> + +<p>"You will impart it," Allen finished for him.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Will, bowing gravely in Allen's direction. "As our +friend says, I will proceed. Well, to come down to brass tacks," he +continued, dropping the air of dignity, which, considering his youthful +appearance, was always very comical, "I thought maybe you fellows would +like to put up a tent on the same island and camp there near the girls +for the rest of the summer. We could have no end of fun."</p> + +<p>There was a yell of joy from the boys, and the excited exclamations, +questions and answers that followed showed that they agreed heartily +with Will in his last prophecy that "they would have no end of fun."</p> + +<p>"Oh, won't it be great!" cried Betty, her cheeks<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> flushed with +excitement. "I do believe this is the very best of all," then her face +clouded as she turned to Allen, who had not been taking a very active +part in the conversation.</p> + +<p>"Do you think you can make it, Allen?" she asked, trying to keep the +eagerness out of her voice. "You said something about a change in the +management of the firm——" her voice was questioning.</p> + +<p>"Why, I was just wondering if I couldn't fix things up some way," he +answered seriously. "It looks as if some of our work might have to lay +over for a time anyway, and if it does——"</p> + +<p>"Of course you will have to manage it somehow, Allen," Frank broke in. +"Why, having you there would be half the fun!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess I can," Allen began uncertainly. Then he continued: "But +you can just better believe if there is a chance in the world, I'll be +there."</p> + +<p>"That's the way to talk," cried Mollie. "Now there is just one important +thing we haven't decided yet, girls, and that is, whom are we going to +have for a chaperon."</p> + +<p>"I have been thinking of that, and I am sure I know just the one," said +Amy quietly; and they turned to her in amazement. Amy was like that, she +didn't talk much, but when she did, what she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> said was usually to the +point. "You all know young Mrs. Irving whose husband travels?"</p> + +<p>"And she seems sort of lonely sometimes," Grace added, taking a +chocolate nut from a dish of candy that Mollie had placed, for Grace's +special delectation, on the table.</p> + +<p>"Amy, you <i>are</i> a wonder," said Mollie, regarding her chum with awe. "I +would never have thought of her in a thousand years, and of course she's +just the one."</p> + +<p>"Well, now that the all-important question of chaperon is happily +settled," said Roy, veering back to the point like a compass, "suppose +we decide when to start."</p> + +<p>After much discussion it was finally decided they were to start a week +from that day, which was Tuesday.</p> + +<p>It was late when Mollie's guests started for home, and even then they +were all reluctant to go. As Allen stood on the porch of the Nelson home +a few minutes later, Betty turned to him impulsively.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I do hope you will be able to go, Allen," she said.</p> + +<p>"Would you be sorry if I didn't?" he asked her, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Why, of course."</p> + +<p>"Then, I'll be there," he said, with a smile.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h3>CLOSED FOR REPAIRS</h3> + + +<p>"Grace, Grace, do wake up!" Betty looked at her sleeping chum in +absolute amazement. How could anybody sleep so soundly on this, the day +of days, when one should have been awake at six o'clock thinking over +the delights in store!</p> + +<p>Grace had come over the night before to talk over some minor details of +the outing, bringing with her a new and, she declared, a specially +delicious brand of chocolates. It had been so late when she had started +to leave that she had been prevailed upon to spend the night with Betty. +And so it was that on that eventful morning she lay slumbering +peacefully in the Little Captain's bed, defying all that impatient young +person's efforts to rouse her.</p> + +<p>"Grace! Grace!" Betty cried again. "Won't you please wake up? Why, it's +seven o'clock this minute! We have to be out of the house in an hour."</p> + +<p>Grace groaned dismally. "Oh, Betty, I will<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> have to have some more +sleep," she wailed, pitifully. "If I don't I won't be fit for a thing +the rest of the day. Don't you suppose we could make it if we started by +nine?" she added hopefully.</p> + +<p>Betty paused in the act of putting on a shoe and held it poised in the +air while she gazed at her friend incredulously.</p> + +<p>"Grace Ford, of all the——" she almost stuttered. Then, as a thought +flashed before her mind she laughed delightedly. "Can't you see them, +Grace," she chuckled, putting on one shoe and picking up the other. +"Can't you see the boys when I tell them they will have to walk around +the block while Grace gets her beauty sleep. Oh! oh!" and even Grace had +to laugh at the picture.</p> + +<p>"They probably wouldn't wait anyway," Betty continued, with the tact of +a diplomat. "They would go on to The Shadows and let you follow later at +your leisure. It will be a nice, dusty, hot ride in the train, too," she +added, examining the lace on her handkerchief with the air of a +connoisseur.</p> + +<p>Grace sat up on the edge of the bed and regarded her chum reproachfully. +"Nobody has any heart at all, and you least of all, Betty Nelson," she +complained. "Oh, where did I put<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> my slippers? I was so excited last +night I don't remember what I did with them," and she began a listless +search under the bed.</p> + +<p>"They are over by that chair," said Betty patiently. Then went on: "Oh, +Grace, dear, please wake up. You will give me the blues if you don't +shake off that dead and alive air. Imagine Betty Nelson with the blues +to-day."</p> + +<p>"It <i>is</i> rather impossible," remarked Grace, regarding Betty's flushed +cheeks and dancing eyes with admiration. "I wish I didn't need any more +sleep than you, Betty. Oh, well, the worst part of getting up is over +now and I'll feel fine when I get some breakfast. You just watch me."</p> + +<p>"That's something like," Betty said approvingly. "Oh, Grace, we are +going to have one of the most glorious times we ever had in our lives +to-day."</p> + +<p>"Shouldn't wonder," Grace agreed. "What does that clock say, half-past +seven? Oh, Betty, now I <i>will</i> have to hurry!"</p> + +<p>"If you glare at the clock like that it is apt to develop palpitation of +the heart and stop altogether," laughed Betty. "It can't help the time, +you know."</p> + +<p>"Well, that is the very first time I have ever been accused of stopping +a clock," said Grace with dignity. Then added plaintively: "And by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> my +best friend, too! Oh, well, I suppose you can get used to anything if +you try hard enough."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Grace, you're a dear when you look resigned like that," said Betty, +dancing over to her friend and hugging her ecstatically. "If you weren't +so pretty, I wouldn't dare talk about stopping clocks," she added, and +peace was restored, and soon both hurried down to breakfast.</p> + +<p>"Oh, there they are now," cried Betty, hastily swallowing the last of +her cocoa. "I knew they would be here before we were half ready. Oh, +<ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Gracie'">Gracy</ins>, dear, hurry, will you!"</p> + +<p>"I am all ready," Grace answered. "Suppose you go out and speak to them +while I get the luggage. I'll bring down your hat and coat, too, if you +want me to."</p> + +<p>"You <i>are</i> a dear," said Betty, for the second time this morning. +"Goodness, they are making enough noise with their old horns. Anybody +would think there were ten automobiles instead of two," and while she +ran out to greet the newcomers, Grace hurried—yes, actually +<i>hurried</i>—up the stairs to get the small bags they were to take with +them for immediate use, in case the trunks, which had been sent on +before, did not arrive in time.</p> + +<p>Betty found the others all radiant. Roy was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> at the wheel in Mollie's +car—she had invited him to act as chauffeur and he had gleefully +accepted—with Mollie herself beside him and Will and Amy in the +tonneau.</p> + +<p>The others—Mrs. Irving, their young and jolly chaperon, and the four +girls and boys—were to make the journey in Frank's big car, with Frank, +of course, at the wheel.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Betty!" Will shouted. "You are looking as sweet and fresh as a +daisy! Jump in! Where's that runaway sister of mine? I hope you +succeeded in getting her up in time."</p> + +<p>"I did—after considerable persuasion," laughed Betty. "I came out to +tell you we just have to get our outside things on and we shall be +ready. I can see Grace beckoning now—just a minute," and she ran toward +the house.</p> + +<p>"Can't we carry the luggage—and the chocolates?" said Frank and Allen +together.</p> + +<p>"If you insist," Betty flung the answer over her shoulder as she joined +Grace.</p> + +<p>The boys had tumbled out of the automobile and were racing up the drive +as if their lives depended on their reaching the porch at the same +second. The girls adjusted their pretty panamas before the wide mirror +while the boys picked up the bags and waited.</p> + +<p>"Is my hat on right, Allen, or should it be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> tilted a little more over +the left eye?" mimicked Frank, as they watched the girls. "Or, perhaps +it should be made to cover my face entirely?"</p> + +<p>"I think the latter—with places for the eyes and nose," said Allen in +the same tone of voice.</p> + +<p>"Anybody who invented such a hat would be a benefactor to the world at +large, Frank," said Betty, as she swept past him—her nose in the air.</p> + +<p>"Oof! That was an awful one," returned Frank, while Grace chuckled at +his discomfiture. "A few more of those, Betty, and I am afraid I shall +have to stay at home!"</p> + +<p>"That sounds just like Percy," Betty remarked, as the boys deposited the +luggage in the car and opened the door for the girls. "For goodness' +sake, don't take him for a model, Frank."</p> + +<p>"I wonder where the dear old chappie is, anyway," remarked Allen as he +took his seat between Betty and Mrs. Irving in the tonneau. Grace was to +sit with Frank. "I haven't seen him about town lately. I wonder if +mother has taken her darling boy to the seashore," he added, as the car +moved off.</p> + +<p>"I hope so. If she would only take him to Kalamazoo it would suit me +better," said Betty.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> "It's a wonder he didn't invite himself to come +along."</p> + +<p>"Nothing doing!" laughed Frank. "I can just imagine darling Percy +sleeping in a tent and cooking his own meals. Can't you, Allen? Oh, what +a circus!"</p> + +<p>"It is rather hard to imagine the immaculate Percy in those +surroundings," drawled Grace. "He would be running down to the river to +wash his hands every two minutes. How do we get over to the island from +the mainland, Betty, do you remember?" she added. "I know Mollie said +something about a steamer, but I didn't get a very good idea of it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, we will have lots of fun on it," Betty answered, enjoying the +prospect immensely. "Mollie says it is an old, rickety thing that looks +as if it were going to pieces any minute. She thinks it must be at least +two hundred years old, if what her aunt says is true. It will be awfully +interesting."</p> + +<p>"Yes, especially if it fulfills its promise and goes to pieces in the +middle of the lake," Grace remarked dryly. "I wouldn't mind the dip in +weather like this, but I would rather choose the time and place."</p> + +<p>"Well, perhaps it <i>would</i> be better if we put on our bathing suits +first," Betty admitted.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> "Then we would at least be prepared for the +worst."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't call that the worst thing that could happen to us," said +Allen; and when the girls looked to him for an explanation he added: "It +would be no end of fun to be dumped in the river with a boatful of +pretty girls. Think of the good time we could have rescuing you."</p> + +<p>"Well, maybe you call that fun, but I should say it was pretty hard +work," said Frank, ungallantly. "Especially if the girls should lose +their heads and begin to choke you. All hail, for Davy Jones' locker!"</p> + +<p>"You needn't worry," said Betty, with dignity. "In the first place we +wouldn't have to be rescued. We can swim just as well as you boys +can——"</p> + +<p>"Now, now, Betty," Frank protested laughingly, "don't exaggerate."</p> + +<p>"I'm not," she denied indignantly. "We haven't lived in the outdoors for +nothing, you know."</p> + +<p>"Well, we shall have a chance to settle all disputes when we get to Pine +Island," said Allen. "To change the subject—has anybody noticed that +the sun has gone under a cloud and that there is a stiff little breeze +coming up? I shouldn't wonder if we were in for a storm."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, we may need our bathing suits even before we get to the island," +said Betty, ruefully. "I hope you didn't forget to bring your suit, Mrs. +Irving," she added, turning to the chaperon, who had been singularly +silent during the ride. Perhaps she was realizing for the first time the +great responsibility she had taken upon herself. However, she spoke now, +accompanying her words with a bright smile.</p> + +<p>"Indeed I did," she said. "There is nothing I enjoy quite so much as a +good swim. From what you girls say of the island we ought to have as +many as we want."</p> + +<p>"I am very much afraid we won't leave to wait till we get there," said +Frank, regarding the sky anxiously. "Unless I am a pretty poor prophet +we are in for a considerable spell of bad weather. What do you say, +Allen?"</p> + +<p>"I say you are right and then some," Allen answered emphatically. "I +think it would be a pretty good stunt to get the top up, Frank, before +the girls are deluged."</p> + +<p>Accordingly Frank slowed down and waited for Mollie's trim little +machine to catch up with them.</p> + +<p>"What do you make of the weather?" asked Will, as they came up +alongside. "Looks pretty threatening, don't you think?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If you don't want to get wet, you had better do what we are going to," +Frank advised them. "Put your top up."</p> + +<p>"Oh, hurry, Frank, I felt a drop then!" exclaimed Grace. "And there's +another! Oh, do hurry!"</p> + +<p>The boys worked quickly and in a few moments had raised the tops and +were ready to let down the waterproof sides that would make them +comfortable in almost any weather.</p> + +<p>"We are going to speed up some," Frank shouted to those in the other +car. "When the roads get muddy it's going to be pretty hard going, so we +want to make good time now."</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, Captain!" Roy answered. "Lead, and we follow."</p> + +<p>For a short distance all went well. In fact, the girls rather liked +riding in the rain. Then suddenly, without any warning, Frank stopped +the car.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Frank?" cried Grace in alarm. "Did you run over somebody?"</p> + +<p>"No, it's worse than that," he answered gloomily. "Look, the road's +closed for repairs!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h3>THE JET NECKLACE REAPPEARS</h3> + + +<p>The girls and boys stared at each other, dismay written on their faces. +The road closed and the rain pouring down in torrents—a nice +predicament! It was Mrs. Irving's calm voice which first broke the +silence.</p> + +<p>"There must be some way around," she said. "It will take us a little +longer, that's all."</p> + +<p>"Oh, of course we shall be able to strike the main part of the road +again if we go a couple of miles out of our way," Frank agreed, a +worried frown on his forehead. "The only question is, how are we going +to find our way? I didn't bring a chart with me—worse luck."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps Roy has one," Betty suggested. "He usually carries a lot of +junk like that around with him."</p> + +<p>"Well, if he has this particular species of junk it will come in mighty +handy just now," said Frank, hopefully. "I'll stick my head out and yell +at him. Gee, it sure is raining some!" and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> he craned his neck toward +the other car, squinting his eyes to keep out the stinging drops. "Hey, +Roy!" he shouted. "Do you happen to have anything like a map of the +surrounding country in your inside vest pocket? If you have, throw it +over. We are stuck good and plenty."</p> + +<p>"I don't get you, old man," Roy shouted back. "Say the first part of +that speech over again, will you?"</p> + +<p>Frank drew in his head and mopped his face and hair with a huge silk +handkerchief. "Two minutes before the next plunge," he announced to the +amused occupants of his car. "Allen, if he doesn't get me this time you +will have to change places with me. I'll be almost drowned," then he +thrust his head out once more and shouted in the direction of Mollie's +car.</p> + +<p>"I said, have you a map of this here countryside?" he repeated. "Betty +says you usually carry such things with you."</p> + +<p>"Sorry I can't oblige," came his disappointing answer. "I left that home +in my old coat this morning."</p> + +<p>"Of course, just when you knew we would probably need it!" Frank +retorted scathingly. "Now we'll have to hike along and trust to luck. +Nobody knows where we will end up."</p> + +<p>"Well, you needn't blame it on me," Roy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> shouted wrathfully. "I couldn't +be expected to see twenty miles down the road from Deepdale."</p> + +<p>"Nobody accused you of it," Frank answered, in the same belligerent +voice. "But as long as you had the chart you might have thought far +enough——"</p> + +<p>Grace seized Frank's arm and pulled him back into the machine. "For +goodness' sake, what is the use of making such a fuss about that old +map?" she said. "And in the rain, too!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, if that were you and I, Grace," said Betty, "the boys would say +something about 'isn't that just like a woman,' or, 'aren't girls the +limit—always arguing about nothing?'"</p> + +<p>"Votes for women!" Allen shouted. "Since when have you taken to stump +oratory, Betty?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, she is just naturally eloquent," said Grace languidly and they all +laughed, even Frank—although his brow clouded anxiously a minute later.</p> + +<p>"However, all this isn't getting us anywhere," he said. "We can't stay +out here in the rain all night, you know."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe any of us expect to," said Allen, dryly. "What do you +say we take that side road we passed a little way back, Frank? We can at +least see where it leads and we can inquire our way as we go along."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't know whom we shall find to inquire of," said Frank, who, +contrary to his usual custom, persisted in looking at the gloomy side of +everything. "We didn't pass a soul on the way down."</p> + +<p>"Please cheer up, Frank," laughed Betty. "You ask us to make a +suggestion and then when we do you scout it. Suppose you tell us what +<i>you</i> would like to do."</p> + +<p>"I know what I should <i>like</i> to do," he added, readily. "I should like +to break down that board that is in our way and go ahead whether they +like it or not. Nothing would give me greater pleasure."</p> + +<p>"However?" suggested Allen.</p> + +<p>"However, I know we'd get pinched—pardon, ladies—I mean, pulled in. +That doesn't sound just right, either, does it?" and he regarded them +with laughing eyes.</p> + +<p>"I imagine 'arrested' is the word you want," said Betty, demurely.</p> + +<p>"That's it, thank you," he said, all irritability gone as suddenly as it +had come. "So, as long as that is understood, perhaps we might do worse +than follow Allen's suggestion, after all."</p> + +<p>"Genius always triumphs in the end," said Allen, with a gravity that set +them laughing.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it would be better if we hurried a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> little," Mrs. Irving +suggested, when they had had their laugh out. "With no delay it would +take us almost till sundown to reach The Shadows and I don't want to be +too late."</p> + +<p>"All right, here goes to try to back the old bus out of this mud-hole +and turn her around," Frank agreed. "I don't know how long it will take +us, though."</p> + +<p>"You had better tell Roy what you are going to do," Grace suggested. "We +don't want any collisions."</p> + +<p>Frank obediently thrust out his head, only to jerk it back quickly the +next instant with a startled exclamation. "They are gone!" he said.</p> + +<p>"Gone!" the others cried together.</p> + +<p>"But they couldn't have gone far," Mrs. Irving added.</p> + +<p>"Probably they have motored back to the crossroads to wait for us," +Allen suggested. "When they saw the blockade they knew there was just +one thing to do and they did it."</p> + +<p>"Well, they might at least have told us where they were going," Frank +grumbled. "They should have known Mrs. Irving would be worried."</p> + +<p>"They probably thought they'd decamp before the mud got so bad," said +Betty. "Just the same, they should have told us."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You are right," Mrs. Irving agreed. "However, the only thing to do now +is to follow them as quickly as possible."</p> + +<p>For answer, Frank threw in the clutch, and the big machine very slowly +and painfully plowed its way through the clinging mud of the road and +turned its face toward the crossroads and, in all probability, Mollie's +runaway car.</p> + +<p>"No wonder they want to repair the road," said Frank when they were well +under way. "If the rest of it is any worse than this I should think they +would need a new one."</p> + +<p>"There's Mollie's car, straight ahead," said Grace a moment later. "I +wager they are just sitting there as large as life, laughing at us."</p> + +<p>"Let them laugh," said Frank savagely. "It's good to see somebody +happy."</p> + +<p>"Well, if that's all you want," sang Betty, cheerily, "just look at +Grace and Mrs. Irving and Allen and me. I, for my part, am having the +time of my life. And look, everybody," she added, "it isn't raining +nearly so hard as it was. We will be seeing the sun next!"</p> + +<p>"There is just one thing that is better to have along than the sun," +said Allen, softly. Mrs. Irving, hearing, smiled knowingly to herself.</p> + +<p>When they overtook the car ahead, Roy explained that they had gotten out +of the way to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> make room for Frank's big car to turn around.</p> + +<p>"You surely gave us plenty of it," Frank remarked dryly, upon hearing +the explanation. "But we will have to hurry now if we expect to get +anywhere before dark."</p> + +<p>As they all heartily agreed to this, especially Mrs. Irving, there was +no further discussion and the cars swung down the narrow side road at a +very good pace—good, that is, considering the going.</p> + +<p>They had been riding for half an hour when suddenly Betty's prediction +came true. The rain stopped entirely and the sun peeped out from behind +the clouds, touching the leaden sky with gold.</p> + +<p>"I knew it, I knew it!" cried Betty in delight. "Now we can take down +the top, can't we, Frank? Oh, let's do it!"</p> + +<p>"Mighty good suggestion, Betty," Frank agreed, bringing the car to a +stop once more. "The good old sun sure does change everything, doesn't +it?"</p> + +<p>Five minutes later the cars started on again, with the breeze fanning +the faces of the occupants and the sun pouring down goldenly upon them. +As Frank had said, "The world was a different place to live in."</p> + +<p>A moment later those in Frank's car were sur<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>prised to see Roy stop his +automobile and signal them to draw up alongside.</p> + +<p>"Did you see that gypsy girl who just passed in front of us?" Mollie +whispered when they had done as they were desired. Then, as the girls +nodded assent, she continued excitedly: "Well, I am almost sure she had +on that jet necklace that disappeared with mother's silver! Oh, if we +could only follow the girl we might find that too! Oh, can't we—can't +we?" she added, fairly dancing with excitement.</p> + +<p>"Sure, come ahead, fellows!" cried Allen, who was always ready for +adventure. "Did you see which way she went, Roy?"</p> + +<p>"Over this way, I think," Roy answered. "We may be able to trace her to +the gypsy camp. There must be one near here, and it is probably the +same."</p> + +<p>"We'll be back in a minute," called Will, and then the boys disappeared +in the underbrush.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm afraid to have them go," whispered Betty fearfully. "Suppose +one of those murderous-looking gypsies should stab them in the back!"</p> + +<p>"One gypsy couldn't do it all," said Grace with a little nervous laugh. +"I guess they can take care of themselves, Betty. We needn't worry."</p> + +<p>"What do you think, Mrs. Irving?" Amy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> asked quietly. "The boys went off +in such a hurry they didn't give you a chance to say anything if you had +wanted to."</p> + +<p>"I imagine talking wouldn't have done much good anyway," answered Mrs. +Irving with a smile. "Besides, there should not be any danger if they +only keep their wits about them."</p> + +<p>"Oh, mother will be the happiest woman in the world if they can only +find her silver for her." Mollie was so agitated she was actually +trembling. "Girls, do you think they will?"</p> + +<p>"There, there, don't get so excited about it, Mollie, dear," cautioned +the Little Captain. "You may be sure the boys will do the very best they +can."</p> + +<p>At the end of the hardest hour they had ever spent, for inaction was not +easy for Outdoor Girls, they heard the welcome sound of masculine voices +and the regular tramp-tramp of the boys' feet.</p> + +<p>"Oh, oh," they cried together in whole-souled relief, while Mollie added +eagerly: "Did you get it—did you?"</p> + +<p>Allen, who was in the lead, shook his head regretfully. "We couldn't +find a sign of anything," he said. "Not even the camp."</p> + +<p>"But if you didn't find anything, what ever in the world kept you so +long?" Betty demanded.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> "We imagined all sorts of horrible things +happening to you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you couldn't get rid of us," said Will, cheerily. "We hated to come +back empty handed—that's all."</p> + +<p>"Well, we are mighty glad to get you back," said Mollie, who, after the +first disappointment, had become resigned to the inevitable.</p> + +<p>"That's the way to make them appreciate us; eh, fellows?" said Frank, as +he flung himself into the car. "They don't realize how good we really +are till they think we are gone."</p> + +<p>"Right you are, Frank," said Roy. "What do you say to full speed ahead?"</p> + +<p>"Full speed ahead it is," Frank agreed, and they were off like a shot +down the road.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h3>PINE ISLAND AT LAST</h3> + + +<p>The Outdoor Girls and their boy friends made good time for the rest of +the journey and it was not quite sundown when they came in sight of the +beautiful shores of Lake Tarracusio.</p> + +<p>"We will have to leave the automobiles somewhere in town, won't we?" +asked Amy, as the two machines drew up side by side for a final +consultation.</p> + +<p>"Of course," said Grace. "According to Mollie's description of the +rickety old steamer I should think it would have all it could do to +carry us—let alone the machines."</p> + +<p>"There ought to be at least one big garage in town, Frank," Betty +suggested. "Let's move along the main street until we find it."</p> + +<p>"Nobody asks me for my advice," complained Mollie, in an injured tone. +"And I am the most likely one to know about it."</p> + +<p>Mollie gave the directions for finding the garage which her aunt had +written. A minute later<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> they drew up before the place and tumbled out, +bag and baggage, in obedience to Frank's instructions.</p> + +<p>While the boys were in the garage talking to the proprietor, the girls +had a chance to look about them.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it lovely?" cried Mollie delightedly. "It looks just like the +little colored pictures of towns they have in the magazines sometimes. +The same quaint little frame houses with green shutters and well-kept +lawns in front——"</p> + +<p>"And flower beds with borders of white shells," Amy finished for her. "I +know just what you mean, Mollie; I've seen them myself."</p> + +<p>"Girls," said Betty, jumping up from the overturned suitcase she was +using for a seat, and speaking impressively, "I have a feeling——" here +she paused for effect. "I have a feeling," she continued, "that we are +going to have a good time."</p> + +<p>"Humph," snorted Mollie. "Why don't you tell us something we don't +know?"</p> + +<p>"Get off the luggage, you girls!" Will commanded, good-naturedly. "The +man in there says we have just exactly five minutes to catch that joke +steamer for the island, and if he is right, we've got to hustle. Sling +over that bag, Sis, will you?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p> + +<p>"With the greatest of pleasure," said Grace. "But will somebody kindly +tell me how we are going to make that boat in five minutes?"</p> + +<p>"By running like the very wind," Frank declared, and, picking up two +suitcases in one hand, he propelled Grace down the street with the +other. "Please hurry," he urged. "Never mind about your hats, girls. It +will soon be so dark nobody will be able to see them."</p> + +<p>"Shall we give them a race?" asked Allen of Betty, as they prepared to +follow Roy, who had taken both Mollie and their gay little chaperon in +tow.</p> + +<p>"Let's," said Betty with dancing eyes. "Nobody knows us here and I +wouldn't care if they did—better people than you and I have run for +boats before, Allen."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know," he said, argumentatively. "Just as good, possibly, +but never better."</p> + +<p>"All right, have it your own way," she laughed. "Now do we begin? +One—two—three—come on. We'll beat them even with the head start."</p> + +<p>Off they raced, light and graceful and buoyantly alive. It was no task +at all to overtake Roy, who was hampered by gasping little Mrs. +Irving—who, although young, was not—<i>so</i> young. Next came Amy and +Will, running eas<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>ily, but Allen and Betty passed them as if they had +been standing still.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you will, will you?" Will shouted as they went by. "We'll see about +that. What do you say, Amy, more speed?"</p> + +<p>"Sure," said game little Amy. "I can go lots faster than this." So the +two quickened their pace, but Betty and Allen were on wings, and, try as +they might, they could not lessen the space between.</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, we don't want to beat them anyway, do we?" said Will, when +they had to give up.</p> + +<p>"No, we wouldn't think of taking the fun from them," she panted, and +they both laughed merrily.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the two champion runners had overtaken Grace and Frank and had +started on the last lap to the wharf.</p> + +<p>"There's the little steamer now, Allen!" gasped Betty. "Oh, do you think +it will go without us?" As if for answer the whistle on the curious old +ferry shrieked a warning to all would-be voyagers to Pine Island.</p> + +<p>Allen's hand tightened its grasp of Betty's arm. "Are you game for one +last spurt?" he asked her. "We may be able to make it."</p> + +<p>Betty nodded her head, for just then breath<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> was precious and not to be +wasted in idle words. Silently, the two called on their splendid reserve +strength, while arm in arm they sped along the shore to the dock. They +reached it just in the nick of time.</p> + +<p>"Hold on there, will you?" shouted Allen, with what he had left of his +breath. "The rest of the party will be up in a minute."</p> + +<p>True to his prophecy, in a moment's time the entire company was +assembled on the ancient dock, tired and out of breath, but happy to be +there nevertheless.</p> + +<p>"You two are some classy little speed merchants," remarked Frank, +slangily, while he regarded the pair thus designated with profound +admiration. "I never knew two people could run so fast before."</p> + +<p>"So this is the steamer!" said Grace, as soon as she could find breath +enough to speak at all. "It does justify your aunt's description, +Mollie, although it doesn't look quite so rickety as I expected."</p> + +<p>"Probably she will look lots worse in the daylight," Will prophesied +cheerfully. "Say, folks, what do you say to our making ourselves +comfortable? We have quite some ride before us; eh, Mollie?"</p> + +<p>"About half an hour's <i>sail</i>," corrected Mollie.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> "You <i>ride</i> in an +automobile, but you <i>sail</i> in a boat."</p> + +<p>"I don't see why ride isn't just as appropriate as sail in this case," +said Will, sitting on a suitcase beside Amy, with his back against the +rail, prepared to argue the point. "Especially since this old tub has +never known a sail."</p> + +<p>"Betty," Frank said, turning to that young person who was gazing +dreamily out over the water, "what did they put in that basket when we +stopped at the hotel this afternoon?"</p> + +<p>"What?" she said, bringing her mind down to every-day things with an +effort. "Oh, the basket! I wouldn't dare tell you that," she added, with +sudden animation. "Boys, boys, if you could only see inside—if you only +could—oh, how your mouths would water!"</p> + +<p>"Just think," said Grace, tragically. "Here we have everything that goes +to make up a romantic sail——"</p> + +<p>"What, for instance?" Roy demanded. "If you call a leaky old ferryboat +with the weather so damp that you can't touch the rail without feeling +as if you have had a dip in the briny—if that's what you call romantic, +then give me a good open fire and plenty of chicken bones to gnaw."</p> + +<p>"Oh," said Betty in sorrow, shaking her head<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> at the depths to which the +boys had fallen. "Frank, I would never have thought it of you. Just the +same," she added, in a stage whisper, "I wouldn't mind having a couple +of them myself."</p> + +<p>"Betty, Betty," Allen reproved her. "I thought——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mollie, look there," cried Betty, pulling her friend towards her +and indicating an indistinct shadowy bulk looming eerily before them. +"Mollie, dear, that's the island, isn't it? I can't wait until I put my +two feet on it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I wish we could see an inch before our noses!" said Grace +impatiently. "I can't make out a single blessed thing."</p> + +<p>"Probably going to rain some more," said Frank consolingly. "Never mind, +Grace, whenever your heart begins to fail you, just think of—what, +fellows?"</p> + +<p>"Chicken!" they shouted, with one voice.</p> + +<p>"You don't know you are going to get any, yet," Betty declared. "If I +remember rightly, Frank is the only one who said anything about it, and +he doesn't know what he is talking about."</p> + +<p>"Betty, don't be heartless," Allen implored. "Is there or is there not a +fowl in that basket?"</p> + +<p>"There is!" she answered in solemn tones.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hoorah!" shouted Will. "Three cheers for the good old bird!"</p> + +<p>As he spoke the little steamer scraped against the dock that was almost +invisible to those on deck, then came to a full stop. The shrill whistle +which Roy contemptuously characterized as a joke, broke the misty +stillness with a shriek, that echoed and re-echoed, thrown back upon +itself by some distant cave or hillside on the island.</p> + +<p>"Goodness! I wouldn't mind a nice fire myself," said Mollie, shivering +with something a little more than cold. There was something mysterious +about this island, shrouded as it was in the clinging mist—something +that made the girls draw close together for companionship. "I hope it +will be more cheerful in the daytime—the island, I mean, not the fire," +she added.</p> + +<p>"Girls," cried Betty, "this looks like a regular adventure island. Maybe +we'll find the gypsies here."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't," shivered Amy. "Don't talk about gypsies—until daylight, at +least."</p> + +<p>"Here comes the rain!" Roy shouted. "We'll have to hurry some, if we +want to beat it to the house. Here, Will, take hold of this bag. Quick, +I can't carry more than three at a time."</p> + +<p>"Give it to Allen," Will advised, as they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> tumbled out on the tiny +wharf. "I have more than my share already."</p> + +<p>"Oh, all right," said Allen, "I'll be the goat. How about it, +Betty—shall we give them another race? It looks as if a little speed +would come in handy."</p> + +<p>"No, let Mollie lead this time. I hope she knows the way."</p> + +<p>"Of course I do," said Mollie, coming up behind them. "There isn't any +way to find. The house is at the end of the wharf. Follow us and——"</p> + +<p>"You'll get something to eat," Roy finished for her. "We have the +basket."</p> + +<p>"Then you needn't worry about our following you," said Allen. "Only if +you don't look out we will get there before you after all. Come on, +Betty," and for the second time that day the young folks had a chance to +test their skill in running. The main thing was that they got there +before the rain.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h3>BRIGHT AND EARLY</h3> + + +<p>The morning dawned clear and bright. Mollie woke first in the large, +sunshiny room which the girls had chosen to occupy together during their +stay on Pine Island.</p> + +<p>It contained two large double beds—each in a little alcove of its own. +The spotless grass mats, the flowers that bloomed on the wide-silled, +latticed windows gave the room an air of cheerful hominess and comfort +that was very pleasant.</p> + +<p>All this Mollie took in subconsciously as her sleepy gaze wandered about +the room. Then slowly full wakefulness banished the last vestige of +sleep from her eyes and she sat up in bed.</p> + +<p>"The sun!" she cried joyfully. "And I was sure it was going to be rainy +this morning! Oh, now we shall see the island as it really is. Wake up, +Amy, do! Oh, goodness, how the child sleeps!" and she shook her +slumbering friend with no uncertain hand.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p> + +<p>"There is no use, Mollie," said Betty's voice from the other end of the +room. "You couldn't wake Amy or Grace without a good shaking."</p> + +<p>"What's that?" cried Mollie, startled, as a loud knock sounded on the +door. "I wonder who is coming to visit us so early?"</p> + +<p>"Probably one of the boys," Betty suggested, "come to tell us it is nine +o'clock and high time we were up and dressed."</p> + +<p>"Nine o'clock!" Grace fairly stuttered, but just then Mollie called out +an impatient:</p> + +<p>"Who's there?" in response to a second and harder knock at the door.</p> + +<p>"It's I, Will. Mrs. Irving sent me up to ask when in the name of common +sense you girls are coming down to breakfast."</p> + +<p>"What time is it?" Betty countered. "If you tell us that, we'll tell you +what time we are coming down."</p> + +<p>"It is half-past eight," Will answered. "We fellows have been up since +six o'clock getting our summer quarters fixed up!"</p> + +<p>"I won't believe it until I see it," said Mollie darkly. "Six o'clock, +indeed!" and she sniffed disdainfully.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you don't believe it," said Will, through the keyhole, "all +you have to do is to come down and see for yourself. We've got<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> +everything fixed up O. K. all right. But say! when are you fellows—I +mean girls—going to get up?"</p> + +<p>"Right away, Will," Betty promised, popping out of bed and into her +slippers all at once. "We will be down in a jiffy."</p> + +<p>It required a great deal of tact to coax Amy and Grace out of bed, but +it took a still greater amount of merciless driving to get them +downstairs and into the big airy dining room, where Mrs. Irving was +impatiently awaiting them.</p> + +<p>"Here you are," she said, laying down her book as the four girls tumbled +into the room. "I thought you would be tired after last night's fun, so +I let you sleep it out."</p> + +<p>"Well, we surely did sleep," said the Little Captain brightly. "I for +one feel as if I'll never sleep again."</p> + +<p>"And I feel as if I could sleep forever," said Grace. "You never saw +anything like Betty, Mrs. Irving," she complained. "Why, I do believe +she could have made a fortune in the old days as an overseer down +South."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Irving laughed. "You don't look especially brow-beaten," she said. +"And anyway, I should think you would be glad to get up—you must be +nearly starved to death."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I thought after last night, and the chicken, I could never eat again," +said Mollie, her eyes sparkling at the memory. "But I find that I can, +very easily. Oh, Mrs. Irving, what is there?"</p> + +<p>"Well," their chaperon began, "there are the eggs we had put up with the +other things yesterday and some fruit and honey and we can make some +fluffy white biscuits in no time——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, oh, say no more!" said Betty, clapping her hands joyfully and +executing a little dance about the room. "Honey and biscuits—I could +make a meal of them alone. Mrs. Irving, show me the stove—lead me to +it—and I'll make the biscuits," she finished importantly.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Irving," Grace pleaded, turning to the chaperon, "you are the only +one here who could possibly make Betty do anything that she didn't want +to do or stop her doing anything she had set her heart on. Won't you +please interfere for the sake of the community? It might really be +dangerous," she added plaintively.</p> + +<p>"Don't worry," Mollie put in. "I have eaten Betty's biscuits of old, +and, believe me, they are good. All I ask is that you hustle, +Betty—shoo——" And she hurried the willing Little Captain before her +into the kitchen.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Irving followed more slowly with Amy and Grace, and they were just +in time to hear<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> Mollie's last sentence: "Where have the boys +disappeared to?"</p> + +<p>"They're out yonder in the woods," Mrs. Irving replied, indicating a +spot beyond the cottage. "They were up very early this morning—couldn't +wait to get the tents up. Allen left word that they would stop around in +a couple of hours to say good-afternoon to you girls—if you happened to +be up by that time," and the little chaperon's eyes twinkled as she saw +the look of rising indignation in the girls' faces.</p> + +<p>"If we happen to be up, indeed," sniffed Betty, bustling around the +kitchen in a business-like fashion, sorting out pans and getting out the +flour, which Mollie's aunt had very thoughtfully left in the larder. "If +they talk like that much more, they won't get any of my biscuits. Just +wait till they smell them, girls—they will go down on their knees."</p> + +<p>"Yes, the only way to manage boys is to feed them well," sighed Amy, +with a funny air of knowing all there was to be known about men.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Amy! Amy!" gasped Mollie, "you will be the death of me yet. Anybody +would actually think, to hear you talk, that you had really had some +experience. Say, Betty," she added, regarding the doughy mixture—the +result of Betty's skillful manipulation, "that looks mighty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> +interesting—I shouldn't mind learning how to make them myself."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's lots of fun," Betty affirmed, cutting out the biscuits with an +improvised cutter—this last being the top of a baking powder can. "Only +take my advice," she went on, standing with the cover poised in the air +and speaking earnestly. "Don't try it on your family first—they never +appreciate you. Why, the first time I made biscuits, do you know what +dad said?"</p> + +<p>"No, but I can imagine," said Grace, who had also been regarding the +operation, "judging from what dad and Will would have remarked."</p> + +<p>"Well, he said," Betty continued, patting the last biscuit into its +appointed place and regarding her work with satisfaction, "he said the +best thing I could do with them would be to pack them and send them to +the old country to use in some of the new howitzers or something like +that they are getting out. How is that for a slam?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I shouldn't wonder," said Grace wickedly, "if he were justified."</p> + +<p>Betty turned and shot a reproachful glance at her friend. "Just for +that, Grace," she said, "I ought to say you can't have any of +these—works of art," indicating the pan she was putting into the oven. +"Why do you girls stand around<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> staring at me anyway?" she added, a +sudden note of impatience in her voice. "Why don't you do something to +earn your living? Set the table or get the water boiling for the eggs. I +can't do everything—now scatter! If you were all as hungry as I am you +wouldn't wait to be told."</p> + +<p>Laughingly the girls did as the Little Captain bid—somehow it was +impossible to do anything else.</p> + +<p>"Where is the table cloth, Mollie?" called Amy from the other room. "We +used paper napkins and doilies last night." Then she added, as Mollie +came to help her, "Did you ever see anybody eat like those boys last +night?"</p> + +<p>"It was a wonderful and awesome sight," Mollie agreed, as she and Amy +spread the cloth. "I wonder," she added as a sudden thought struck her, +"if the boys have had their breakfast."</p> + +<p>"What a question!" said Grace, appearing at the door carrying a plateful +of the most deliciously golden honey the girls had ever seen—or so at +least it seemed to them. "Do you imagine they could exist from six +o'clock to ten without eating? Mollie, I gave you credit for more +sense."</p> + +<p>"Is that so?" retorted Mollie, cross because<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> she was hungry. "Well, I +have a good deal more sense than some people I know. I mention no names, +but see where I am looking," and she stared steadfastly at her unruffled +chum, who was calmly setting the honey on the table.</p> + +<p>"Here I am again," said Betty, "acting the part of peacemaker. Oh, +girls, it is too wonderful a day for outdoor girls to quarrel. I am +simply crazy to get out in the woods and just revel in the grass and the +trees and the sunshine." And she glanced longingly out of the open door +that led to the porch. "Oh, I wish," she said, "I wish the biscuits +could be done and eaten all in five minutes. Amy, did you put the eggs +in?" she demanded, and Amy, who had been gazing out of the window, +scuttled out to the kitchen obediently.</p> + +<p>The girls had nearly finished breakfast, when there was a sound of +voices outside the door, and a moment later the boys burst in upon them.</p> + +<p>"Hello!" said Allen, evidently surprised. "I didn't expect to see you +for another hour."</p> + +<p>"Say, those biscuits look good," said Roy. "I should say biscuit," he +corrected himself. "Say, Betty, do you happen to have any more of those +around?"</p> + +<p>"No, and you don't get this one, either. It<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> belongs to Amy," said Betty +decidedly. "She has had only three and I made four apiece."</p> + +<p>Frank was just about to protest when she added compromisingly: "I'll +make some more for lunch."</p> + +<p>"When is lunch?" inquired Will practically. "Twelve o'clock?"</p> + +<p>"No, about one," Mollie answered. "We couldn't possibly eat before +then."</p> + +<p>Allen had been talking to Betty in an undertone, and now he broke into +the conversation with: "Betty says she wants to see our camp. Who cares +to go along?"</p> + +<p>There was a clamorous assent followed by a faint little protest from +Grace. "Don't you think we had better wash the dishes first?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, hang the dishes!" said Frank, inelegantly. "Remember we are +camping."</p> + +<p>"We'll wash them up with the lunch dishes," Betty compromised, then +added, with a sly little glance in Allen's direction: "We'll make the +boys wipe them for us."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h3>A JOLLY TRIP</h3> + + +<p>The girls and the boys, laughingly driving Mrs. Irving before them, +fairly tumbled down the shallow steps in their eagerness to feel the +soft grass under their feet. As Betty said, it was a glorious day, a +typical day in early August, when a soft breeze tempers the heat of the +scorching sun, and sets the trees to murmuring.</p> + +<p>The spicy air, sweet with the intoxicating scent of damp, moist earth +and blossoming flowers, went to their heads like wine and they danced +down the path that led through the woods on feet that scarcely touched +the ground.</p> + +<p>Soon they emerged from the dense shadows of the wood into the small +clearing which was thick and mossy under foot, and there, nestling among +the trees, were the two tents the boys had so laboriously constructed.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it is ideal!" cried Mollie, delightedly, as they stopped for a +moment on the outskirts of the clearing to survey the scene.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 258px;"> +<img src="images/p094.jpg" width="258" height="400" alt="THEY ROAMED ABOUT THE CLEARING INSPECTING THE TENT CRITICALLY. " title="THEY ROAMED ABOUT THE CLEARING INSPECTING THE TENT CRITICALLY. " /> +<span class="caption">THEY ROAMED ABOUT THE CLEARING INSPECTING THE TENT CRITICALLY. <i>Page</i> 89</span> +</div> + +<div class='center'><i>The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island.</i></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Glad you like it," said Frank, then advancing toward the nearer of the +two tents, he paused, turned, and made a low bow. "Enter, fair damsels," +he said.</p> + +<p>"He thinks he is reading 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court,'" +drawled Grace. "However, we will deign to honor you with our presence." +And she swept past him with a queenly air that elicited amused laughter +from the others.</p> + +<p>For more than an hour the Outdoor Girls and their friends roamed about +the clearing inspecting the tent critically, inside and out, and picking +flowers in between times. It was Will who first suggested a change.</p> + +<p>"Why not take a walk about the country?" he asked. "I guess we have seen +all there is to be seen here. Come on, everybody. I want to get a bigger +appetite for lunch."</p> + +<p>"All right; where shall we go?" Betty agreed readily. "Your aunt must +have told you about this part of the world, Mollie. Where can we find +excitement?"</p> + +<p>"Well, there is the summer colony at the other end of the island," +Mollie began doubtfully. "But it is rather a long way off. The steamer +touches there from here."</p> + +<p>"Too far to go before lunch," Mrs. Irving said.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p> + +<p>The party spent the rest of the time until one o'clock visiting the +wharf and roaming the country in the immediate vicinity of the pretty +bungalow.</p> + +<p>True to her promise, Betty turned out at the appointed time a panful of +the most appetizing biscuits, and let it be said here that the boys did +them full justice—to say nothing of the girls.</p> + +<p>It was well on toward three o'clock before the girls had changed their +morning middies and skirts for dainty afternoon dresses, and had made +all other necessary preparations for a trip to town. Mrs. Irving +declined to go, saying she wished to write letters.</p> + +<p>It was in the best of spirits that the party of young people stood on +the end of the dock, waiting to hail the little steamer as it +chug-chugged its way from the summer colony at the far end of Pine +Island to the mainland.</p> + +<p>When finally it did come in sight, the girls and the boys found +themselves convulsed with laughter. If the shabby little craft had +appeared grotesque in the mist of the night before, how much more +forlorn did it look in the full, dazzling glare of the sun! As it came +nearer they saw that the decks were crowded with people, the gay dresses +of the girls mingling with the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> white flannel trousers and dark coats of +the men.</p> + +<p>"It's a wonder," said Frank, "that with all that crowd of people paying +good money to be towed ashore, they couldn't get something a little more +modern. My! it looks as if it had come out of the ark."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, as long as it is seaworthy, I suppose they think it will do +as well as any other," said Roy. "The more some people make the less +they like to spend."</p> + +<p>By this time the clumsy ferry had plowed its way to the wharf, and had +come to a stop, while the people on board eyed the waiting young folks +curiously.</p> + +<p>"Guess they will know us the next time they see us," whispered Allen. +"We ought to hang out a placard: <i>Don't stare. We don't look it, but we +are human.</i>"</p> + +<p>Betty laughed gaily. "They do need a few lessons in manners."</p> + +<p>The bungalow party thoroughly enjoyed the trip to the mainland. The +scenery was as beautiful as it had been pictured, and when they got +tired of looking at the sky, the water, and the mainland, they had +plenty to occupy their attention in the people about them. Everybody +seemed ready for a good time, and the old<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> ferryboat was filled with +shouts and laughter.</p> + +<p>"I shouldn't mind knowing some of those people," Roy confided to Allen, +as they leaned against the shaky, old rail. "There's certainly nothing +slow about them."</p> + +<p>"Well, there is no reason why we shouldn't know them," said Allen. "From +what Mollie says, they are pretty close neighbors. In fact, the girls +said something about going over there this afternoon."</p> + +<p>"Well," returned Roy, "we can't go too soon to suit me."</p> + +<p>"If you are thinking of girls," said Allen, as Mollie and Grace came up +to them, "it is my opinion that they have nothing half so good to offer +us as we have already."</p> + +<p>"I guess you are right," Roy admitted, as they joined the rest of the +party. "Just look at all those dudes, staring at Betty and Grace! Say! +I'd like to teach them manners!" and he glowered at the unconscious boys +from the summer colony with a ferocity that should have terrified the +most hardy.</p> + +<p>"Come away," said Allen. "You can't blame them for doing just what we +have done for the last two years," he added, dryly.</p> + +<p>"Here we are, almost ashore," cried Amy, a little later. "Have you got +the list of the things<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> we need, Allen? Let's see—butter and sugar and +baking powder and eggs and—oh, we mustn't forget the meat."</p> + +<p>"Chocolates," murmured Grace.</p> + +<p>"Don't worry so soon, Amy," laughed Will. "There will be plenty of time +for that when we get back to the island and find that we have forgotten +half the things."</p> + +<p>"Well, if we think of them now," said usually quiet Amy, "there won't be +any excuse for our forgetting them later."</p> + +<p>"Well, but perhaps we shall need an excuse," reasoned Will. "You would +never make a good diplomat, Amy."</p> + +<p>Betty put her arm protectingly around the younger girl. "There is no +reason why you should want to be that, is there?" she questioned. "Amy +thinks that as long as she feeds you boys well there is no need of——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Betty, do stop," begged Amy, her face flushing scarlet. "It isn't +fair."</p> + +<p>"I know it," said Betty soothingly, while the boys looked on, curious to +know the meaning of this mystery. "I won't do it again, dear, I +promise."</p> + +<p>"I wish you would tell us——" Allen began, but once more Mollie +interrupted.</p> + +<p>"We had better get down near the front," she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> said, "or we'll not be +able to get ashore in half an hour. Did you ever see such a mob?"</p> + +<p>"It is considerable of a crowd," Frank admitted. "I think Mollie's +suggestion is a good one, fellows. Let's try to make an opening while we +can."</p> + +<p>The boys managed so well that when the little boat scraped against the +wall, their party was almost the first to set foot upon the land.</p> + +<p>"That was pretty good work," said Will, with an air of satisfaction as +they made their way to the shore, followed by a stream of laughing +humanity. "I hope the girls didn't mind getting their dresses mussed. +Say, fellows, if any one should ask me, I'd tell them it was one peach +of a day!"</p> + +<p>There being no disputing this fact, no one tried. The eight young people +swung down the shaded street, feeling in tune with the whole world.</p> + +<p>They succeeded in finding the general store.</p> + +<p>"Now get out that list, Allen," said Betty, as they entered the wide +doorway. "It would really be a shame to forget anything."</p> + +<p>Allen began to search through his pockets, calmly at first, then in +frantic haste. Seven pairs of eyes followed his panicky movements +anxiously.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You have never gone and forgotten it?" cried Mollie, in the awed tones +of one announcing the end of the world. "Oh, Allen! you haven't?"</p> + +<p>"Guess I have," he returned grimly, and, having searched through every +pocket, began all over again. "It's strange—I could have sworn——"</p> + +<p>"You're a nice one——" Grace began, but Roy interrupted her with a +shout that made their nearest neighbors turn and look at them curiously.</p> + +<p>"I have it!" he cried. "Don't you remember, Allen, that you gave it to +me just before we left, while you ran back to get something for Betty? +Behold," and he dangled the precious list before their eyes.</p> + +<p>"Oh," sighed Mollie in relief, "now if we girls had done anything like +that——"</p> + +<p>"Hands up, don't shoot!" cried Roy. "We admit everything."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<h3>"WHERE THERE IS SMOKE——"</h3> + + +<p>The Outdoor Girls must have a fire. That they had decided at the supper +table. What was the use of having a big fire-place if they never used +it? Betty's theory was, that it was wicked to let anything go to waste. +All this being true, it stood to reason that a fire they must have.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if the boys wouldn't come in and help us build it," Grace +suggested, seized with a brilliant idea. "There are already some logs in +the fire-place, but I feel that I would like to have somebody else work +for me to-night."</p> + +<p>"Why, of course," said Mollie. "That's what we brought them with us +for—to help out when they were needed."</p> + +<p>"They would be flattered if they could hear you," said Amy.</p> + +<p>"I don't see why they insist on staying out in the woods and cooking +their own meals. Just think what fun we could have with them, if they +were here now," put in Mollie once again.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, but then think of all the trouble they would be making us," said +Betty. "Besides," she added, "your aunt didn't say anything about a +troop of noisy boys, Mollie, when she lent us her bungalow for the +summer."</p> + +<p>"That's right, too," Mollie reluctantly conceded. "Just the same I hope +they haven't forgotten they are due here at six-thirty to wipe the +dishes. There is <i>such</i> a pile of them!"</p> + +<p>"Methinks," Grace announced solemnly, "that even at this moment I hear +the sound of approaching footsteps."</p> + +<p>"How can you hear footsteps on the grass?" Mollie demanded rudely. "You +must have better ears than I have."</p> + +<p>"Of course I have," Grace retorted calmly. "I knew that long ago."</p> + +<p>Before Mollie could answer a head was poked in at the door and an +accompanying voice asked cheerily: "May we come in? Are we on time?"</p> + +<p>"You're as welcome as a day in June, Frank," called Betty, as she arose +and started to take the dishes into the kitchen. "We want you to wipe +these for us, and make a fire."</p> + +<p>"Anything else?" Frank inquired mildly, while the rest of him followed +his head into the room. "The fellows told me to come on ahead, and say +to you ladies that they would be here as soon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> as they got through +scouring their frying pan."</p> + +<p>"Poor boys," said Amy impulsively. "Why don't they bring the things +here?"</p> + +<p>But Mollie's thoughts took another direction. "I hope they bring back +the sapolio," she said practically. "It was the only cake we had."</p> + +<p>Betty paused half way to the kitchen and balanced her pile of dishes on +one hand. "Mollie," she cried in dismay, "they will never think of it! +Don't you think you had better go back and tell them, Frank?" she said.</p> + +<p>"Sure!" he answered obligingly, while he sunk into an easy chair with a +sigh of content. Evidently he was settled for the evening.</p> + +<p>"Then why don't you go?" Mollie demanded impatiently. "If boys aren't +the most aggravating things, when they want to be!" she added.</p> + +<p>"There's plenty of time," Frank assured her calmly. "I left the fellows +in the first throes of cleaning up—they won't be through for half an +hour at least."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't care," said Betty, continuing her journeyings into the +kitchen. "If we haven't anything to scour the pans with, then they'll +not get scoured—that's all."</p> + +<p>"That's the spirit I like to see," said Frank, and Betty could have +thrown something at him,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> with the greatest of pleasure. "It's fine to +see anybody resigned to the inevitable."</p> + +<p>"Well, I know one thing," Mollie threatened, "if you don't go back in +five minutes, I will," and for emphasis she banged the salt cellar +forcibly upon the table.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter with our going together?" Frank inquired, moving his +head slightly to bring Mollie within his range of vision. "The distance +won't seem half as far if I have such pleasant company," he added +gallantly.</p> + +<p>"Don't do it," Betty, coming in from the kitchen, advised. "Make him +work a little."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you're only jealous because I didn't ask you," Frank teased. "I +always knew you thought a good deal of me, Betty."</p> + +<p>She made a little face at him, but did not deign to reply. Indeed, why +should she—the accusation was so plainly absurd?</p> + +<p>Long before they had expected, voices were heard in the distance and the +most unearthly noises broke the woodland stillness. There was a banging +of wood upon tin and the clatter of utensils mingling with the +outrageous uproar from three pairs of sound and healthy lungs. There +were shouts and war cries and yells, combining in a weird clamor that +could be heard for miles around—or so it seemed to the girls.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span></p> + +<p>The girls looked at each other inquiringly—then made a concerted rush +for the door.</p> + +<p>"Oh, what a noise!" cried Betty. "It's just as well there isn't anybody +else in this part of the wood."</p> + +<p>A moment later the boys rushed upon them, vigorously pounding utensils, +and shouting at the top of their voices. The girls gave way before them, +and the roisterers tumbled in and took possession as though they were +really the Redskins, whose cries they were successfully imitating. They +raced about the house like madmen, while the girls watched their antics +in a peculiar frame of mind. If the truth must be told, they were +undecided whether to be displeased or amused. Amusement conquered in the +end, however, for the boys were irresistibly funny, and the girls +laughed till they ached and the tears rolled down their cheeks.</p> + +<p>After considerable time they all managed to quiet down enough to talk +sense.</p> + +<p>"The girls want us to make a fire, fellows," said Frank. "The idea looks +good to me."</p> + +<p>"It is good," Allen agreed. "Give us the wood and matches, and we will +have a fire going in no time."</p> + +<p>"The wood is in the fire-place," Betty answered, "and Mollie has the +matches, I think."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span></p> + +<p>With this the boys set to work energetically, while the girls and Mrs. +Irving stood about them in a semi-circle.</p> + +<p>"It's so different from building a fire in the open," Amy commented. "I +always love them. Can't we toast marshmallows? That's the most fun of +all."</p> + +<p>"We could if we had any," Grace replied dryly. "I have some chocolates +but you can't roast them, and nobody had the sense to think to buy +marshmallows to-day."</p> + +<p>At this last remark, Frank sat back upon his heels and favored Mollie +with a sly wink—while that young lady smiled mysteriously.</p> + +<p>"Thereby hangs a tale of which you shall hear later," he said, and, in +spite of all their urging, he could not be made to say another word.</p> + +<p>However, their curiosity was forgotten a moment later—forgotten in the +excitement caused by a strange and curious happening.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the smoke which had been rolling in clouds up the chimney, +refused to roll farther. There being no other exit except into the room, +the girls and boys suddenly found themselves suffocating. They choked, +and the boys stumbled to their feet and followed the fleeing girls into +the dining room.</p> + +<p>There was a chorus of sneezes and smothered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> cries of "I'm choking! Open +the window, some one, quick!"</p> + +<p>"The windows are open and the doors, too," gasped Frank, in answer to +this last request.</p> + +<p>"Don't be alarmed, any one," Allen commanded. "It's nothing but a +clogged-up chimney, and that won't hurt anybody."</p> + +<p>"But the smoke!" gasped Mollie. "Why, the house will be ruined. What +will Aunt Elvira say?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, it won't hurt anything," said Betty, making a brave attempt to push +her way through the smoke into the living room. "But it is terrible. +Can't we do something to stop it, boys?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know how we can—unless——" Roy turned quickly to Mollie. "Did +your aunt say anything about a blower?" he asked eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I don't remember—I—I don't remember," stammered poor Mollie, whose +memory was being taxed to the utmost. "You might look though, and see +what you can find."</p> + +<p>"Oh, do hurry, somebody!" begged Grace. "I'll take to the woods in +another minute."</p> + +<p>"Oh, have a little patience, Sis, can't you?" cried Will, losing his +temper. "We are all doing the best we can."</p> + +<p>"But look," said Mollie, suddenly pointing to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> the other room. "The +smoke is beginning to clear and the wood isn't half burned out yet."</p> + +<p>"Let's investigate," Frank suggested. "Maybe we can find out what is +wrong with the thing. Come on," and in they all trooped, coughing and +choking, but dauntless.</p> + +<p>"Get me a stick, will you, girls," Roy entreated, as he went nearer to +inspect the fire-place. "A broom will do. Or anything else you happen to +have around."</p> + +<p>Mollie disappeared into the kitchen and returned a moment later, +bringing back with her an old stick that looked as though it might have +been a clothespole in its better days.</p> + +<p>"Will this do?" she asked, holding it out to Roy. "It was the only thing +I could find."</p> + +<p>"Just what I wanted," Roy answered. "Now, fellows, let's see what we can +do with the thing."</p> + +<p>The four boys crowded around, peering up into the opening as if they +hoped to find the solution of the mystery there, while the girls watched +them with breathless interest.</p> + +<p>It was then that it happened. Roy poked upward inquiringly with his +stick, and for answer a cloud of soot and ashes discharged itself from +the chimney, showering the boys' faces with grimy dust.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p> + +<p>They drew back with cries of disgust and began rubbing their eyes and +faces furiously. Then the four blackened adventurers turned to the girls +appealingly. They looked so funny, standing there with their faces black +and their clothes bespattered with grime and a look of sheepish chagrin +on their faces, that the girls burst into gales of uncontrolled +laughter.</p> + +<p>"You look just like candidates for a minstrel show," gasped Mollie, +while the boys stood regarding her reproachfully. "Oh, boys, if you only +had a mirror! If you only had!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + +<h3>THE GATHERING OF THE CLANS</h3> + + +<p>"If you got us some soap and water," Will suggested after they had +indulged in some sheepish grins at their own expense, "you might be +doing a little good in the world."</p> + +<p>"Well, you ought to know how to find it yourselves," Grace retorted. +"Suppose you go and wash, and make yourselves look like respectable +citizens again—even though you aren't," she added sweetly.</p> + +<p>"Look out, Grace, some time we will get even for all the knocks you have +been handing out," Frank threatened, shaking a <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'girmy'">grimy</ins> fist in her +direction.</p> + +<p>"Now I don't suppose we can have a fire at all," sighed Mollie, as the +boys made a rush for the stairs. "And I did so want one."</p> + +<p>"If we can find a blower," Allen shouted from the landing, "we'll have a +good fire yet."</p> + +<p>"Yes, look around, girls, will you?" Roy added, "It will save no end of +time."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do you know what a blower looks like?" Mollie inquired, a puzzled frown +on her forehead. "How can I find anything when I don't know what it +looks like?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know," said Betty. "We used to have one at home before dad put +the hood on the fire-place. Let's go on a still hunt."</p> + +<p>This they did, and when the boys came down a few minutes later they +proudly announced their discovery.</p> + +<p>"This is it, isn't it?" asked Betty, indicating a big square of tin with +a handle at the top. "It looks like the one we used to use."</p> + +<p>"It's exactly the thing," cried Frank, pouncing on it eagerly. "Now if +this doesn't make the wood burn, nothing will."</p> + +<p>In less time than it takes to tell the boys had succeeded in igniting +the green wood, and had applied the blower before the smoke had had a +chance to get out into the room.</p> + +<p>The fire danced and glowed, while its leaping flames sent fantastic +shadows playing hide and seek around the room.</p> + +<p>"How is this for a fire, eh?" said Will, holding out his hand to the +welcome warmth of the blaze, for although the days were hot, the nights +were apt to be damp and cool on this island, surrounded as it was by the +waters of the lake. "Some time<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> the girls will find out that we know our +business pretty well. Oh, that feels good!"</p> + +<p>"You are right," said Frank, as they instinctively drew their chairs +nearer to the fire. "Now all we need is something to roast or toast, it +doesn't much matter which."</p> + +<p>"That reminds me," said Betty, turning accusing eyes upon Roy and +Mollie, whose faces were clearly outlined in the dancing fire-light. +"You two people over there seem to have a secret that you don't want to +share with us. I think Mrs. Irving knows," she went on, turning an +accusing eye on the chaperon where she sat in the midst of the circle, +"but she won't let on. Suppose you tell the rest of us what it is."</p> + +<p>"Well, Mollie said something about a fire," Roy admitted, "and I thought +a couple of boxes of marshmallows wouldn't be unwelcome; so, when the +rest of you were all busy buying other things, Mollie and I slipped off +and got them. Where are they, Mollie?"</p> + +<p>"I'll get them," she answered, rising reluctantly from her comfortable +chair. "I hid them. I knew that if Grace once had an inkling they were +in the house she would never rest till she found them. In that case——" +she paused impressively, and looked about her, "there wouldn't have been +one left by to-night."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p> + +<p>They laughed, well knowing the truth of this remark, while Grace gave a +sigh at being so misunderstood.</p> + +<p>A few moments later, Mollie had returned with the cherished sweetmeats +and the boys were busily engaged in the process of toasting them on the +ends of long wire forks made especially for that purpose.</p> + +<p>"Um—um, this is good," said Betty, biting off the end of a delicious +morsel. "Why didn't you buy three boxes while you were about it, Roy?"</p> + +<p>"That's all you get——" Roy was beginning, when Mollie interrupted him, +speaking dreamily.</p> + +<p>"Wasn't he a funny old man, Roy?" she said—"the one who sold us the +candies, I mean."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I guess he must have been in his dotage," Roy agreed. "In five +minutes he told us all his life's history and then some."</p> + +<p>"That's pretty good," said Allen with interest, while he dangled his +marshmallow perilously near the leaping flames. "I bet you couldn't do +as well."</p> + +<p>"I know I couldn't," Roy answered modestly. "That old chap was a past +master all right. Some of the things he said were interesting, though. +Weren't they, Mollie?"</p> + +<p>"Very," said Mollie, while she stared fixedly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> at the fire. "Interesting +and—a little creepy," she added.</p> + +<p>The girls started and leaned forward eagerly, Mrs. Irving and the boys +evincing equal interest.</p> + +<p>"Creepy!" Amy repeated, in awed tones. "Oh, Mollie, what do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Just that," said Mollie, enjoying the sensation she was making. "He was +an awfully wizened old man, and when he heard we were from Pine +Island—well, he told us some mighty queer things."</p> + +<p>"Pine Island?" cried Mrs. Irving, the color flaming into her cheeks, +whether from excitement or the warmth of the fire, no one could tell.</p> + +<p>"What can be strange about Pine Island?" demanded Betty. "Mollie, I +could shake you; why don't you tell us and have it over with?"</p> + +<p>Mollie glanced at Roy. "Shall I?" she asked, just as if she had not been +longing for the last half hour for the time to come when she could +create a sensation by telling.</p> + +<p>"You might as well," he answered condescendingly. "As long as we have to +have them around for the rest of the summer, we might as well let them +in on it."</p> + +<p>"Well of all the——" Grace was beginning, when Betty nudged her +sharply.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Don't interrupt, Grace, whatever you do," she whispered. "They take +long enough getting to the point anyway."</p> + +<p>Grace saw the wisdom in this, and stopped short.</p> + +<p>"Well," began Mollie, speaking slowly and with aggravating distinctness, +"you see, in the old days, this island used to be a rendezvous for all +the wandering gypsies for miles around."</p> + +<p>"What?" Frank cried.</p> + +<p>"Well, I am only telling you what the old man said," asserted Mollie +defensively and with warmth. "I don't say he may not be mistaken——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right, Mollie," Betty broke in quickly. "We understand +that you are not vouching for the old man's honesty. All we want is his +story. Please go on—I am awfully interested."</p> + +<p>"Just think, gypsies on this island!" murmured Amy, shuddering.</p> + +<p>"He says," Mollie continued, "in the old days there used to be as many +as two or three hundred of the gypsies gathered around here—on this +part of the island, too." She paused to see the effect of her words.</p> + +<p>"But didn't your aunt say anything about that, Mollie?" Grace queried. +"Why, it seems impos<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>sible. I don't wonder you felt creepy, especially +if there are many like that old crone we saw in Deepdale," and she +glanced over her shoulder in the direction of the open window.</p> + +<p>"Don't you think we had better lock the door?" suggested Amy. "Some of +those men in the gypsy camp looked actually murderous."</p> + +<p>Of course the boys laughed at her fears, and Roy remarked casually: "The +old chap told us something else, fellows, that may be of interest later +on."</p> + +<p>"What's that?" Will demanded.</p> + +<p>"He said that when the tide was on the ebb, you could actually ford the +lake to the islands farther south. It might be worth while trying some +time."</p> + +<p>"You bet it will!" said Allen, and his eagerness was not feigned.</p> + +<p>"We'll try it the first chance we get," Frank added.</p> + +<p>"We're going, too," said Betty. "You needn't think you can leave us +behind when there is anything like that afoot."</p> + +<p>"We wouldn't try," said Allen, ruefully. "Especially as you girls say +you can swim."</p> + +<p>"However, they will have to prove that point," Roy put in.</p> + +<p>"That's easy," said Grace fearlessly. "As we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> have remarked before, we +haven't been outdoor girls all our lives for nothing."</p> + +<p>"If you boys hadn't been so set on our looking at your old camp to-day," +said Amy with unusual spirit, "we would have proved it to you before +this. But do you really think there are gypsies on the island?" she +added. "Because, if there are, we might be able to find some of their +loot." She voiced this last desire in hushed tones.</p> + +<p>The girls laughed even while they drew their chairs still closer to the +fire.</p> + +<p>"Such a chance!" gibed Will, but Betty's eyes were shining in the glow +of the fire-light.</p> + +<p>"Oh, if we only could!" she whispered softly. "If we could only get the +stuff stolen from Deepdale!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + +<h3>A VICTORY FOR BETTY</h3> + + +<p>Breakfast was cleaned away and Betty, with Mollie at her heels, made a +rush for the bedroom.</p> + +<p>"I'm willing to wager anything," called the former, gaily, "that I'll be +in my bathing suit before any of the rest of you have started."</p> + +<p>"I hope the water isn't too cold," Grace shivered, as she took out her +bathing suit. "If there is anything I hate, it's trying to swim in icy +water. It almost makes my heart stop beating."</p> + +<p>"All right, we'll have the weather man heat it for you," said Betty, +slipping into her neat little suit. "I don't know how the water can be +cold, though," she added, "the air is suffocating to-day."</p> + +<p>"Now—one, two, three—go!" and they were off like four little black +sprites, down the broad stairway and into the living room where the boys +were already assembled, talking to the chaperon.</p> + +<p>The boys wore raincoats over their bathing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> suits; and, as the girls +entered the room, they shouted a merry greeting.</p> + +<p>"So soon?" called Frank in surprise. "Why, we didn't expect to see you +for an hour at least."</p> + +<p>"An hour?" said Betty, with feigned indignation—for she was a good +little actress, was Betty. "Why, we thought you were never coming!"</p> + +<p>"You mean to say you were waiting for us?" said Allen, incredulously. +"Betty, are you telling the truth? Mrs. Irving, is she?"</p> + +<p>"I assure you I was too busy finding my bathing suit and getting into it +to know just when the girls were ready," responded the chaperon.</p> + +<p>At one part of the island the ground dipped gradually so that one might +have any depth of water desired, and it was to this part that the young +folks made their way.</p> + +<p>"Remember——" said Frank, referring to the conversation of the night +before, "remember, you girls will have to prove your claims to +championship swimming this morning. If you were just faking, now is the +time we'll find you out."</p> + +<p>"We're not faking," Mollie denied stoutly. "I learned to swim when I was +nine years old, and I've been swimming ever since."</p> + +<p>"Really?" Roy inquired with interest. "Then you must be Mollie's ghost, +while the real Mollie is swimming around out there somewhere," wav<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>ing +his hand in the direction of the water, "chumming with some of the +beautiful water nymphs. Just think, nothing to do but swim for—how many +years is it, Mollie?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Goose!" was all she answered, but that one little word managed somehow +to contain a world of scorn.</p> + +<p>"You try it first, Will," begged his sister. "Then you can tell us +whether it is cold or not."</p> + +<p>"Say, what kind of sport are you, anyway?" Will demanded. "That's the +way with girls—they all make a big bluff about being able to do what we +can, and then when it actually comes down to business they want to try +it on us first. I'd like to see one of you go in first!"</p> + +<p>Betty made a dash for the water. "Wouldn't it be nice," she flung back +at him over her shoulder, "if all wishes could be granted so easily. +Come on, girls—we'll show them a thing or two," and she waded in till +the water was above her waist, then plunged in over her head.</p> + +<p>Mollie followed close upon her heels and it was a moment before the boys +realized what had happened, and could rouse themselves to action.</p> + +<p>"Come on, fellows!" Allen shouted. "We can't let two girls get the best +of us like that."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Irving, who was at home in the water, entered and swam out boldly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Are you going to stay there?" Frank shouted to Amy and Grace, who stood +uncertainly on the bank, undecided whether to advance or retreat. "Come +on in—the water's fine."</p> + +<p>Thus encouraged, the two girls threw caution to the winds, and waded in +till the warm water was up to their shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it is wonderful!" cried Amy. "Look how far we are behind. Let's see +if we can't catch up with them." And they started off with a will after +their deserting comrades.</p> + +<p>It was not long before the powerful strokes of the boys brought them up +beside Mollie and Betty who were swimming easily.</p> + +<p>"Hello, runaways," was Frank's greeting, turning over on his back and +propelling himself by a whirlpool motion of his arms. "Thought you'd +give us the slip, did you? Well, we shall see."</p> + +<p>Betty followed Frank's example, floating lazily on the still surface of +the water.</p> + +<p>"We weren't running away," she said; "we just wanted to show you we +weren't afraid, that's all."</p> + +<p>"I'll give you a race to that floating log out there, Betty."</p> + +<p>Betty turned over and regarded the log in question with thoughtful eyes. +"All right," she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> agreed, after a moment's hesitation. "I guess I can +make that easily enough. Will you call the start?"</p> + +<p>"Just as you say," he answered. "We are almost even now, and when I say +go, we're off. Agreed?"</p> + +<p>"Uh'huh," answered Betty.</p> + +<p>"All right. One—two—three—go!"</p> + +<p>They shot forward together, side by side and shoulder to shoulder, each +determined to save his strength for the final spurt.</p> + +<p>By this time the others had come up and were watching the race with +interest.</p> + +<p>On, on the two racers went, with no apparent effort, until half the +distance to the log had been covered. It was then that the watchers +noticed the change. Betty lengthened her stroke a trifle and forged +ahead, while Frank still kept the same steady stroke.</p> + +<p>Then, when more than half of the remaining distance had been covered, +Frank evidently made up his mind that it was time to show those people +some real speed. Suddenly he dropped the lazy stroke, and it seemed as +though he were imbued with new life. His arms and legs worked together +with the precision of a machine and he shot through the water like a +catapult.</p> + +<p>Betty was not prepared for so sudden a trans<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>formation, but her surprise +lasted only a minute. Gallantly she gathered all her strength and made a +dash for the goal.</p> + +<p>"I see Betty's finish," Will was saying, when Mollie cried excitedly:</p> + +<p>"You just watch Betty. Did you ever see a girl like her?"</p> + +<p>As Allen came up beside the pair he thought that at last he and Mollie +had found something to agree upon.</p> + +<p>They watched Betty with straining eyes.</p> + +<p>"She'll do it!" cried Allen. "I never thought it was possible for a girl +to swim like that. Look, she has caught up to him."</p> + +<p>It was so. Betty had used the last ounce of strength in her strong, +young arms and the result was a tie.</p> + +<p>She and Frank laid hands upon the log at one and the same instant.</p> + +<p>Frank shook the water from his eyes, and regarded his rival in +amazement. "How did you ever do it?" he questioned. "I thought I had you +beat a mile."</p> + +<p>"Well, that's where you had another think coming." Betty would not have +been human had she not gloried in this victory—for even a tie with one +of Frank's strength and muscle was a triumph. "I told you I could +swim."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hoorah for the cham<i>peens!</i>" shouted Will as the others reached the +goal a few moments later. "That's pretty good work, Betty. I have to +hand it to you."</p> + +<p>"Don't you think we had better get to the shore and rest a while?" Roy +suggested. "Amy and Grace seem to have gotten there before us, and Mrs. +Irving has gone back to the bungalow."</p> + +<p>The others agreed and they all swam lazily toward the mossy bank. Betty +drew herself up and sank upon the grassy knoll with a sigh of utter +relaxation.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to give you a longer race," said Frank, whose near defeat at +the hands of a girl was hard to bear. "I bet I could beat you easily on +a long stretch."</p> + +<p>Betty sat up suddenly and stared at him. "Frank Haley!" she cried, "I've +a good mind to take you up."</p> + +<p>"A race! a race!" cried Mollie, clapping her hands in delight. "Oh, I'd +love to see it."</p> + +<p>"Go on, Frank, set the day," Allen urged. "After what you said you are +in honor bound to give Betty a chance."</p> + +<p>"I am perfectly willing," said Frank, glancing toward Betty. "What do +you say about it?"</p> + +<p>"You can't arrange it too soon to suit me," Betty answered, undaunted.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2> + +<h3>A SPLENDID CATCH</h3> + + +<p>"Can't anybody think of anything to do?" Mollie queried impatiently. +"I'll go crazy if I have to sit around here for another half hour," and +she dug the toe of her shoe into the soft sward viciously.</p> + +<p>"You are not very flattering to our company," said Roy, leaning on one +elbow and smiling up lazily at the straight little figure beside him.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Irving was lying down and the rest of the party was gathering about +the camping place of the boys, some roaming about restlessly and others +sitting upon the grass. It was a sultry, scorching day, when not a +breeze came to temper the heat—a day when the slightest movement +produces the effect, as Mollie had said, "of a fire lighted right under +your nose." The young people were restlessly on edge, undecided what to +do.</p> + +<p>It was too hot to make the long-looked-for walk to the summer colony a +possibility. Of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> course they could swim, but this they had done all +morning long and one couldn't swim forever! This was the state of +affairs then, when Mollie made her petulant remark.</p> + +<p>"That's nonsense," she retorted, in reply to Roy. "It isn't the company +I find fault with, it's the atmosphere."</p> + +<p>Allen and Betty, who had come back from a little ramble in the woods, +surveyed the scene thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"I tell you what we can do," said Allen, and the two on the grass +regarded him hopefully. "We fellows have brought some fishing +tackle—suppose we go out and try to get some fish for supper? That +doesn't require much energy," he added.</p> + +<p>"Allen, you have saved my life!" cried Mollie, springing up from the +mossy rock, which had been her seat. "Can't we go right away? Oh, do +call the others and ask them to hurry!"</p> + +<p>"Take it easy," Roy cautioned, still stretched out on the grass. "You'll +get all heated up again. Besides there's no such awful rush—we have all +the time there is before us."</p> + +<p>But Mollie was all action, now that there was some definite point in +view.</p> + +<p>She called the others to her, speaking quickly.</p> + +<p>"We are going to catch some fish," she an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>nounced eagerly. "Or at least +we are going to try to."</p> + +<p>"Try is good," murmured Frank, but Mollie continued, unheeding.</p> + +<p>"It is strange that I didn't remember before," she went on, "what Aunt +Elvira said about the wonderful fishing pool about a mile away."</p> + +<p>"A mile!" groaned Grace. "Do you mean to say that we have to walk a mile +in this blazing heat?"</p> + +<p>"Nobody <i>has</i> to," Mollie retorted. "It's only a question of wanting to. +I'm going if I have to go alone."</p> + +<p>"Oh, come on, Grace, be a sport," Frank coaxed. "Just think how nice and +shady and cool it will be when we get there. It <i>will</i> be nice and shady +and cool, won't it, Mollie?" he added, turning to her for confirmation.</p> + +<p>"Nice rocks with great, big trees shading them and clear, cold water +with lots of fish in it and—and—oh, everything!" she agreed in a burst +of enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>"That sounds mighty good to me," said Roy. "Now for the fishing +tackle—where is it, fellows?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, wait a minute," called Mollie, as they made a rush for the tents. +"There are some rods<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> up at the house, too. We might as well take all we +can get."</p> + +<p>"Good!" said Will. "I'll go with the girls, fellows, and help them while +you are getting things ready."</p> + +<p>Their present elation was very different from the apathy which had +possessed them so short a time before. Indeed, Mollie's description of +the fishing pool was very alluring.</p> + +<p>"Whereabouts did you see the tackle, Mollie?" Will asked, as they +entered the house.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I can find it," said Mollie with conviction. "I think there were +four rods. I hope I wasn't mistaken."</p> + +<p>"If you were," said Amy, "one of us will have to sit still and watch!"</p> + +<p>"And I think I know who that will be," said Will with a sly glance at +his sister.</p> + +<p>"Just for that," Grace retorted, "I'll show you the best catch of the +day."</p> + +<p>"We shall see," said Mollie, opening the door of a small closet under +the stairs. "Look," she added, "there they are. You're a judge of rods, +Will—how do these look?"</p> + +<p>Will took them in his hands and examined them minutely. "They're +pippins!" he exclaimed joyfully. "I don't know when I've seen a better +outfit. You ought to be able to catch all the fish<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> in the lake with +these, girls," and he regarded them admiringly.</p> + +<p>"We'd better watch out for the boys," said Amy, wisely, as they left the +house. "They will be exchanging their rods for ours, if we aren't +careful."</p> + +<p>They all laughed, including Mrs. Irving, who had come downstairs. She +had not been feeling well of late—the heat had been too much for +her—but she had announced a strong desire to accompany the young folks, +if they went very far from home.</p> + +<p>They found the three boys industriously digging worms, and so intent +were they in this absorbing occupation that they did not look up when +the party approached.</p> + +<p>"What are you doing?" Grace asked, and then, as Allen held up a +wriggling candidate for the hook, she shivered and drew back in disgust.</p> + +<p>"Ugh," she said, "how I hate the nasty things! Somebody will have to +bait my hook for me. I couldn't do it in a million years."</p> + +<p>"All right, nobody asked you to. How's that for a good fat one, eh?" +asked Roy, as he held up an unusually fine one for her inspection.</p> + +<p>"Why is it boys always have to tease?" Betty asked of the world in +general. "We know you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> have to have worms for bait, but that doesn't +make us like to look at them."</p> + +<p>"Well, I guess that's enough," said Allen, clapping the top on the big +tin box, and getting to his feet. "Now if the fish don't like the bait +any better than you girls, I shouldn't wonder if we got done out of our +supper."</p> + +<p>"My aunt says they are wonderfully agreeable," said Mollie as they +started down the path, "especially in that pool. She says they just fall +over one another in their hurry to get caught."</p> + +<p>"And you waited all this time to tell us about it," said Allen +reproachfully. "And even then I had to suggest it."</p> + +<p>"Yes, if it were just an ordinary pool you could understand it," Frank +added. "But a marvel like this! Gee, those fish must be hungry!"</p> + +<p>The Outdoor Girls and their companions tramped for what seemed to them a +very long time, but at last they were rewarded by a vision of a +beautiful glade—all trees and rocks and crystal-clear water.</p> + +<p>"Well, this looks like something," said Will, drawing a deep breath. "I +wouldn't mind camping here for the rest of the season."</p> + +<p>Betty laughed. "You would either have to saw down about a hundred +trees," she said, "or camp in the pool with the little fishes."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, it might not be so bad at that," said Will, cheerfully, while he +helped Amy over the uneven places. "I could have fish dinners if I +wanted them anyway."</p> + +<p>"Well, there is nothing like looking on the bright side of things," +laughed Allen. "Look, Betty, here is a place that was just made for you. +Seat and back and everything complete. Isn't it a dandy?"</p> + +<p>"Do I dangle my feet over it?" asked Betty doubtfully, surveying the +water beneath. "Suppose one of my slippers dropped off?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose I'd go down and get it," he said, brushing the difficulty +aside with a wave of his hand.</p> + +<p>"But it would be ruined," wailed Betty. "They don't feel very tight, you +know."</p> + +<p>Allen ran his hand through his hair in evident perplexity. Then his brow +cleared before the light of a sudden inspiration.</p> + +<p>"Can't you take them off?" he asked eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Allen!" she cried. "What an idea! Of course I can't."</p> + +<p>"Well, what are you going to do then?" he demanded despairingly. "I've +suggested everything I could think of and you certainly can't stand up +all afternoon."</p> + +<p>"What are you two talking about?" Grace<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> demanded. "Don't you know you +are blocking the way?"</p> + +<p>"I don't want to put my feet over the edge," Betty explained. "And I +don't know what else to do."</p> + +<p>"Follow my example," Mollie suggested. "Sit on 'em."</p> + +<p>"Good idea," Betty agreed. And she immediately plumped down on her two +slim ankles, looking up at Allen invitingly. "You look so far away," she +said. "When you sit down you are not nearly so impressive. There's +plenty of room for two," and she patted the rock beside her.</p> + +<p>Allen obediently stretched his long length on the turf at her side, +letting his legs hang over.</p> + +<p>"You see I'm not afraid to risk a dip in the aqua pura," he said. "It +wouldn't ruin my dainty little gunboats."</p> + +<p>"It looks as if nothing would hurt them but an axe," Frank remarked. He +had seated himself next to Allen and Betty, after having made Grace +comfortable, and was busily engaged in baiting his hook. "You'd better +hurry up, Allen—we'll have all the fish in the place hooked before you +get started."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no you won't," said Allen. "Hand us some of those worms, Will, will +you?"</p> + +<p>"Don't let them come too near me, will you,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> Allen?" begged Betty. "I +don't like them much more than Grace does."</p> + +<p>"Anybody would think you were talking about some lion or tiger from the +jungle," laughed Allen, as Will handed him the bait, "instead of three +little, harmless, unoffending worms——"</p> + +<p>"Who seem to be running in a streak of hard luck," Frank finished, as he +cast his line into the water.</p> + +<p>"It does seem foolish," Betty admitted, taking her rod from Allen's +hand, "but I can't help it. Come, little fishes," she called, casting +her line far out into the pool. "Right this way! You have got to live up +to the reputation Mollie has given you."</p> + +<p>Allen had just succeeded in landing a magnificent, big fish, and was +holding it down to keep it from sliding into the water, when a terrified +cry broke the stillness.</p> + +<p>"Help! help! I am drowning."</p> + +<p>For one stupefied instant, the fishers gazed dumbly at one another. Then +Allen released his hold on the big fish, letting it slide unheeded into +the water, and led the dash through the woods.</p> + +<p>"Help! help!" called the voice again, fainter this time.</p> + +<p>"Keep up your courage!" Allen shouted. "We are coming!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + +<h3>NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON</h3> + + +<p>"Oh, oh!" Betty almost sobbed, as they stumbled on over stumps and +fallen logs. "If the boys can only get there in time—if they only can!"</p> + +<p>As Allen was the first to start, so he was also the first to reach the +water's edge. He was just in time to see two hands above the surface of +the water—two hands clutching in anguish.</p> + +<p>As he rid himself of his shoes in frantic haste, there was one thought +and one only in his mind—to reach the helpless owner of those hands and +bring her back to life and hope. He was sure it was a girl—those little +appealing hands could belong to no other.</p> + +<p>The next moment he was in the water, swimming desperately toward the +point where he had seen the hands disappear.</p> + +<p>Oh, he would never reach it! The water seemed to be some living thing, +pushing him; driving him back to the shore in spite of himself!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> His +muscles seemed weighted with lead, his sodden clothing dragged upon him +mercilessly! Oh, he would never reach her in time—he couldn't!</p> + +<p>Then a wild, hot thought flashed through his consciousness, searing it +like a flame. Now was no time to say he could not! He must! <i>He must!</i> A +life depended on his ability to reach that spot when the girl came to +the surface again—if indeed she ever did. Ah, perhaps what he had seen +had been the last time. Then he must dive, dive, dive until he found +her, even though he lose his own life in the attempt.</p> + +<p>But no—there right before him so near that he could almost touch it, a +figure rose to the surface, struggling faintly.</p> + +<p>With one supreme effort Allen forged ahead and grasped the skirt of the +girl's bathing suit as she sank for the last time beneath the surface.</p> + +<p>"Thank God!" he murmured, as he raised the girl's head, with its mass of +tangled hair, above the water. "Oh, thank God!"</p> + +<p>As he turned and started to swim slowly back to shore with his burden, +he almost ran into the other three boys who had followed close upon his +heels.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you've got her, have you?" said Frank, unutterable gladness in his +voice. "I was sure you would be too late."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It may be yet," said Roy, "if we don't get her to shore pretty quick. +Here, let me take her, old man—you're all tuckered out."</p> + +<p>Allen willingly released his burden, and they swam as quickly as they +could to the shore.</p> + +<p>They found the girls waiting for them, with white, strained faces.</p> + +<p>"Oh, oh!" cried Grace, as they lifted the poor little inert body on to +the bank. "Oh, do you suppose she is dead?"</p> + +<p>"Well, she will be if we don't hurry pretty fast," said Betty, her voice +trembling but determined. "Boys, look about and see if you can find +anything round and hard that we can use in place of a barrel. Oh, do +hurry! Mollie, you take her other arm and move it up and down—that's +the way—hard—hard."</p> + +<p>Mollie did as she was told and in less time than seemed possible the +boys returned bringing with them part of a fallen log. This Betty +declared was the very thing.</p> + +<p>For half an hour they worked over the unconscious form and more than +once during that time, they had almost given up hope of bringing back +the spark of life. Then, all at once, a change took place—the ashy look +of her face gave way to a faint tinge of color—the blue lips parted in +something very like a sigh, and her hands, which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> had been lying inert +and lifeless at her side, twitched almost imperceptibly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, she's coming back! she's coming!" cried Amy almost in tears. "Oh, I +was sure she was dead!"</p> + +<p>"Hush," Betty cautioned her in a whisper. "I think she knows what we are +talking about," then bending over the girl she said very gently: "Do you +feel better, dear?"</p> + +<p>Slowly the eyelids fluttered, and the eyes gazed vaguely up into Betty's +sweet ones. The lips moved and Betty bent down closer to listen.</p> + +<p>"I don't know you, do I?" the words were almost inaudible. "I—I—don't +seem to remember——"</p> + +<p>"Don't try, my dear," said Betty soothingly, while two tears made their +way down her face, only to be dashed away impatiently. "You have been +through a terrible experience, and you don't have to think very hard +just now—there is plenty of time."</p> + +<p>Slowly, understanding replaced the vague wonder in the girl's eyes, and +she reached out with an unsteady hand to touch Betty's white dress.</p> + +<p>"I wanted to be sure you were real," she explained, smiling wistfully. +"I was afraid you might vanish. Will you help me to remember?" she +pleaded.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span></p> + +<p>Betty's warm heart went out to the girl, and when she spoke her voice +was full of pity and tenderness.</p> + +<p>"I'll help you as far as I can," she promised. "You were swimming and +something happened that made you cry for help. Luckily we happened to be +near and one of the boys got you and brought you back to land. And here +you are getting strong and well again," she finished brightly.</p> + +<p>"Well, whoever you are, you're a dear," said the stranger, the emphasis +showing how quickly she was gaining strength. "I remember now all about +it. Mother and dad have told me over and over that I must not come over +here alone; but the day was perfect for a swim and no one else would +come, so I slipped off by myself. I was swimming all right, and then I +was taken with cramps. Oh, oh, it was terrible!" and she covered her +face with her hands to shut out the memory.</p> + +<p>"Don't think of it," said Amy compassionately, kneeling down beside the +girl and taking the cold hand in hers. "It's all over now, and you are +safe and sound. Try just to remember that."</p> + +<p>The girl looked up wonderingly at the sweet girlish faces gathered about +her. "I think you must be a—a company of angels," a sharp sob<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> broke +the attempt at a laugh—for she was still very weak. "You are all so +good to me I——"</p> + +<p>"You would have done the same for any of us," said Betty, trying hard to +keep her voice matter-of-fact. "So you needn't thank us for it. How are +you feeling—better?"</p> + +<p>"A great deal," answered the girl, with a grateful glance toward Betty. +"I almost feel as if I could stand up."</p> + +<p>"If you want to try, one of the boys will help you," Grace suggested, +turning to the latter, who had been standing several feet back from the +little group, natural delicacy forbidding them to intrude.</p> + +<p>But now, being thus appealed to for help, they stepped forward like one +person, offering assistance. They helped the girl to her feet and +steadied her as she stood, weak and trembling.</p> + +<p>She looked from one to the other with a wan little smile on her lips. +"Which one of you have I to thank for—for saving me?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"None of us," said Roy, with an attempt at gallantry which was rendered +funny by his extremely sodden aspect. "It was a pleasure."</p> + +<p>Noting the girl's bewilderment, Betty hastened to explain. "They all did +it," she said; "but if credit is due to any one of them it must be given +to Allen for reaching you first."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nonsense!" said Allen, abashed at being brought into the limelight. "I +was nearer than the other fellows, that's all. What's the use of talking +about it, anyway?"</p> + +<p>"There is a good deal of use, I think," the girl answered softly. "If +you people hadn't been so good and kind to me, I would have——" she +paused before the word, and shivered again in her weakness.</p> + +<p>"Don't think of it any more," Betty urged. "Now, what you most need is +rest. If we could get you back to our cottage or, perhaps, to your own +people——" she paused questioningly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, please," said the girl, "if you could only get me back to the +hotel, you don't know how grateful I would be. Mother and dad will be +crazy."</p> + +<p>"If we were only nearer our bungalow, we might take you back there and +then send word to your mother and father," said Mollie, thoughtfully. +"But I guess it is just about as far one way as the other."</p> + +<p>"Yes, the best thing we can do," Mrs. Irving decided, "is to get her as +quickly as possible to the summer colony. That is where you come from, +isn't it?" she asked.</p> + +<p>The girl nodded. All this time she had been standing, supported on +either hand by Roy and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> Will. But now Allen had a suggestion to make.</p> + +<p>"We could make a seat," he said, "and carry her the rest of the distance +to the colony. The sooner we start the better it will be."</p> + +<p>On this plan they agreed. Very naturally the girl was strainingly eager +to relieve the anxiety of her parents—to let them know she was safe +again.</p> + +<p>Allen and Frank, being the stronger of the boys, volunteered to carry +the slight girl—she was young, scarcely sixteen—for the first half +mile. Then the other two boys were to carry her the rest of the +distance.</p> + +<p>In a moment the little procession was formed, and it started off for the +woods, toward the summer colony. Allen and Frank moved in front with +their burden, followed by the four girls and Mrs. Irving, while Roy and +Will brought up the rear.</p> + +<p>The boys were wet to the skin, and even on a scorching day in August +that is anything but a pleasant sensation. Then, too, the way was rough, +and the briers and brambles along the path scratched their hands and +tore at their clothing. Ordinarily all these petty annoyances would have +tended toward making them irritable and cross, but on this day all such +trifles passed over their heads unnoticed. For had they not between<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> +them done a marvelous thing? To save one life—to have brought back from +eternity one little soul—was there not joy enough in that to last them +all their days? The girls thought there was.</p> + +<p>After a walk that seemed endless, Will called out to the boys in the +front: "Isn't it time for relief work, Allen? We must have traveled more +than half a mile."</p> + +<p>"We're not tired," Allen shouted back. "The hotel is right ahead—we can +carry her for the rest of the way."</p> + +<p>"Just as you say," Roy answered. "But we are ready whenever you want +us."</p> + +<p>"All right," called Allen. "We may be glad of your help yet;" and so the +little party went on.</p> + +<p>A few moments later they heard voices directly ahead, and Anita—for +that, she had said, was her name—raised her voice excitedly. "They are +probably coming in search of me," she cried, cheeks flushing with the +hope of it. "I knew they would! Oh, I knew it! Dad! Conway!" she called.</p> + +<p>"Nita! where are you?" a voice shouted back, unutterable relief +vibrating in every syllable. "Call again!"</p> + +<p>Anita obeyed with a will. "Just keep on the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> way you are coming. I'm all +right, but please hurry!"</p> + +<p>Then the two relief parties came face to face. Frank and Allen set the +girl gently upon her feet and her father caught her in his arms. "You're +safe!" he murmured over and over again. "My little girl!" and the others +turned away before the depth of his emotion.</p> + +<p>His weakness lasted only a moment, then recovering his self-control he +handed Anita over to the affectionate bear hugs of an elder brother, and +turned to his daughter's rescuers.</p> + +<p>"Madam," he said to Mrs. Irving, "if you will tell me to whom I am +indebted for Anita's safe return, I will try to thank him or her or all +of you as the case may be. Although thanks at this time seem a small +return for such a service."</p> + +<p>"I am sure none of us wish any thanks for whatever little help we may +have been able to render your daughter," Mrs. Irving answered, with +grave courtesy. "We can only thank a kind fate for leading us within +hearing distance of her appeal for help. The rest is simply what you and +your son would have done for any of us had we been in similar danger."</p> + +<p>"That doesn't make what you have done any the less splendid," Anita's +brother broke in im<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>pulsively, holding his sister as though he would +never let her go again. "Anita is tired now, but when we hear the whole +story, I know we are going to be even more grateful to you than we were +before—eh, Anita?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, they were wonderful to me," said the girl, her eyes shining like +stars. "If it hadn't been for them—I don't dare—think——" and again +her hand flew to her eyes to shut out the horror of that awful moment.</p> + +<p>Suddenly all Mrs. Irving's mother instinct rose to the fore, and she +spoke impulsively. "Take the child home," she begged; "what she needs +more than anything else is rest. You can see she is at the breaking +point."</p> + +<p>Mr. Benton looked at his daughter, who indeed was trembling like a leaf +in her brother's arms, and saw the truth of the statement. "You are +right," he said slowly. "We can't get Anita home too soon." Then, +turning once more to Mrs. Irving, he added, while his eyes traveled over +the group of girls and boys behind her: "Although we haven't time now to +become better acquainted, we are going to stay here the rest of the +summer, and if you expect to remain our neighbors——"</p> + +<p>"Yes, father," broke in Anita, "they live at the bungalow at the other +end of the island, and they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> have already invited Conway and me to visit +them. When shall we go, Con?"</p> + +<p>"As soon as you are able, sister dear," Conway Benton said fondly. "I'll +be glad to go any time. Now we will have to get you home."</p> + +<p>So, after many words of mutual understanding and friendliness, they +parted and went on their separate ways.</p> + +<p>"I guess we shall have just time to get the fish and reach the bungalow +before dark," said Mrs. Irving, as our party started to retrace their +steps with weary feet and joyful hearts.</p> + +<p>It was not till they had nearly reached the fishing pool that Allen +thought of his big fish.</p> + +<p>"It was wicked to let that beauty go," he said, gazing ruefully into the +pool. "He was the king of them all."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but just see what you accomplished," Betty said at his elbow, +softly. "What you did to-day is worth a million fish."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and there are plenty more where that came from," he added, smiling +down at her. "Now let's hike along home—I am getting hungry."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + +<h3>BENEATH THE MOON</h3> + + +<p>"I have often read about it, but I never thought I would be fortunate +enough to actually see it," said Amy, clasping her hands behind her +head, and gazing out at the blue of an azure sky.</p> + +<p>The four girls were seated on the steps of the veranda talking, talking +over the events of the day before and speculating as to the future.</p> + +<p>"Well, it scared me nearly to death," said Grace, who was curled up on +the lower step, with a cushion brought from the house acting as head +rest. "I declare when I saw them drag her up on the bank, Betty, I +thought that she was dead. She looked so drawn and white, and——"</p> + +<p>"Well, you couldn't expect her to look particularly rosy and happy, +after all she had been through," Mollie remarked. "If I had been doused +under water as long as that poor girl was I would not only have looked +dead, I'd have been it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know," Grace retorted lazily.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> "If I'm not mistaken it +would take a good deal to stop that tongue of yours, Mollie."</p> + +<p>"Speak for yourself," Mollie was beginning angrily, when Betty entered +into the conversation. She had been dreamily studying the shimmering +ripples the soft wind had stirred upon the surface of the water.</p> + +<p>"Some day," she began in a sing-song voice, her eyes still fixed on the +distance, "I'm just going to let you two go on to the bitter finish. I +shouldn't wonder if you will be like the two cats of Kilkenny. You +remember what they did, don't you?"</p> + +<p>"No, what?" asked Mollie, and Grace added: "We might just as well know +where our bad tempers are going to land us. What did they do, Betty?"</p> + +<p>"They fought and they fit and they scratched and they bit," chanted +Betty, "till instead of two cats there weren't any."</p> + +<p>"I guess we had better take warning while there is still time, Grace," +said Mollie, with a little laugh. And so for the time being at least +peace was restored.</p> + +<p>"But when do you suppose Anita and her brother will come to see us?" +asked Amy. "I do hope it won't be very long."</p> + +<p>"I think Amy likes Conway," said Grace, then<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> turning to Betty she asked +meaningly: "Do you, by any chance, believe in love at first sight?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I think it can be done," Betty answered, her eyes twinkling with +fun as she looked at Amy's flushed face. "At least, I do believe in +strong attractions at the first meeting. Perhaps that is all Amy has +felt just yet."</p> + +<p>"Oh, girls!" implored Amy, in an agony of bashfulness, "I don't like +Conway Benton one bit more than any of the rest of you, and you know it. +I think it is mean for you to tease."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Amy, dear, it is only fun," cried Betty, throwing an arm about her +friend. "We don't really think that you have been smitten with a +stranger's charms. Still <i>stranger</i> things have happened."</p> + +<p>"I don't agree with you," said Amy, and they wisely forbore to pursue +the subject.</p> + +<p>"Oh, but didn't that fish taste good last night?" said Mollie, coming +down to every-day matters. "I never ate anything like it in all my +life."</p> + +<p>"That's because we caught it ourselves," said Grace, unconsciously +voicing a common trait in human nature.</p> + +<p>"Let's take fish out of the conversation for a little while," Betty +suggested, "and talk about something romantic."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span></p> + +<p>"For instance?" Grace inquired, with uplifted eyebrows.</p> + +<p>"The gypsies," Betty answered. "Ever since the other night I've been +wondering if there was anything in what that old store-keeper said."</p> + +<p>"I hope not," said Amy, with a shudder. "I am more afraid of them than +anything else in the world, I think."</p> + +<p>"I don't see why," Mollie reflected. "Probably they are a great deal +more afraid of us."</p> + +<p>"Well, all gypsies are akin, they say; so maybe we could find out +something about Mr. Ford's Beauty and about Mrs. Billette's silver," +returned Betty.</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't talk about that," cried Mollie. "It fairly makes me sick, for +I'm sure we shall never hear of the things again."</p> + +<p>"I wonder when the boys are going to try to ford to the islands?" said +Grace. "The tide's getting low now."</p> + +<p>"Hello! where is everybody?" it was Will's voice calling from the woods. +"We are going for a paddle—who wants to come along?"</p> + +<p>"Ask us," called Betty. "We were just hoping you'd come to life."</p> + +<p>"Ah, the voice of the siren," called Will, over his shoulder. "Come on, +fellows, let's break up this galaxy of beauty."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p> + +<p>The boys sauntered up to the group of girls, and sprawled upon the steps +wherever there was room.</p> + +<p>"Where <i>have</i> you kept yourselves all morning?" Mollie inquired, as +Frank drew a bur from her white skirt. "If you hadn't come pretty soon, +we were going over to look for you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, just around clearing up," Frank replied, with a vague little +gesture. "If we had known how much you wanted to see us, we would have +left some things undone."</p> + +<p>"You needn't have hurried on my account," Grace drawled. "I don't know +when I have ever felt happier than I did before you came. Oh, Roy, do +look out, you are sitting on my dress."</p> + +<p>Roy rose with alacrity. "Gee! a fellow can't do anything around here +without getting sat on," he complained.</p> + +<p>"It seems to me it was Grace's dress that was being sat on that time, +not you," Betty remarked, with a glint of mischief in her eyes. "I +wonder if anybody else has ever noticed," she went on, "the funny habit +all you boys have of blaming somebody else for blaming you."</p> + +<p>"You're away too deep for me, Betty," Roy protested with a shake of his +head. "That must be a mighty funny habit."</p> + +<p>"To change the subject," said Allen, rising and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> stretching his arms far +above his head, as if to make sure his muscles were still in good +condition, "who wants to share a nice little canoe with me? Your aunt +sure knew what she was doing, Mollie."</p> + +<p>"We would all like to go, I know," said Betty, with a doubtful glance at +the fast sinking sun. "Only I am afraid it is pretty near dinner time."</p> + +<p>"Well, I tell you what we'll do," said Frank, with sudden inspiration. +"We'll postpone our canoeing trip till to-night. There is going to be a +fine moon."</p> + +<p>"What difference does that make?" Grace asked severely. "I think we had +better go now, and have a fire this evening."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Grace, don't be a kill-joy," said her brother. "It is going to be +too wonderful a night to spend indoors."</p> + +<p>"Well, if Mrs. Irving says so," she began, and they all knew it was +settled.</p> + +<p>"Have dinner early, will you?" Roy urged, taking out his watch. "It is a +quarter past five now. Can you be ready to start by six?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, long before," Mollie assured him, rising hurriedly, and starting +toward the house, while the others followed her example.</p> + +<p>Then after a whispered consultation with the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> girls at the door, she +turned and threw the boys a merry glance.</p> + +<p>"If you are very good," she said, "we will let you eat with us +to-night."</p> + +<p>"Fine!" cried Allen. "And biscuits, Betty?"</p> + +<p>"Biscuits," she answered.</p> + +<p>They were hilarious all during the meal. In the first place, everything +was delicious, and in the second, everybody was in the best of spirits.</p> + +<p>Afterward they cleared away the dishes in no time, and the four girls, +Mrs. Irving having refused to be of the party, ran upstairs to get the +light wraps that were always needed at night. The boys met them outside +as they rushed down laughing and breathless, and ready for a good time.</p> + +<p>"I hope it doesn't take the moon till twelve o'clock to show itself," +said Will, as they made their way down the walk and on to the float +where the canoes were attached. "Mrs. Irving says that we are to be back +by ten o'clock at the latest."</p> + +<p>"That will give us plenty of time," Frank answered. "Don't you remember +we saw it a little after seven last night?"</p> + +<p>"It's lucky these canoes are eighteen feet long," said Allen, as he +unfastened the rope. "Otherwise we would have to take turns paddling."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Who's going to do the work first?" asked Betty. Then she added: "I love +to paddle."</p> + +<p>"If nobody has any objection," said Allen, "you shall. Grace, you drop +into the middle with Frank, until it comes your turn to do the work. +Betty may like it, but I must say I'd rather watch you people slave."</p> + +<p>"All right, we'll go fifty-fifty with you," Frank agreed cheerily. +"Here, Grace, step in the middle—that's the way. Now we are all +settled. Let her go, Captain."</p> + +<p>Allen swung himself into the stern, and deftly pushed the canoe clear of +the swaying float. "All right," he sang out. "Left hand or right, Betty? +It makes no difference to me. Now for the moon."</p> + +<p>"Look out, Allen, you are getting poetical," warned Betty, as she dipped +her paddle into the clear water. "Many a man has reached for the moon, +only to find that he had plucked some green cheese."</p> + +<p>"Are you sure it wasn't limburger?" asked Frank, mildly for so strong a +subject.</p> + +<p>"Ugh, don't!" cried Grace. "How I hate even the name of the horrid +stuff!"</p> + +<p>"And on a night like this, too," said Betty. "Can't we talk about +something less odoriferous?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Remember you started it," said Frank defensively.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know, but what I spoke of is such a wee little cousin to——"</p> + +<p>"Is that the dipper up there, Frank?" Grace asked, in haste to change +the subject. "Somehow it doesn't look natural."</p> + +<p>Frank squinted aloft. "That's our same old friend," he said. "By the +way, speaking of dippers, I am getting thirsty."</p> + +<p>"Well, I can't give you a drink, but I can feed you. Have a chocolate?" +cried Grace.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Grace!" protested Betty, "you never brought chocolates along?"</p> + +<p>"To be sure I did. Why not?"</p> + +<p>"You are hopeless," laughed Frank.</p> + +<p>"Look at that shooting star," said Betty, pointing with her paddle. "Oh, +that was a beauty!"</p> + +<p>"Did you wish on it?" asked Grace eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I didn't know I had to. Goodness, did I throw away an opportunity?" +Betty's tone was dismayed.</p> + +<p>"Why, of course," said Grace, with an air of superiority. "It's bad luck +if you don't."</p> + +<p>"All right, I won't let the next one escape," Betty promised.</p> + +<p>And so they went on and on, enjoying the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> shadowy stillness of the +night, and later revelling in the silver radiance of the moonlight.</p> + +<p>It was not until they started on their journey side by side with the +other canoe that Allen broached a subject that had been almost entirely +forgotten in the excitement of the last few days.</p> + +<p>"Say, when are you and Frank going to practice for the big race, Betty?" +he asked. "I am mighty anxious to see it."</p> + +<p>"To-morrow morning, I guess," said Betty, then added suddenly: "I don't +see why Frank and I should furnish all the fun. Why don't you all join +in? It would be ever so much more exciting."</p> + +<p>"That's a good idea," said Allen. "I'll do it if the rest are willing. +How about it, Grace?"</p> + +<p>"I'm willing," she replied. "Oh, I have a bright idea!"</p> + +<p>"Shoot!" said Frank inelegantly.</p> + +<p>"Suppose we take our lunch," she went on enthusiastically, "and have a +regular old-fashioned picnic in the woods beyond the camp."</p> + +<p>"Grace, you are a marvel," cried Betty. "I can't think of anything I'd +like better. Swimming in the morning and a party in the afternoon! Oh, +every day is more wonderful than the last!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + +<h3>WATER SPRITES</h3> + + +<p>The sunbeams danced across the shimmering water and into the room where +the Outdoor Girls lay sleeping. They made patches on the floors and +ceiling, and showered Mollie's face with golden darts.</p> + +<p>She moved restlessly and raised her hand as though to ward off this +invader of her dreams, muttering softly, "Oh—don't——" Gradually she +passed from sleeping to waking and, realizing the cause of the +disturbance, sat up in bed with a start.</p> + +<p>"Oh, the world's on fire with sunshine! What a day to swim! Now, as soon +as I can rouse these sleeping beauties, I'll proceed to get breakfast."</p> + +<p>"Oh, A—my!" she called aloud, giving the bed such a thump that Amy's +eyes sprung wide open on the instant—wide and startled. "Are you going +to sleep for-<i>ever</i>? Oh, I'm hungry!" with which words she sprang out of +bed and began dressing hastily.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p> + +<p>For once Amy seemed to agree with her chum, for the moonlight sail of +the night before with only Grace's candies to nibble on had left them +ravenous.</p> + +<p>"All right," she said, sitting up and looking toward the bed in the far +corner of the big room. "Betty and Grace are just yawning themselves +awake. We ought to beat them dressed easily."</p> + +<p>"We don't care," came Betty's sleepy voice. "Whoever gets down first has +to get the breakfast, you know."</p> + +<p>Even this did not daunt Mollie. She did not mind getting breakfast at +all. In her own words, "she could smell the good things that much +longer." So now her only answer was: "Sleepy-head," uttered in a severe +tone.</p> + +<p>"I don't care," came the defiant answer, "it's mighty nice to feel +sleepy sometimes," and Betty stretched luxuriously.</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear!" said Grace irritably, "it seems to me life is one long +succession of getting ups and going to beds."</p> + +<p>"The last isn't as hard as the first, is it, Gracy?" Mollie teased.</p> + +<p>"Probably if you <i>could</i> sleep, you wouldn't want to," replied Grace.</p> + +<p>"Oh, if any one would only give you the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> chance!" and Betty gave Grace +an affectionate little shake. "Some time we won't call you, Grace," she +laughed. "I'd like to find out just how long you could sleep, if you +were left to yourself."</p> + +<p>"Goodness, I wouldn't like to chance it," said Mollie, slipping a middy +over her head. "I am afraid we would have to carry her home at the end +of the summer—a sleeping beauty still."</p> + +<p>"Or a still sleeping beauty," Betty suggested. "That would be more to +the point."</p> + +<p>"Suits me exactly," Grace drawled, "as long as the prince is handsome +enough."</p> + +<p>"Always the prince," groaned Mollie, giving Grace up in despair—then +added, as she opened the door preparatory to flight: "Frank is quite +good looking. Come on, Amy!"</p> + +<p>"I don't see what that has to do with it!" Grace retorted; but only a +sharp click of the door and a little derisive laugh in the hall outside +answered her. "Oh, well," she added, sitting up and regarding Betty +reproachfully as if that young person were responsible, "I suppose I +have got to get up."</p> + +<p>"Of course, and make yourself charming for the prince," said Betty, +pinning a rose at exactly the right angle in her soft white waist. "You +don't have to be a <i>sleeping</i> beauty to find him, you know," she added +sagely.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You seem to know a lot about it," said Grace, regarding her friend +soberly. "I shouldn't wonder if you had found him, Betty."</p> + +<p>Betty turned sharply to see if she were joking, then the soft color +flooded her face. "Nonsense!" she said, but her tone was not convincing.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you have," said Grace, not to be put off. "I can tell by the way +you look at him, and the way he looks at you and oh—and—a hundred +little things." She waved her hand vaguely.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Gracy, don't be foolish," said Betty, recovering her usual +composure. "If you don't look out <i>I'll</i> begin to get personal. You +needn't think you are the only one that has eyes."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well," said, Grace, flushing in her turn. "If you are going to +begin that—— Oh, Betty, just smell the bacon! Please hand me that +shoe, quick!"</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried Betty, and drew back as a small stone flung by some one +below hurtled through the open window and fell to the floor at her feet. +"Look! It has something tied to it," she cried, and, stooping, picked it +up.</p> + +<p>"Bring it here," called Grace excitedly. "Oh, this is romantic! Betty, +let me see it, quick!"</p> + +<p>"Wait a minute, I haven't seen it myself yet," said Betty, as she +unfolded the tiny slip of paper attached to the stone. "Well, of all +the——"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p> + +<p>Grace looked over her shoulder and this is what the two girls read:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"When are you coming out? The water's fine." </p></div> + +<p>With one accord they rushed to the window through which the message had +come and leaned far out. But look as they might in every direction, +there was no sight nor sound of human beings. The grounds about the +house and even the woods seemed deserted.</p> + +<p>The girls drew back in, looked at each other in perplexity, then their +gaze instinctively traveled to the note still held in Betty's hand.</p> + +<p>"Well," Grace announced, "it seems that we have here a key to some +mystery——"</p> + +<p>"Mystery nothing!" Betty interrupted disrespectfully. "We know who wrote +this—there is no mistaking Roy's scrawl. The senders have +decamped—that's all."</p> + +<p>"Speak of princes——" said Grace, as they went out arm in arm.</p> + +<p>"And they are sure to turn up," Betty finished merrily.</p> + +<p>Mollie's breakfast was good. And the young folks ate with the healthy +appetites of youth. Mrs. Irving left the table early to get herself<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> +ready to go over to the summer colony where she had promised to spend +the day with friends who were summering there. The girls had scarcely +finished their breakfast when the boys broke in upon them.</p> + +<p>"You girls eat too much," Frank complained, when the first greetings +were over. "Now, if you only had our dainty little appetites——"</p> + +<p>"The best way to treat some people," put in Mollie significantly, "is to +pay no attention to them or their remarks."</p> + +<p>"Is she speaking to me or at me?" Frank inquired good-humoredly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it is just a general slam at the sex," laughed Allen, who had not +taken his eyes from Betty and the pink rose. "We ought to be hardened by +this time."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you are terribly ill-treated, aren't you?"</p> + +<p>Betty sympathized and remarked: "It is truly a case for the S. P. C. +A.—I mean the S. P. C. C.," she corrected hastily, while the girls +laughed merrily and the boys looked injured.</p> + +<p>"That's the worst yet, Betty," Will reproached her. "You needn't make +out you didn't mean it, either—we know better."</p> + +<p>"Oh, all right," said Betty, her eyes twinkling. "Have it your own way."</p> + +<p>"To change the subject," Roy broke in, "what<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> are you girls all togged +up for—didn't you get my message?"</p> + +<p>"Of course," said Grace. "You nearly put Betty's eyes out with it."</p> + +<p>"Sorry," said Roy, with a quick glance at Betty's nearly injured eyes, +which had never looked brighter than at that instant. "They look pretty +good to me. But that brings me back to my first query—why are you girls +all dressed up?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you know we could hardly wear our bathing suits down to +breakfast. Imagine a lot of sea nymphs boiling eggs and frying bacon!" +ejaculated Mollie.</p> + +<p>"Besides," Betty argued, "it's just as much trouble to put ugly things +on as it is pretty ones——"</p> + +<p>"And they don't look as nice," Frank finished.</p> + +<p>"Exactly!" said Betty. "And now if you will excuse us we'll put on our +suits, and show you boys how to swim. Come on, girls!"</p> + +<p>"You can't be too quick to suit me," Allen called after them.</p> + +<p>Mollie made a little face at him from the doorway. "Anxious to meet your +Water-loo?" she mocked impishly, and before he could answer had followed +the girls up the stairway.</p> + +<p>The boys raced back to camp to prepare them<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>selves for the swim, and a +few minutes later met the girls coming from the house.</p> + +<p>"You see you didn't have to wait," said Amy. "We are as anxious as you +to get into the water this morning. Oh, I can almost feel it!"</p> + +<p>"Let's run," suggested Mollie. "Somehow to-day I can't be sedate. I'll +race everybody to the bank."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 252px;"> +<img src="images/p166.jpg" width="252" height="400" alt="THEY RAN OUT INTO THE TEPID WATER." title="THEY RAN OUT INTO THE TEPID WATER." /> +<span class="caption">THEY RAN OUT INTO THE TEPID WATER.</span> +</div> + +<div class='center'><i>The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island.</i> <i>Page 158</i></div> + +<p>She broke into a run, and the others followed—bringing up at the edge +of the water a moment later, breathless but glowing. This time no one +hesitated, not even Amy. They ran out into the tepid water, then plunged +in, swimming with strong, even, steady strokes.</p> + +<p>It had been decided that all were to take part in the race—consequently +all were bent on losing not one moment of practice. They swam, off and +on, for the whole morning—occasionally throwing themselves upon the +mossy bank, to rest and get their breath, then going at it again with +renewed vigor and resolve.</p> + +<p>It was only when the position of the sun and acute pangs of hunger +warned them that it was long past their luncheon hour, that they decided +it was time to turn their attention to other things.</p> + +<p>"I left the basket back at the house," said Mollie, when they had come +to this conclusion. "I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> thought probably we would like to get dressed +before we ate."</p> + +<p>"Oh, why?" Will protested. "It's a scorching hot day, and we'll probably +want to go in for a swim later on, anyway."</p> + +<p>"Why not slip a skirt and middy over our bathing suits?" Betty +suggested. "By the time we reach the house, our suits will be dry. Mine +is almost, now."</p> + +<p>"Good!" said Grace. "We'll feel more respectable, and if we do want to +go in for a swim later it won't be any trouble at all to take them off."</p> + +<p>So it was decided, and they all tramped off through the woods, laughing, +merry, and friends with the world.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + +<h3>A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY</h3> + + +<p>Upon reaching the house the Outdoor Girls ran upstairs while the boys +went back to camp to get some things they thought they might need. A few +moments later the girls rejoined them.</p> + +<p>"Where shall we go?" Roy, who was leading the van, paused and looked +behind him. "Let's take some different part of the wood—some place we +haven't explored yet."</p> + +<p>"If there is any," Allen agreed.</p> + +<p>"There is some place, for we have not yet found the gypsies Mollie's old +store-keeper told her about," put in Betty.</p> + +<p>"Very well, then, trot ahead, Roy, we'll follow you."</p> + +<p>"All right, but don't blame me if we are lost."</p> + +<p>"Oh, if there is any danger of that," said Amy, pulling away and looking +back longingly, "perhaps we better stick to what we know."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Roy is only talking to hear himself talk," Will assured her. "It +isn't possible to get lost on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> this island, even if you wanted to. All +we would have to do would be to follow the shore and sooner or later +we'd be bound to come upon 'The Shadows.'"</p> + +<p>Amy saw the reason in this and was reassured. "All right," she said; +"but it wouldn't be very much fun to get lost."</p> + +<p>"Why not?" demanded Will, and she looked at him in surprise.</p> + +<p>"Well, would it?" she asked wonderingly.</p> + +<p>"It would be the greatest little lark ever," he said so decidedly that +Amy blushed. "We'd have some excitement for a little while, anyway."</p> + +<p>When they had walked a little farther into the woods Roy stopped again, +and, pointing before him, called out: "We have found just the place, +people—it's Arcadia itself."</p> + +<p>They crowded about him, gazing in the direction he had pointed out. It +was a wonderful island, this—where you were always stumbling into some +little glade or woodland bower made especially for you. Surely this tiny +garden spot of nature was even more alluring than the famous fishing +pool, and the girls pushed forward eagerly.</p> + +<p>"That big flat stone over there will be just the very thing to spread +the eatables out on," said Grace, "and I guess we can all manage to get +around it, too."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Of course we can," said Mollie enthusiastically. "It's exactly the +right height. Oh, every thing is perfect!"</p> + +<p>"If you girls will only stop raving long enough to get us something to +eat," said Will plaintively, "you'll be doing some good in the world. +Gee, but I'm hungry!"</p> + +<p>"Poor boy," said Betty, with ready sympathy, "I know just exactly how +you feel, because I'm nearly dead myself. Hand over the basket, Allen, +please, and I'll spread the cloth."</p> + +<p>"You bet I will!" said Allen readily. "I'll help you fix things."</p> + +<p>"Look out for him, Betty," Roy cautioned. "He's got his eye on the good +things."</p> + +<p>"What good does that do?" sighed Allen. "I'd rather have my teeth on +them."</p> + +<p>"So say we all of us," laughed Frank. "Can't I help, too, Betty?"</p> + +<p>"Of course—all of you," the Little Captain agreed, magnanimously. "Come +on, girls—stop admiring the view and help with these things."</p> + +<p>"Oh! will we?" cried <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Molly'">Mollie</ins>, and all made a rush for the baskets. +"What's first? You've got the table cloth? Well, then the napkins next +and the sandwiches—and the biscuits, and—oh, boys, you never could +guess——" Mollie sat back on her heels and regarded them laughingly. +"Think<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span> of the thing you want most in the world," she said. "That's it!"</p> + +<p>"There are lots of things I want," Frank began, but Roy interrupted him.</p> + +<p>"There is only one thing in the world that is better than anything +else," he said.</p> + +<p>"And that?" the others queried breathlessly.</p> + +<p>"Plum pudding!" He pronounced the two words with the reverence due them.</p> + +<p>Grace stared at him in amazement. "How did you know?" she stammered. +"It's almost uncanny."</p> + +<p>"Not at all," said Roy, with a superior air. "It's perfectly simple—I +smelled it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, so that was the blithe and savory odor that assailed our nostrils a +short time ago," said Frank. "But my hopes never soared to the heights +of plum pudding."</p> + +<p>"And here is the hard sauce," said Mollie, passing it around from one to +the other as though it had been a precious jewel. "Amy made it—all of +powdered sugar—with perhaps a little egg and butter thrown in—and I +know it is delicious."</p> + +<p>"You had better put that out of sight till we get through eating other +things, Mollie," Betty cautioned. "The boys will be starting at the +wrong end of the meal."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, and spoil their appetites," Amy added, while Mollie removed the +temptation.</p> + +<p>However, from the way the good things disappeared, there seemed no +reason for Amy's fears—appetites like those were proof even against +plum pudding.</p> + +<p>At last the picnickers stretched themselves, replete and happy, upon the +soft grass, to discuss a further course of action.</p> + +<p>"What shall we do next?" asked Betty, after a somewhat lengthy pause. +"Are we going to take a walk or swim some more or just stay here?"</p> + +<p>"You've got the right idea," Roy commended.</p> + +<p>"Which?" she asked, with uplifted eyebrows. "I suggested three things."</p> + +<p>"The last of course," he answered, plucking a piece of long grass and +beginning to chew the end of it. "I don't know what you put in that plum +pudding, but it has made me everlastingly sleepy. I'd like to take a +nice long nap;" and a prodigious yawn gave truth to his words.</p> + +<p>"How interesting," Grace mocked. "Mrs. Irving warned Mollie that it +might have such an effect—in fact, she said it was too hearty for hot +weather. Behold we have the proof of her words."</p> + +<p>"For goodness' sake, Roy, brace up!" cried<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> Will, in a stage whisper. +"Can't you see what you are doing? If you keep this up they won't give +us any more. Brace up!"</p> + +<p>Seeing the wisdom of this, Roy did his best to "brace up," but the girls +only laughed at him.</p> + +<p>"We are sleepy, too," Amy confessed, "so we won't tell. Besides, don't +you suppose <i>we</i> like plum pudding?"</p> + +<p>"Good!" said Roy, leaning back against the tree with a relieved sigh. +"Now we can act naturally."</p> + +<p>However, the Outdoor Girls and their boy chums were too active to remain +quiet long, even after plum pudding. Allen was the first to become +restless, and the others soon caught it from him. He rose, went through +some gymnastic exercises, then looked about him curiously. "I wonder if +there are any more places like this hereabout?" he said. "Does anybody +want to take a little tramp and find out? You look about as energetic as +a bunch of turtles. Come on, let's do something."</p> + +<p>"Why do something when we can get lots more fun out of doing nothing?" +asked Roy lazily. "What wouldst have us do?"</p> + +<p>"I just told you," Allen's tone showed disgust. "Isn't there one among +you with any pep<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> at all? How about you, Betty? You're usually the one +to start things."</p> + +<p>Betty looked up at him with a slow, tantalizing little smile. "That's +why I am letting you take the lead this time," she purred. "I thought +I'd wait and see who'd make the first move."</p> + +<p>"And I am going to force the second move," and before she could guess +what he was going to do, he leaned over, caught her two hands in his and +pulled her to her feet. "Now, you are going to take a little walk with +me, young lady. If the rest of this lazy crowd don't want to come along, +they know what they can do!"</p> + +<p>The Little Captain blinked at him uncertainty. "You might tell me what +you are going to do," she complained. "Look, Allen—you hurt me!"</p> + +<p>He regarded the brown little hand, held up for his inspection, +anxiously. "I don't see anything," he said. "But if I hurt it I am +sorry," and he stroked the place that should have been red.</p> + +<p>"If you are going, why don't you go?" Grace demanded, then added +meaningly: "I guess they <i>are</i> glad we are lazy."</p> + +<p>"Please don't make any insinuations," said Betty, her nose in the air, +but Allen sent a laughing shot back at them before they disappeared into +the denser wood.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You can eat another plum pudding if you like," he said.</p> + +<p>Frank chuckled audibly. "Wise old chap—Allen," he remarked.</p> + +<p>"I wish we could take his advice," mourned Amy. "If you boys hadn't been +such pigs, we might have had some pudding left."</p> + +<p>"Oh, why didn't you make more?" was Will's uncivil comment.</p> + +<p>For a long time Allen and Betty wandered through the woods, seeing +nothing and hearing nothing but the usual sights and sounds of the +forest—and seemingly quite content to go on in that way forever.</p> + +<p>It was Allen who first broke the silence. "I wish you would tell me what +you are thinking about so hard, Betty. It must be very interesting, +because you haven't said a word to me since we left that lazy crowd back +there. 'Fess up!"</p> + +<p>Betty flushed faintly. "You should never ask what a person thinks about +on a beautiful summer, day when she is wandering through the woodland +with—with——"</p> + +<p>"Whom?" Allen prompted softly. "Go on, Betty, finish the story."</p> + +<p>"Can't," she smiled up at him roguishly. "It's one of those 'to be +continued.'"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p> + +<p>He caught her hand, but she drew it away quickly. "Allen, what's this?" +she cried.</p> + +<p>She had accidentally brushed aside some brambles that had caught on her +dress, and there close beside them, so near that she could thrust her +hand into the opening, yawned the cavernous black mouth of a cave.</p> + +<p>Allen drew her aside quickly. "Don't go near it," he commanded, in a +tone that made Betty look at him in surprise. "I'm suspicious of these +caves until I have investigated them myself. I am going to have a look, +Betty. You stay where you are."</p> + +<p>But the Little Captain had not been so named for nothing. She seized +Allen's arm, and drew him back from the opening.</p> + +<p>"Allen, if you go in there, I'm going, too," she cried, her eyes +blazing. "Do you suppose I'm going to stand here, and see you get eaten +up by a—a——"</p> + +<p>"A what?" said Allen, putting his hands on her shoulders and laughing +down at her.</p> + +<p>"Well, whatever there is in the cave," she finished lamely. "Anyway, I'm +going in with you."</p> + +<p>"Betty, do be reasonable," he pleaded, but she flared up at that.</p> + +<p>"Do you know, Allen, there is nothing a girl hates more than to have a +boy ask her to be rea<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>sonable, when she knows she is? Anyway," her voice +lowered and she pleaded her turn. "Anyway, it's lots worse to see +anybody get hurt, anybody that you like, that is, than it is to get hurt +yourself."</p> + +<p>"You little soldier," Allen murmured. "But can't you see, Betty, that I +am here to protect you from danger if there is any—not let you run +right into it?"</p> + +<p>"Then there is no reason why you should, either," she said obstinately.</p> + +<p>"Will it make you feel any better if we get the others?" Allen asked, +just a little exasperated, for he liked mysteries and hated to leave +them unsolved. "We can get to them in five minutes if we run."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that will be better," Betty agreed, seizing the suggestion +eagerly. "But do you think we can find the cave again?"</p> + +<p>"Easily," said Allen. "You see, we are pretty near the water right here +and that bent old tree at the edge of the lake—see what I mean?—well, +that's right on the line with the mouth of the cave. I guess it will be +easy enough to find."</p> + +<p>So it was settled, and they raced back hand in hand to the spot where +they had left their friends, eager to tell the news.</p> + +<p>"So here you are," cried Mollie, at sight of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> runaways. "We thought +you were never coming back."</p> + +<p>Allen wasted no time, but told his story in the fewest words possible. +They were all tremendously excited, and followed the two adventurers +eagerly as they led the way along the shores of the lake.</p> + +<p>"Are you sure you can find it again?" Grace was asking when Amy seized +her arm and pointed out over the water.</p> + +<p>"Look!" she cried. "Gypsies!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2> + +<h3>DANGEROUS VISITORS</h3> + + +<p>"Gypsies?" Betty echoed. "Where?"</p> + +<p>"Can't you see?" returned Amy. "They are fording just as that old man +said they could. Oh, what are we going to do?"</p> + +<p>The boys had been gazing with interest toward the little group of +wanderers, but at Amy's cry they were aroused to sudden action.</p> + +<p>"Get to a place where we can see, and not be seen," said Frank. "I'd +like to watch this thing through."</p> + +<p>"They are coming right this way, too," said Grace, delightfully afraid. +"Oh, what have they got on their backs?"</p> + +<p>"Looks like loot of some sort," Will volunteered, peering forth from his +tree trunk. "Say, this promises to be a lark, fellows."</p> + +<p>"We'd better get back a little farther, if we don't want them to run +right into us," Roy suggested. "They are headed this way."</p> + +<p>The watchers retreated still farther into the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span> woods until they came to +a dense overgrowth of foliage which effectually screened them from +prying eyes.</p> + +<p>"This is just the thing," Roy exulted. "I tell you we are running in +luck to-day."</p> + +<p>"I am glad you think so," said Amy. "If one of those gypsies discovered +us, I am afraid we wouldn't live long."</p> + +<p>"Well, they are not going to," said Roy, overhearing the last remark. +"Don't be a wet blanket, Amy. Anyway, just because they are gypsies they +needn't be murderers."</p> + +<p>"I'm not a——" Amy was beginning, when Allen hissed a sharp warning. +"Keep still, everybody," he said. "They are not a hundred yards away!"</p> + +<p>After that silence reigned, broken only occasionally by a nervous +whisper from one of the girls as they watched the approach of the +enemy—or so they regarded them—with breathless interest.</p> + +<p>There were about twenty in the group, of which the majority were men. As +they came nearer, the girls and boys could see how greatly their ages +varied. Some were old men with white hair and flowing beards, while +others were young striplings scarcely out of boyhood. Their clothes were +many hued and picturesque, while each one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> carried on his back a huge +bundle. They traveled along the bank, speaking in a low mellow tone, a +language which the Outdoor Girls and the boys had never heard before.</p> + +<p>Grace crowded close to Betty, and the Little Captain squeezed her arm +reassuringly. "I kind of like them," she whispered. "They look so +interesting. They look like bandits or——"</p> + +<p>Frank's hand closed abruptly over her mouth—for low as her tone had +been the gypsies were near enough now to hear the slightest whisper.</p> + +<p>On, on came the little procession so near that the girls, by stretching +out their hands, could almost have touched them. They scarcely dared to +breathe.</p> + +<p>The gypsies moved on for a short distance, then gathered about something +the nature of which the girls and boys could not discern. In his +curiosity, Allen forgot caution and rising from the protection of the +bushes he tip-toed over to a more advantageous lookout. In a moment he +was back again on his knees beside the crouching group crying in an +excited manner: "It's our cave—the cave Betty and I discovered—they +are going into it. Say, I wish we had gone in when we had the chance!"</p> + +<p>"I don't," said Mollie, "they might have found<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span> you there and knifed you +in the back or something."</p> + +<p>"Especially something," mocked Roy. But Mollie was too excited to hear +him.</p> + +<p>"Look!" Grace cried. "Now that they are all inside, you wouldn't know +that there was any opening there at all."</p> + +<p>"It <i>is</i> tough to have to sit outside and look at nothing," Roy began.</p> + +<p>"Don't look at me when you say that," complained Mollie, with a little +grimace.</p> + +<p>"When we ought to be in there capturing the thieves—if that is what +they are," he finished.</p> + +<p>"I'd bet on it," said Frank. "All gypsies are born robbers. Just the +same, I wouldn't mind having some of their loot."</p> + +<p>"Frank!" Grace exclaimed, in a shocked voice. "You know you wouldn't +like anything of the sort."</p> + +<p>"Why not?" he said, his eyes twinkling, for teasing Grace was one of his +greatest delights. "I wouldn't go in anybody's house and deliberately +steal anything, but if somebody is kind enough to do it for me——"</p> + +<p>"It will do you as much good as it will them, eh, Frank?" finished Will, +companion in crime.</p> + +<p>"I think you are just talking to hear yourselves talk," Grace commented, +and Betty heartily ap<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span>proved. "That's the most sensible thing I ever +heard you say, Grace."</p> + +<p>"I'm getting stiff sitting on my heels," Mollie complained. "I wish +those old gypsies would go home where they belong, and let us get up."</p> + +<p>"Seventh inning," said Frank. "All get up and stretch."</p> + +<p>Willingly they followed his example, but no sooner had they risen to +their feet than they were sent scuttling back again like rabbits into a +burrow. The bushes were pushed aside and an aged gypsy stepped forth +from the opening. With a little gasp of excitement the girls realized +that he was without his heavy pack. Whatever it was they had brought +evidently had been left behind in the cave. One by one they emerged +until their number was complete. The last of the little band, a lad +apparently no more than sixteen years old, replaced the screening bushes +very carefully across the mouth of their hiding place. Then they turned, +and retraced their steps, still speaking that strange melodious tongue +of theirs, until they had reached the shore and departed the way they +had come. It was not till then that the watchers ventured to speak above +a whisper.</p> + +<p>"Now for the cave and what it contains!" cried Will, and started for the +spot the gypsies had so lately occupied.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span></p> + +<p>The girls and boys followed him, the former excited yet half fearful.</p> + +<p>"Do you think we had better?" asked Amy, as Will pushed aside the +curtain of foliage and peered inside. "It's getting dark, and besides +the gypsies might come back. Please don't, Will."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say that you girls want us to go home without seeing +what is in there?" asked Frank incredulously. "It can't be done, Amy."</p> + +<p>Nevertheless, the boys hesitated before the entrance to this mysterious +hole. After all, it was getting dark and the very blackness of the place +was forbidding.</p> + +<p>"If we only had some matches," said Roy uncertainly. "It wouldn't do us +much good to go stumbling around in the dark."</p> + +<p>"And I presume Mrs. Irving is back and will be terribly worried," Mollie +added, seizing upon the most effective argument she could think of. "She +told us to be home before dark."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and we can come here to-morrow, anyway," Amy added. "What do you +think about it, Betty?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I am just crazy to see what the gypsies left there," the Little +Captain answered, "but I do think it's a little late now to begin +exploring. It isn't as if this were our last day on the island."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I think Betty is right, fellows." It was Roy who spoke. "Mrs. Irving +left the girls in our care and she won't do it again in a hurry if we +don't get them home pretty soon."</p> + +<p>"That's so, of course," Allen admitted reluctantly. "Just the same, it's +a crime to leave a discovery like this without getting to the bottom of +it."</p> + +<p>"But we can come to-morrow," Betty pleaded. "It isn't as if——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know all about that," he interrupted. "But we probably can't find +the place to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Well, we will have to take our chances on that," cried Mollie, tapping +her foot impatiently. "The rest of you may stay here all night if you +want to, but I'm going back to 'The Shadows.'"</p> + +<p>"Hold on a minute, Mollie, can't you?" said Will. "I wish it weren't so +late, but since it is, I suppose we shall have to act accordingly. Who's +got the lunch basket?"</p> + +<p>"Frank had, the last time I saw it," said Amy, looking about her at the +gathering shadows uneasily. "Oh, please let's hurry."</p> + +<p>"I forgot all about the basket," Frank confessed. "I think I left it +over there behind the bushes."</p> + +<p>Allen went with him to find it, while the girls stood huddled together, +wishing themselves back<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span> at the bungalow. Mystery is wonderful in the +glaring sun of noon-day, but in the chill dusk of evening, with a damp +mist rising and touching all the land with clammy fingers—at such a +time it is not so alluring. All they wanted was home and a fire and a +chance to talk things over.</p> + +<p>Allen and Frank, carrying the basket between them, soon rejoined those +who were waiting at the cave, and they started along the shores of the +lake, keeping a sharp lookout for anything that looked like a gypsy.</p> + +<p>However, they reached home at last without encountering anything more +formidable than their own shadows.</p> + +<p>"But I <i>would</i> like to know what they had in those bags," sighed Betty, +as the boys took leave of them. "Can we go back the first thing in the +morning, Allen?"</p> + +<p>"We can't go too soon to suit me," Allen agreed. "But aren't you going +to let us fellows come over to-night to talk things over?"</p> + +<p>"Of course," said Mollie, "and we'll have a fire."</p> + +<p>"That sounds good," said Roy. "We won't keep you waiting."</p> + +<p>Then the girls went in to relieve Mrs. Irving's anxiety and to tell her +the wonders they had witnessed that afternoon.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + +<h3>THE LOST TRAIL</h3> + + +<p>Before the cheerful glow of the fire, the young people talked long that +night, while Mrs. Irving listened with interest. Her eyes sparkled at +the description of the cave and the gypsy troupe and once she broke in +with:</p> + +<p>"You needn't think you are going to leave me behind when such exciting +things are happening. After this, I am going to be on the spot with the +rest of you."</p> + +<p>"I wish you would," Mollie answered. "We thought you didn't care to go +along."</p> + +<p>"Ask me in the morning," she said.</p> + +<p>And now the morning had come at last. Betty had lain awake most of the +night, too excited to sleep and impatiently awaiting the first streak of +dawn.</p> + +<p>Now it had come after a wait that had seemed interminable and she +slipped silently out of bed, determined not to awaken the sleeping +girls. But before she had time to move half way across the room, Grace +hailed her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hello, Betty!" she called, "I'm glad you are up—I haven't been able to +sleep for the longest while. What are you going to do?"</p> + +<p>"Get dressed, I suppose," Betty answered. "I simply couldn't lie in bed +any longer."</p> + +<p>"Guess I will, too," said Grace; and that being the first time she had +ever agreed with Betty on that subject, the latter looked at her in +surprise.</p> + +<p>"You must be all worked up, Gracy," she commented, "to be willing to get +up at this time in the morning. I don't think it can be six o'clock, at +the very latest."</p> + +<p>"Well, anything is better than lying in bed awake," yawned Grace, +sitting up in bed and curving her arms behind her head with that slow, +instinctive grace that was part of her. "Look at Mollie staring at us +for all the world like a little night-owl," she added.</p> + +<p>"Thanks," said Mollie dryly. "I feel highly complimented, I'm sure. I'd +hate to tell you what you look like."</p> + +<p>"Don't," said Grace. "What I don't know won't hurt me."</p> + +<p>"Let's all agree that you both look as bad as you can," said Betty +crossly, for the strain of a sleepless night was beginning to tell. "It +would be a relief to know the worst, anyway."</p> + +<p>"Oh, for goodness' sake, Betty, don't you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> begin to disturb the peace, +too," Amy broke in sleepily. "It was bad enough before with Grace and +Mollie always at swords' points, but if you begin it, I don't know what +I shall do."</p> + +<p>Amy's despair was so comical that the girls had to laugh in spite of +themselves. As if at a signal, the sun broke through the heavy mist that +had risen over night and flooded the room with golden beams. Somehow the +world suddenly seemed a better and a happier place to live in, and the +girls' spirits rose like mercury.</p> + +<p>"Do you suppose Mrs. Irving will really want to go?" Amy asked, as they +finished dressing. "She seemed eager enough last night, but she may have +changed her mind by this time."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so," said Betty. "She is as game as we are for things +like that."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and she is feeling better now," said gentle little Amy.</p> + +<p>The boys called for them bright and early. It seemed that they, also, +had spent a rather restless night, and were glad of the sunshine and +warmth of the morning.</p> + +<p>The party started off in high spirits to find the cave and solve its +mysteries. Mrs. Irving was with them, for, as Betty had said, she was a +game little person and in for a good time whenever one could be found.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Suppose we can't find the place?" it was Grace who voiced the thought +that had been secretly troubling them all. "Betty just found it by +accident yesterday."</p> + +<p>"Don't cross bridges till you come to them, Grace," Frank admonished +her. "We'll find it, all right, if we have to cover every square inch of +the island."</p> + +<p>"I vote that we let Allen and Betty take the lead," Roy suggested. "They +know more about it than we do—or at least they ought to."</p> + +<p>"What's that?" asked Betty, who had been deep in a conversation with +Amy. "Who's talking about me now?"</p> + +<p>"They are shifting the responsibility to our shoulders, that's all," +Allen explained. "Roy says because we found the cave in the first place, +it's sort of up to us not to disappoint them now."</p> + +<p>"You may be sure we'll do our best," said the Little Captain, with her +whimsical smile, "since we'd be disappointing ourselves at the same +time."</p> + +<p>"Wasn't it somewhere about here, Allen?" asked Mollie, pointing into the +woods. "The place looks familiar."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so," said Allen, puzzled. "Betty and I noticed a big tree +that was almost directly on a line with the cave, but I don't see it +to-day. I wonder——"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It's a little farther ahead, I think, Allen," Betty volunteered, trying +to force conviction into her tone. "I'm sure we haven't passed it."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm not," said Mollie, abruptly. "I'm positive I saw the bushes +where we hid yesterday quite a distance down the road."</p> + +<p>"Well, why on earth didn't you say so," Grace demanded, "instead of +letting us wander on ahead?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I wasn't sure," Mollie retorted. "And besides, I thought Betty +and Allen knew what they were doing——"</p> + +<p>"Sh-h!" warned Mrs. Irving. "There's nothing to get excited about. We +all want to find the cave, and we are all going to do our best to find +it. Remember, we are equally interested."</p> + +<p>"Well, but it's very strange that we can't locate that tree," said the +Little Captain, a troubled frown on her forehead. "Allen and I were so +particular about it yesterday."</p> + +<p>"Well, we surely won't accomplish anything by standing here," said Will, +a shade impatiently. "Let's travel ahead a little—it seems to me it was +farther on."</p> + +<p>So they started again, troubled and perplexed and scanning every step of +the way. Half an hour later they halted for another conference. The tree +was nowhere to be found—neither was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> the cave. It seemed as if their +adventure of the day before had been a dream which had faded and +vanished into thin air with the advent of the morning.</p> + +<p>"Every place we look at seems to be it, and then it isn't," wailed Amy.</p> + +<p>"That's fine English, I must say," Will teased. "Where did you go to +school?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, for goodness' sake, let her English alone, Will!" Grace admonished. +"It isn't <i>that</i> we're interested in just at present. Oh, where has the +old thing gone to?"</p> + +<p>"I guess it never was," Roy replied gloomily. "We just imagined it."</p> + +<p>"Imagined it!" sniffed Betty. "If I thought I had an imagination like +that I'd write books or something."</p> + +<p>"I wish I knew what the something stood for," said Frank, laughing at +her. "It must be good."</p> + +<p>"I imagine it would be," said Betty, laughing back at him, "if I only +knew myself."</p> + +<p>"Stop fooling, you two, and help us think of something," Mollie +demanded. "We can't stand here and admire the view all day."</p> + +<p>"What would you suggest?" Frank asked politely. "We are willing to give +weighty consideration to anything you say."</p> + +<p>Mollie looked weakly about her for support.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> "Grace, can't you do +anything with him?" she pleaded. "He does nothing but talk nonsense all +day long."</p> + +<p>"And just after he's paid you a compliment," Grace drawled. "I wonder +you call that nonsense."</p> + +<p>Mollie had opened her mouth for a stinging rejoinder, but before she +could voice it there came a disturbance from a new and unexpected +quarter. The bushes parted and two figures emerged—a young man and a +girl.</p> + +<p>Astonishment held the little group motionless, but the strangers, or so +they appeared, stepped forward impulsively.</p> + +<p>"It's no wonder you don't remember me," said the girl impulsively, +"since I was dressed very differently when you last saw me. I am Anita +Benton—the girl you rescued the other day."</p> + +<p>As usual, Betty was the first to find her voice. "Oh, we <i>are</i> glad to +see you!" she said warmly. "We were wondering when you and your brother +were coming to pay us that promised visit."</p> + +<p>"Oh, we would have been here long ago, but, you see, I was rather, +well—shaken up," Anita explained, with a merry little laugh that made +the girls warm to her at once. "Conway could hardly wait to come to tell +you all how grateful<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span> he was—and is," she added, with a quaint little +sideways glance in the direction of her tall brother.</p> + +<p>"Anita's right. I almost came alone when I found she was inconsiderate +enough to get sick," said Conway, who had been regarding the scene with +lively interest. "You see, I never knew before what it was to almost +lose a small sister."</p> + +<p>"He speaks as if he had any number of them," cried Anita, gaily; and one +could see at a glance the perfect understanding and union between the +two. "But, really, this is the very first day I have been able to walk +any distance at all, so Con and I thought we'd take advantage of it."</p> + +<p>"Well, we are mighty glad you did," said Roy heartily, and Mollie +glanced at him sideways. "I wonder if you two could help us solve a +riddle," he added. "We had just about given it up for a bad job when you +came along."</p> + +<p>"What is it?" asked the girl eagerly. "I love riddles."</p> + +<p>"Don't let him get your hopes raised," Betty warned. "It isn't a riddle +at all. The thing is, we found a cave yesterday, and to-day it has +simply vanished, disappeared, gone up in smoke."</p> + +<p>"A cave?" said Conway, interestedly. "A cave around here? Why, I never +heard of any."</p> + +<p>"Well, we are beginning to think that <i>we</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> dreamed it," said Allen, +pessimistically. "The only strange thing about it is that we all should +dream the same thing."</p> + +<p>"But please tell me what you mean," begged Anita. "Caves are even better +than riddles. Why did you say you dreamed it?"</p> + +<p>There could be no escaping this emphatic young person—that they +realized—so Allen started to explain. When he had finished the two +visitors were almost, if not quite, as excited as the Outdoor Girls and +their boy chums had been.</p> + +<p>"You think it was somewhere about here, don't you?" Anita asked. "It +ought to be easy enough to find."</p> + +<p>"That's what we thought before we started," said Grace, "but after you +have been hunting for an hour or two you begin to realize your mistake. +I vote we do something else."</p> + +<p>"Grace! And leave the cave?" Amy cried, amazed at her friend's lack of +romantic fervor.</p> + +<p>"Why not?" said Grace. "It won't run away. Besides, I guess everybody's +forgotten this is the day we set for the race."</p> + +<p>They stared at one another dumbfounded. It was as Grace had said—this +was the day they had decided on for the race and they had forgotten all +about it. Had ever such a thing happened<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> before in the annals of +history? If so, they could not remember it.</p> + +<p>"A race?" demanded Anita. "What race?"</p> + +<p>Betty looked at her dazedly. "What race?" she repeated. "Why, <i>the</i> +race, of course. Oh, I beg your pardon—I forgot you didn't know. The +fact is, we have been planning a swimming race for—oh, ever so +long—and now this gypsy-cave business put it clear out of our heads. +Oh! how could we have forgotten it?"</p> + +<p>"Well, it isn't too late yet," said Will, practically. "That is, if you +aren't too set on finding this elusive cave to do anything else."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's safe enough where it is," said Allen. "If we can't find it, +it's a pretty safe bet that nobody else can."</p> + +<p>"I vote we get into our bathing suits just as fast as we can," said +Frank. "That is, if our visitors don't mind seeing a crazy race," he +added, half-apologetically; for he remembered his manners just in the +nick of time.</p> + +<p>"There's nothing we would like better," Conway assured him heartily. +"And I don't think it will be crazy, either, from the way you fellows +demonstrated your swimming ability the other day."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it would be all right if we fellows could be in it alone," said +Roy, wickedly. "But, you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> see, the girls have a mistaken idea they can +swim, too, and so, just to encourage them, we have let them in on it."</p> + +<p>"Let them in on it, indeed!" sniffed Betty. "If I remember correctly, we +were the first to propose the race. That doesn't look as if we were +particularly afraid of getting beaten."</p> + +<p>"Sheer nerve, that's all," said Frank, snapping his fingers with an air +of superiority.</p> + +<p>"We don't need to talk," said Mollie; "we will <i>show</i> you what we can +do."</p> + +<p>"All right, we're from Missouri," Will announced, cheerily. "All we want +is to be shown."</p> + +<p>By this time they were well on their way to the bungalow, and now the +subject of the cave was overshadowed by the excitement of the +approaching race.</p> + +<p>As the young people neared "The Shadows" their excitement grew, and when +at last they reached the house the girls fairly flew up the stairs, +dragging Anita with them, Conway going with the boys, of course.</p> + +<p>"Don't you want a suit?" Betty inquired of her visitor, pausing in the +act of slipping her skirt over her head. "I brought an old one in case +of emergency that I think would fit you."</p> + +<p>Anita shook her head. "Thanks just the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> same," she said. "But the doctor +says I mustn't think of swimming for some time."</p> + +<p>"It's pretty hard luck," said Mollie, sympathetically, "to have to stay +out of the water on days like this. Say, girls, do you think we have a +chance in the world of even keeping up with the boys?" she asked, +anxious, now that the moment of the test had come.</p> + +<p>"Why, of course we can," said Betty, pretending a confidence she did not +feel. "Especially if the boys give us the heavy handicap we agreed on. I +didn't want them to, but I guess it may come in handy."</p> + +<p>"Well, are you ready?" cried Mollie, jumping up. "I am. Come on, girls, +let's show them something!" and she was off down the stairs with the +others close behind.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + +<h3>MOLLIE WINS</h3> + + +<p>The Outdoor Girls found the boys waiting for them, and evidently as +eager as the girls to begin the race.</p> + +<p>"Well, it didn't take you very long," Frank remarked; for the boys had +never ceased to marvel that girls could be on time.</p> + +<p>"What point do you start from?" asked Conway, as they started off +together. "How long is the race, anyway?" he added.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Allen, electing himself spokesman, "we decided on a +starting point about a quarter of a mile from here. You see, from a +sharp turn there, there is, for about three-quarters of a mile, a course +almost straight. So, you see, that makes a fairly good course."</p> + +<p>"I should say so," Conway commented. "Why didn't you say something about +it to the folks over at the hotel—you'd have had considerable of a +crowd for an audience."</p> + +<p>"Oh, we didn't want it," cried Amy, shrinking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> from the very mention of +such a thing. "I couldn't swim at all if I thought anybody was looking +at me."</p> + +<p>"Don't you make any exceptions?" asked Anita, twinkling. "Con and I +don't feel like going home just yet, and Mrs. Irving has elected to be +audience instead of actor."</p> + +<p>"Oh, of course I didn't mean you!" Amy exclaimed, embarrassed at the +slip. "I don't mean one or two——"</p> + +<p>"Of course you don't," said Anita remorsefully. "I only wish I could go +in with you."</p> + +<p>They soon reached the bend of the river which Allen had indicated, the +girls growing more nervous with every step.</p> + +<p>"I tell you what you can do," said Allen, struck by a sudden thought. +"You and your sister can be the judges. In case there are any +ties—although, of course such a thing is improbable"—the girls refused +to become indignant at this shot—"we'll need somebody to settle our +dispute, and Mrs. Irving has flatly refused to interfere before this."</p> + +<p>"All right, that will be fine—provided everybody agrees to abide by our +decision. You see, we are absolutely neutral."</p> + +<p>"Oh, we won't kick at anything you say," Frank promised. "There is not +much I can say<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> for this crowd. But one thing—we are good sports. All +in favor of Allen's proposition say 'Aye.'"</p> + +<p>The vote was carried unanimously, and the newly made judges were +instructed by Will to "trot along to the finishing point" and wait till +they saw him leading the van. Then they would know who had won the race. +There was an ironic shout at this assertion and Conway's laugh came back +to them as he and his sister started to obey orders.</p> + +<p>"Well, now, is everybody ready?" Roy asked, surveying the group +critically. "Suppose you girls get started. We won't jump in until one +of you gets well past that jut in the shore—then it's our time to show +a little speed."</p> + +<p>"All right, we are ready," said Mollie. "Frank, when you say the word +we'll start."</p> + +<p>The girls lined up with beating hearts, waiting for the word that would +relieve their taut muscles.</p> + +<p>"One—two—three—<i>go!</i>" Frank counted, and the Outdoor Girls made a +running dive into the water, which was deep at this point, and struck +out strongly for the goal.</p> + +<p>"Those girls sure can swim some," was Will's admiring comment.</p> + +<p>"For girls," grunted Roy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Get ready now, fellows," commanded Allen. "They've almost reached the +point."</p> + +<p>"I think we gave them too big a handicap," said Frank doubtfully. "They +swim like fish."</p> + +<p>"You old croaker!" Will exclaimed. "Why, we ought to be able to beat +them with twice that handicap."</p> + +<p>"Look out, Mollie has reached the point, fellows!" Allen shouted. "Now's +the time!"</p> + +<p>Without more ado, the boys struck out bravely, determined to overtake +the girls in the shortest time possible. They found it was not so easy, +however, as might have been anticipated. The girls had had a big +advantage and were still swimming strongly. Will and Roy began to agree +with Frank that they had given them too long a handicap.</p> + +<p>On the other hand, the girls were not so confident. The strain was +beginning to tell even upon their tried young muscles. Their breath was +becoming labored and the goal seemed terribly far away.</p> + +<p>Mollie and Betty had fallen a short distance behind the other two. They +had felt the tax the speed was making on their strength, and had decided +wisely to save the rest of it until it was more needed then at the +present.</p> + +<p>Naturally Amy and Grace thought their friends<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> were giving up and +marveled at it. How on earth could they have lost out so soon? Had they +been more versed in races they could have answered that question +themselves.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the boys, pulling hard, had managed to make up half the +distance between them and the girls, and in sight of Betty's and +Mollie's evident weariness their hopes soared high. Why, with these last +two out of the running the race was as good as won.</p> + +<p>On, on they came, hand over hand, stroke following stroke, rhythmic and +strong and confident.</p> + +<p>Betty looked at Mollie and Mollie looked at Betty, and each knew she had +discovered the other's secret and at the same time recognized a rival.</p> + +<p>Amy had come to the limit of her strength with the goal an eighth of a +mile away. She knew that for her the race was over. The waters pushed +her back, forced her back, seeming like some pitiless enemy bent upon +her downfall.</p> + +<p>And what of Grace? She would not acknowledge to herself that her +strength was leaving her—why, she had swum as far as that many a time +before—it was absurd that she should give up now. Besides, she was +leading them all. With this thought she put the remainder of her waning +strength into a few last desperate strokes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p> + +<p>Meanwhile, the boys had caught up with Mollie, and seeing this she +quickened her stroke, forging ahead again. But Betty kept the same calm, +steady stroke which had so deceived the boys—and the girls, too, for +that matter, with the exception of Mollie.</p> + +<p>On, on they came—almost abreast now. The boys, tired from the long +chase, were resting, gathering strength for the last spurt.</p> + +<p>The finish line had been very conveniently marked by a slender tree +which had evidently been torn down in some terrific storm and now lay +half on the shore and half upon the water. This, then, was their goal.</p> + +<p>Conway was the first to see them coming. "Look, Nita!" he cried, seizing +his sister's arm and drawing her to the edge of the water. "From the way +they are all lined up I should judge this is nobody's race yet. That's +the kind of a thing I enjoy—where there is occupation at the end. And +look——"</p> + +<p>"Look at Betty," cried Anita, interrupting him. "She can swim better +than I can, and I thought I was pretty good." There was no conceit in +this remark—it was simply a statement of fact.</p> + +<p>Out on the water the girls and boys knew the time had come when they +must show what was in them. Grace and Amy, with the discomfited<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> Will, +had fallen to the rear, and the race lay between the other five. Allen +was leading, and the two young judges on the bank had just decided that +either he or Frank would be the winner. Then it happened! The two girls +gathered all their energy, that <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'splended'">splendid</ins> reserve strength they had kept +so well in check—summoned every ounce of vitality they had and gave it +full rein.</p> + +<p>Their muscles, trained to outdoor life, gallantly responded to the call. +They passed first Frank, then Allen, who stared after them stupidly. You +see, the boys were not believers in miracles. However, they rallied +their reserved strength and shot ahead until they were even with the +girls again.</p> + +<p>The goal was close before them. Now, if ever, must come the last +desperate spurt. Could they make it? They must! they must! The thought +kept hammering itself over and over in the girls' consciousness. They +were so near now—they couldn't lose—oh, they couldn't!</p> + +<p>And the girls were right. Anita almost fell into the water in her +excitement as the four swept on, swimming as though they had just +touched the water.</p> + +<p>"Mollie! Betty!" she cried. "Go it—for the cause!"</p> + +<p>Whether this encouragement reached the ears<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> it was intended for is +doubtful. Suffice it to say, the girls followed her instructions to the +letter.</p> + +<p>Conway stretched forward eagerly as the swimmers rushed on toward the +mark. Four hands closed over the fallen tree trunk almost at the same +instant—but not quite. Mollie reached the goal a fraction of a second +ahead—the race was hers.</p> + +<p>As the dripping contestants drew themselves up upon the bank, Anita and +Conway rushed forward eagerly. "Mollie had it!" they cried together, and +Nita added:</p> + +<p>"I don't see how you ever did it—it was the closest thing I ever saw."</p> + +<p>For a few seconds the swimmers were too spent even to congratulate the +winner. But when they did recover sufficient breath, they fairly +overwhelmed her with praises. As Roy had said, "they were nothing if not +sports."</p> + +<p>"It was lucky you did have a judge, or, I should say judges." Conway +glanced apologetically toward his sister. "Otherwise I don't believe +anybody would have known which of you got there first. It was as near a +tie as anything I have ever seen."</p> + +<p>As the four lagging participants in the race came up to them, rather +sore and disgruntled, the young folks delicately forbore to look in +their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> direction and Frank covered their coming with a remark. "I don't +know how you girls ever accomplished it—I thought you were done almost +at the beginning. Tell us the secret."</p> + +<p>Mollie and Betty looked at each other significantly. "That's our +secret," said Betty. Then, springing to her feet, she cried: "Let's give +three cheers for the winner of the race, Miss Mollie Billette!"</p> + +<p>The cheers were given with a will that awoke the answering echoes on the +island.</p> + +<p>Mollie flushed gratefully. "Thank you," she said. "It was only luck +anyway that I happened to touch the tree a second before the rest of +you."</p> + +<p>"Don't be modest, Mollie," Roy entreated. "You beat us all +fairly—especially me," he added ruefully. They laughed and Betty added +whimsically: "I thought I had you up to the last, Mollie. It wasn't fair +to lead me on like that."</p> + +<p>"Well, you sure know how to swim—all of you," Conway commented +admiringly. "You must do a lot of it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, we are at it a good deal of the time," Frank agreed carelessly. +"And the girls—well, they have formed a club for all sorts of outdoor +stunts. You see the results."</p> + +<p>"Oh, isn't that great!" exclaimed Anita with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> genuine enthusiasm. "I +love all those things, too. I wish I could belong to such a club."</p> + +<p>"If you lived anywhere near Deepdale," said Betty warmly, "we should be +very glad to have you join us."</p> + +<p>Only too soon—for Anita and the Outdoor Girls had taken a great liking +to one another—the former declared that it was time she and her big +brother must be starting for home. "Dad and mother worry whenever I am +out of their sight nowadays—even though Con is with me," she explained.</p> + +<p>"Come again soon," Betty called after them.</p> + +<p>"Will you have another race?" asked Anita.</p> + +<p>"Yes, especially for your entertainment," laughed the Little Captain. +"And we won't let Mollie win it either."</p> + +<p>"All right, then, I'll come," Anita promised.</p> + +<p>"Humph, we'll see about that," said Mollie, referring to Betty's last +remark. "History often repeats itself, you know."</p> + +<p>Allen sighed as they started homeward. "We won't be able to come +anywhere near them now, fellows," he said. "They'll have suffrage +banners hung all over the house."</p> + +<p>The girls laughed, for after all they <i>had</i> won through Mollie, and the +taste of triumph was very sweet.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Wasn't it grand!" cried Betty.</p> + +<p>"The best ever!" returned Grace, as she popped a chocolate candy in her +mouth.</p> + +<p>"I'd like another such race," said Mollie, wistfully.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + +<h3>HIDDEN TREASURE</h3> + + +<p>The week that followed the Outdoor Girls remembered as just one endless +round of fun. With the exception of two days, the weather was perfect. +They traveled over to town on the rickety ferryboat several times. They +took the cars out of the garage for short spins about the country, and +otherwise amused themselves.</p> + +<p>Then, too, the fish in the unrivaled fishing pool proved just as +agreeable as they had on that first day, and provided many delicious +suppers for the young people. The only thing that served to mar their +pleasure was the continued reluctance of the mysterious cave to come to +light—it was as though the earth had opened and swallowed it up.</p> + +<p>"I'm beginning to think it just never was," Grace remarked, as she +contentedly munched some chocolates that Frank had laid on her altar. +"Will is terribly worried about it. He thinks since he is in the secret +service that he ought to investigate it."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span></p> + +<p>"How can he if there isn't anything to investigate?" asked Betty. And in +truth there seemed some reason in her query. "It makes me angry every +time I think of it."</p> + +<p>"Yes, the fellows say Will even talks in his sleep about the cave," Amy +volunteered. "Probably they exaggerate, but I don't wonder he is all on +edge about it."</p> + +<p>"And we have to leave so soon, too," Mollie commented. "We haven't much +more time to look for it."</p> + +<p>"It doesn't seem possible we have to go back home in less than a week," +sighed Amy. "I just hate to leave this place."</p> + +<p>"To change the subject," said Betty, "I wonder what's keeping the boys. +Let's get the lunch and go to meet them."</p> + +<p>The girls agreed, and Betty ran in to get the luncheon and tell Mrs. +Irving where they were going.</p> + +<p>Before they had gone more than a hundred feet from the house they were +met by the boys, who seemed in a great hurry.</p> + +<p>"Oh, did we keep you waiting?" Roy inquired anxiously, evidently +relieved to see them. "Old Will here disappeared and we had to go on a +still hunt to find him."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he still has that confounded cave in his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> head. I'd given the +thing up. Why worry about a thing you can't find?" Frank demanded.</p> + +<p>"But we saw it," Will argued, relieving the girls of the basket. "And as +long as we saw it, it's got to be on this island somewhere—that's a +sure thing—and I'm going to find it."</p> + +<p>"Well, I wish you luck," said Allen gloomily. "Blow a horn when you find +it—we all want to be in at the death."</p> + +<p>"If you are going to be so lazy I'll keep it all to myself," Will +retorted. "That cave is somewhere on this island, and I intend to find +where if I have to stay for another six months."</p> + +<p>"Hear! hear!" cheered Roy. "That's the way I like to hear a fellow +talk."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you do," Will was beginning when Betty interrupted him.</p> + +<p>"I'm on your side, Will," she said staunchly. "I'm not going to stop +looking for the cave until we have to go home. Why, just think of the +things we might find. There is probably loot in that place that is worth +a great big lot of money, and in some cases they might be things that +money couldn't replace. It's not a question of mere curiosity, it's a +duty we owe to society."</p> + +<p>"Speech! speech!" Roy cried again. "We have some little orator in our +midst! But may I ask," he added, with exaggerated politeness, "how<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> we +are to go about accomplishing this service to society?"</p> + +<p>Betty's patience was at an end. "Ask something you can answer yourself!" +she said shortly, and Roy was silenced.</p> + +<p>They deposited the basket at what seemed to them an ideal spot and were +about to examine the contents when a sharp cry from Mollie arrested +their attention.</p> + +<p>"Look! look!" she cried. "I've found it! Girls—boys, come here! Quick."</p> + +<p>There was no need of urging, for they fairly flew in the direction of +her voice. There she was down on her knees before an opening much lower +and narrower than the one they had discovered before, but nevertheless +unmistakably another entrance to the cave.</p> + +<p>"I caught my foot in a twig," she explained, as they crowded around her, +wild with excitement, "and I almost fell into the cave." So, as in the +first place, the discovery had been made through an accident.</p> + +<p>The cave seemed to have been formed in a rise of the ground—it could +hardly be termed a hill—and as the young people looked inside, its +black interior stretched as far as they could see.</p> + +<p>"Who wants to go in first?" asked Amy, her tone low and awed in the +presence of the un<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>known. "The boys will have to stoop to get in."</p> + +<p>"I'll go," said Will, pushing his way past them, and in his tone was a +ring of command. "Come on, anybody that wants to. I'm going to find +what's in this place before it disappears again."</p> + +<p>The place had a damp and earthy smell, and Amy drew back uncertainly. +"The rest of you go first," she said. "I'll come—later."</p> + +<p>Nothing loath, Mollie, Betty and even Grace pressed into the opening +after Will, the boys standing aside—this last bit of self-control +proving that chivalry was not all dead yet. The first temptation had +been to run pell-mell after Will, regardless of girls or any other +disturbing element that might be about.</p> + +<p>However, as has been said, they allowed the girls to go in first and +followed them as closely as they dared, Amy, however, going last of all.</p> + +<p>After several feet of back-breaking progress the girls came out into +another portion of the cave, where the roof was high enough to admit of +an upright position. As they stood up, nerves aquiver with suppressed +excitement, Will rushed back to them.</p> + +<p>"There is another entrance at the other end," he cried. "That must be +the one you and Allen found, Betty. Come over here where you can<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> get +more light," he added. "It filters through the leaves and twigs at the +opening."</p> + +<p>All this time he was leading the way to the spot that he was describing, +the others following breathlessly. Once there, he grasped Allen's arm +excitedly, crying in a tense voice: "Look here, old man, here is one of +those bags they carried the other day—the place is full of them. Now I +am going to open this one. You keep a good lookout."</p> + +<p>"Hush!" cried Allen, and they listened, scarcely daring to breathe. From +the mouth of the cave, soft but unmistakable, came the sound of +voices—voices speaking in a tongue the boys had heard before. There +could be no mistake—the gypsies were visiting their hiding place!</p> + +<p>"Get back," breathed Will. "Back into the other mouth of the cave." He +pushed the others before him with all his force and they obeyed without +question.</p> + +<p>They shrank back in the darkness and waited for what was to come. They +might have fled, but curiosity held them chained to the spot.</p> + +<p>Once Amy uttered a weak protest, saying: "Don't you think we had better +go back?" when Will silenced her, none too gently. The moment was a +critical one.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span></p> + +<p>The little group of young people held their breath while the gypsies +entered, silent now. In the dim light of the cave their features could +not be seen, but there was something about the bent old figure of the +foremost gypsy that proclaimed the leader of that other day. They were +as velvet-footed as cats, and as the girls' eyes became more accustomed +to the gloom they discovered that the gypsies were not hunch-backed, as +had first appeared, but merely carried upon their backs packs like those +others scattered about the cave. These they deposited on the floor +without much ceremony and were gone before the girls and boys had fairly +realized it.</p> + +<p>The watchers stood motionless even after the footsteps had died away in +the distance. It seemed as though a mystic spell had been woven about +them, which, for the time, they were powerless to break.</p> + +<p>It was Roy who first "came to life," as Mollie expressed it. "I say, +what's the use of standing here?" he inquired. "Let's have a look."</p> + +<p>"Oh, hush, please!" begged Grace, alarmed at the unrestraint of his +tone. "They might come back."</p> + +<p>"No, they won't," Will asserted, for he had suddenly acquired great +dignity. "They have probably gone for another haul. In the mean<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>time it +is up to us to inform the authorities, and mighty quick, too."</p> + +<p>"But we don't even know that it <i>is</i> loot, Will," Betty protested. "We +ought to make sure first."</p> + +<p>"That's easy enough," Allen commented. "Besides I've been anxious to +examine the contents of that bag for a long time. Now, I'd like to see +anybody keep me from it!" and he rushed over to the other side of the +cave and was opening one of the bags even as he spoke.</p> + +<p>The others crowded close beside him as he knelt on the ground, taking +advantage of the meager light from the cave mouth to examine its +contents. What they did see literally made them gasp. Gold and silver +and strings upon strings of beads—some very valuable, others less +so—and trinkets of all sorts and descriptions.</p> + +<p>"Say, those gypsies are experts!" Frank exclaimed, awe in his tone. "I +think I'll go into the business."</p> + +<p>The girls didn't even pretend to be shocked at this—they were too taken +up with their own emotions—too excited to notice such trivial remarks.</p> + +<p>"Oh, aren't they wonderful?" cried Amy, down on her knees before the +bag, and running her fingers through the brilliant mass delightedly. +"How do they ever get such things?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's a funny question to ask," Grace remarked. "They steal them, of +course."</p> + +<p>"But what are we going to do?" asked Betty practically. "If all the bags +contain things like these, this cave is a mighty valuable place. Oh, and +to think that we were the ones to discover it!"</p> + +<p>"Well, you people can stay here and guard the loot if you want to," said +Will. "But I'm going over to the mainland to hunt up a couple of ancient +sheriffs—I suppose they are ancient," he added whimsically. "In +stories, you wouldn't recognize a sheriff without his whiskers."</p> + +<p>"Never mind the whiskers," said Mollie impatiently. "The thing is, +somebody has to stay and guard the cave or it will disappear the way it +did the other time, and you will bring the authorities over here for +nothing."</p> + +<p>"Well, of course you will have to stay until I get back," Will decided. +"In the meantime, you can eat lunch. Good-bye, I'm off." And he led the +way into the sunlight, which dazzled their eyes after the semi-gloom of +the cave.</p> + +<p>"But you will have to wait for the ferry," Allen called after him, "and +it may not be along for some time."</p> + +<p>"I'll take a chance," Will flung back. "I'll get there if I have to +swim!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Maybe if you swim you can beat the ferry," suggested Allen, with a +laugh.</p> + +<p>"Say, that's a scheme! I guess I had better try it."</p> + +<p>"Nonsense! You take the boat, old as it is."</p> + +<p>"All right, Allen."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + +<h3>LYING IN WAIT</h3> + + +<p>Somehow the lunch did not taste as good that day. Excitement had robbed +the Outdoor Girls and their boy friends of appetite. They ate in a +preoccupied way, eyes now on the cave so close at hand, now wandering in +the direction from which the gypsies had come. If these latter should +return before Will—well, then it would be time for a hurried exit on +their part. They had no intention of being caught in the wolf's lair.</p> + +<p>It was Will, however, who reached the place first, and those waiting for +him could have danced with relief when they heard his voice. A moment +later they caught sight of him, accompanied by two men from the town. +Judging from their gesticulations, the latter were more than ordinarily +excited. Incidentally, let it be recorded that neither of them, the +sheriff nor his deputy, had a beard.</p> + +<p>"Here they are!" Will cried, as he caught sight<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> of his friends. "I +thought I was on the right track. Any news since I left?"</p> + +<p>"Not a thing," Frank answered. "The place has been absolutely deserted."</p> + +<p>"Good," said Will, then, turning to the men beside him, added: "This is +the entrance we found to-day—you see the bushes hide it completely. But +there is another and a larger opening at the other end—that's the one +we stumbled into in the first place."</p> + +<p>The two men listened to his words attentively, and when he had finished +set about little explorations of their own.</p> + +<p>"You say there is another opening at the farther side?" one of them +inquired, pausing in the act of pushing aside the bushes. "That probably +is the main one."</p> + +<p>"I think so," Will agreed, "but they both lead to the same place."</p> + +<p>Satisfied on this point, the two continued their investigations. They +disappeared within the cave and the young folks waited impatiently for +their reappearance.</p> + +<p>"Do you suppose they will bring the bags out here?" asked Mollie +eagerly. "If they do, then we can really see what the things are like."</p> + +<p>"I hope so," Amy stated. But Betty started to speak dreamily, saying:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What will those poor old gypsies do when they come back and find the +place cleared out?"</p> + +<p>"They'll probably all go to the penitentiary," said Frank calmly. "The +authorities will be on the lookout for them and they'll get caught all +right when they do come back."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" said Grace, horror in her tone; for so far that side of the +question had not occurred to her. "It's terrible to think of sending +those poor things to jail."</p> + +<p>"Well, but they have earned it," Allen argued. "They must have been +getting away with this thing for years."</p> + +<p>"It's a wonder Aunt Elvira never suspected anything," said Mollie, +frankly puzzled. "Why, she didn't even mention the gypsies."</p> + +<p>"Probably thought the story too old to tell," Roy suggested. "We +wouldn't have believed there was such a place on Pine Island ourselves +if we hadn't seen it with our own eyes."</p> + +<p>"I suppose not," Mollie admitted, and then the sheriff and his deputy +emerged into the daylight once more and each brought with him a bag.</p> + +<p>"Now we will find out how far their rascality has gone," one of the men, +the elder of the two, asserted. "Perhaps you don't know it," he added, +untying the fastenings of the first bag, "but you young people have done +the community<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span> a great service. People all over are complaining of +stolen property, and, although we have suspected the gypsies for some +time, so far we haven't been able to prove anything. However, this +discovery of yours changes things considerably. Ah, what have we here?"</p> + +<p>The sun struck full upon the brilliant mass, making it glow and sparkle +like a jewel. There were other and real jewels, too, in the collection, +which they were soon to discover.</p> + +<p>"Oh," murmured Mollie, "if I could only find some trace of mother's +silver service among those things!"</p> + +<p>The detective looked up sharply. "Have you folks lost anything?" he +asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes!" Mollie explained. "Mother lost her silver tea service that +has been in the family for ever so many years, besides an expensive jet +necklace. And, besides that, Miss Ford's father had his pet thoroughbred +horse stolen."</p> + +<p>"And one of the big stores in Deepdale was looted," Betty added. "Oh, +there was tremendous excitement there for a time."</p> + +<p>"Hum," said the spokesman, stroking his beardless chin thoughtfully. "It +looks as if we might be able to trace a good many things." And he +continued to explore the contents of the bag to the very bottom.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span></p> + +<p>The other one was treated in like manner but nothing familiar met the +watching eyes. Of course, all were disappointed, but Mr. Mendall, for +such was the sheriff's name, warned the young people that it was not yet +time to give up hope—there were plenty more bags where these had come +from.</p> + +<p>"But we haven't time to go through all of them now," he stated. "I +simply wanted to assure myself that the things were valuable. Now that I +am satisfied on that score, the best thing to do is to get the loot away +as soon as possible and then set somebody to watch for those gypsies. I +never saw anything like them when it comes to nerve," he added, waxing +enthusiastic on the subject. "Why, I believe if you were crossing a +chasm with only a board between you and eternity, and they happened to +need that board for kindling wood they would pull it out from under you +without the slightest compunction."</p> + +<p>The girls laughed, but they could not help thinking that the statement +was somewhat exaggerated.</p> + +<p>"But you are not going to leave the cave unprotected until you get the +loot away?" Mollie cried. "Suppose they should come back in the +meantime?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then they would fall into a very prettily laid trap," was the grim +answer. "No, my dear young lady, we are not going to leave the cave +unguarded. I'll have men watching day and night until we catch them +red-handed. It is sure to come sooner or later."</p> + +<p>The girls drew a relieved sigh. They had not liked the idea of being +alone on this end of the island when the gypsies returned to find the +cave empty.</p> + +<p>Mr. Mendall rose to his feet, gripping a bag in each hand, but together +they were all that he could carry. "Here, Trent, you take one of these," +he ordered. "I'll take the other and, armed with proof like this, we +ought to be able to convince even those skeptical people on shore." Then +he added, turning to Will: "If you will keep watch for another hour we +will be back with more men to relieve you."</p> + +<p>Will readily promised, and once more the young folks were left alone.</p> + +<p>"You people don't have to stay just because I do," said Will, meaning to +be generous. "You can go home, or go in swimming, or anything else to +amuse yourselves you wish, while I do the sentry act."</p> + +<p>"Go home!" Mollie cried indignantly. "Why, how can you think of such a +thing, Will, when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> you know how interested we all are? I, for one, can't +do anything but wait."</p> + +<p>"Nor I," said Grace. "They may be able to find your mother's silver, +Mollie, but I'm afraid our poor dear Beauty is gone forever."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I wouldn't say that," Betty argued cheerfully. "Just because they +didn't sew him up in a bag and stick him in a gloomy old cave is no +reason why we can't find him. We may come across him any time."</p> + +<p>"Well, maybe," sighed Grace, and her tone was anything but optimistic.</p> + +<p>The friendly sheriff had set an hour for the time of his absence, but +long before the hour had sped he returned, bringing with him six other +men and a small hand-cart.</p> + +<p>"I don't see how you managed to get it through the woods," said Allen, +referring to the hand-cart.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we stuck to the shore most of the time," said Mr. Mendall, +cheerily, "and the rest of the way there are pretty broad paths. Now for +the clearing up," and he led his half dozen followers after him into the +cave.</p> + +<p>They made several trips until the crazy cart was heaped high with +veritable treasure bags.</p> + +<p>"Oh, aren't you going to let us see what is in them now?" Betty +entreated, intense disappoint<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span>ment in her voice. "We are so anxious to +know."</p> + +<p>"Sorry," said the big man kindly, "but I'll feel safer when this loot is +safely locked up on shore. We'll let you know exactly what's in them as +soon as we know ourselves," he promised.</p> + +<p>"Nothing could be fairer than that," said Allen cheerfully. "I guess +since we've waited so long, we can afford to wait a little longer."</p> + +<p>"It won't be much longer," Mr. Mendall responded. "We want you all to +know how grateful we are for this assistance. Without it we would +probably have been a long time getting to the bottom of things. As I +said before, you have rendered a great service to the community."</p> + +<p>And with this graceful little speech, Mr. Mendall and two of the men he +had brought with him took their leave, carrying with them the precious +bags, one of which Mollie so hoped would contain some, at least, if not +the whole, of her mother's silver. The other four men were left behind +to watch for the return of the gypsies.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know how I can wait till to-morrow," wailed Mollie, as they +started homeward. "I'm simply dying to know. I think they might have +opened the things while we were there. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>Horrid old things! The gypsies +probably wouldn't be back for another two weeks, anyway, and there +really wasn't any danger."</p> + +<p>"But to think we had the luck to find it!" cried Betty, her eyes still +glowing. "And after we had given it up, too. Goodness, I'm glad you had +that tumble, Mollie."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," sniffed Mollie. "Just the same," she added with a gleeful +little laugh, "I'd give a great deal to see Aunt Elvira's face when she +hears the story."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXV</h2> + +<h3>GLORIOUS NEWS</h3> + + +<p>"I guess they will never come," said Mollie, gazing despairingly out +over the water. "They must have been gone at least an hour."</p> + +<p>"Goodness, Mollie!—an hour," echoed Betty, in imitation of Mollie's +tragic tones. "Don't you know that it would take at least three hours +for the boys to go over, find out what Mr. Mendall has to say to them +and get back here? Remember they have to wait for the ferry," she added +significantly.</p> + +<p>"Well, I know, but if it is going to take that long, we won't get home +to-day," Mollie grumbled. "Besides, I've <i>got</i> to hear the news."</p> + +<p>It was early in the morning of the day on which the Outdoor Girls and +the boys had decided to start for home. For days they had expected word +from Mr. Mendall. The boys had haunted the town hoping to hear from +him—but no word had come. Then suddenly Will had burst in upon the +others with the great news that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> he had almost run into Mr. Mendall +turning a corner, and that genial man had expressed great pleasure at +sight of him.</p> + +<p>"Why, he said——" Will had reported excitedly, "he said that if he +hadn't met me, he fully intended coming over to camp—that he had +something to tell me that might be of great interest. And he wants us +fellows to come over first thing in the morning," he had finished +exultantly.</p> + +<p>So it was that the girls were waiting impatiently for confirmation of +their hopes.</p> + +<p>"We don't really have to go home to-day," Amy was saying doubtfully. "I +don't see why we couldn't have waited until to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"It does seem a shame to leave this wonderful place," sighed Grace +looking about her. "It seems to me it is more beautiful now than it ever +was. September is the best time in the year, anyway."</p> + +<p>"Why can't we stay over anyway—to-morrow is Saturday. I think we might +as well finish out the week," cried Grace, seized with a bright idea. +"Maybe Mrs. Irving will consent, since it is bound to be late when we do +get home." She popped a chocolate in her mouth as she finished.</p> + +<p>Betty regarded her chum pityingly.</p> + +<p>"That <i>is</i> clever," she said. "Especially since<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> the boys have taken +down their tents, and we have everything packed up."</p> + +<p>Grace looked rather crestfallen.</p> + +<p>"Well, I suppose we couldn't," she admitted. "Just the same I would be +glad of any excuse that would keep us on the island a few days longer. +Oh, dear——" and she gazed about her longingly.</p> + +<p>"Haven't we had a good time?" asked Betty, as she settled herself on the +steps. "This last week has been great, too—even though we were so +anxious to hear about Mollie's silver."</p> + +<p>"Oh, and do you know what Anita said the other day?" Amy broke in +suddenly. "She said she had some distant relatives in Deepdale, and that +if she could fish around and get an invitation, she might see us there."</p> + +<p>"Oh, wouldn't that be great!" said Mollie, with genuine enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>"Yes, she's a fine girl," Betty echoed. "I only wish she lived in +Deepdale, so we might invite her to join our happy little party."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and the boys like her brother, too," said Grace. "Will says he is +a fine fellow; and Will never says a thing like that unless he means +it."</p> + +<p>"Do my eyes deceive me?" cried Betty, springing up and pointing toward +the mainland, "or is that the good old Pine Island dreadnaught steam<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span>ing +majestically from the harbor? Tell me some one—am I right?"</p> + +<p>"You are!" cried Grace, dramatically. "That noble ship could be no +other."</p> + +<p>"Oh, do stop your nonsense," cried Mollie impatiently. "Are you sure +that's the ferry?"</p> + +<p>"Since it is the only apology for a boat that ever comes this way," +Grace remarked lazily, "I guess it must be."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Grace, don't tease," warned the Little Captain, in an aside. "Can't +you see how worked up Mollie is? No wonder she is excited—the news may +mean a lot to her."</p> + +<p>Grace glanced at her chum and saw that Betty had spoken the truth. +Mollie's hands were clenched tight to her side, crimson flamed in her +face, and her foot tapped nervously on the ground.</p> + +<p>"Oh, they'll never get here," she was saying over and over again. "Can't +the old ferryboat get up any steam at all?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps we might help tow it in?" Betty suggested, striving to break +the tension. "I think we could paddle lots faster in the canoes."</p> + +<p>"Goodness, I would almost like to try it!" Mollie exclaimed. "I think +they might get something modern on the lake—something real +modern—around the eighteenth century."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, isn't she sarcastic," said Amy, putting an arm about her friend and +patting her hand gently. "Never mind, Mollie, all things come in time."</p> + +<p>Of course she was right, even Mollie had to admit it.</p> + +<p>At the end of one of the longest half hours the girls had ever spent, +the rickety little ferryboat scraped against the dock, and they ran down +to meet the boys. The latter almost fell out of the boat, careless of +what any one might think. At the first sight of them the girls were +convinced their news was of the best.</p> + +<p>"Oh, oh, hurry!" cried Mollie. "I thought you would never get here. Oh, +you have something wonderful to tell us—I know it!"</p> + +<p>"You bet we have!" cried Allen. "We have the very finest news you ever +heard."</p> + +<p>"Oh, what is it?" the girls cried in unison, and Mollie added +pleadingly: "Don't keep us waiting any longer, boys, please."</p> + +<p>"All right," Will agreed; for he was as anxious to tell as the girls +were to hear. "Come to the house and we will tell you the whole story."</p> + +<p>"But did you get them?" Mollie demanded. "I don't see why you have to +wait till you get to the house to tell me that."</p> + +<p>"You can see by their faces they have, Mollie," Betty assured her. "You +had better not inter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span>fere—they will tell the story their own way, +whatever you say."</p> + +<p>By this time they had reached the house and called to Mrs. Irving to +come and hear the news.</p> + +<p>She joined them in a moment, and Will began.</p> + +<p>"Well, you see," he said, "in the first place, Mr. Mendall didn't want +to raise our hopes until he found out definitely whether anything there +belonged to us."</p> + +<p>"Yes," broke in Mollie quickly.</p> + +<p>"Don't interrupt," Will warned her. "You might sidetrack me or +something."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Will, don't be a goose!" cried his sister. "Go on."</p> + +<p>"I'm not a goose," he declared with dignity, "and I expect to go on if I +am given half a chance."</p> + +<p>He paused for a reply, but as none was forthcoming and as only +threatening looks met him on every side, he continued hurriedly.</p> + +<p>"Well, as I was saying," he went on, "Mr. Mendall did finally succeed in +getting the information he wanted. Then yesterday afternoon I happened +to meet him——"</p> + +<p>"Yes, we know all about that," said Betty, dancing with mingled +excitement and exasperation. "Please get to the point."</p> + +<p>"Since you insist," Will answered gravely.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> "The fact is, Mollie, that +all your mother's silver is there—even down to the little sugar bowl."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" gasped Mollie, and for a moment she could say no more.</p> + +<p>Then the flood gates of speech opened, and her questions poured forth.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Will! isn't that wonderful?" she cried. "I didn't dare really to +believe till this very moment. Are you sure everything is there—not a +thing missing? The creamer and teapot? And oh, Will!" she grasped his +arm beseechingly, "did you find the necklace?"</p> + +<p>Will looked evasive.</p> + +<p>"Why, you see——" he was beginning, when Frank interrupted him.</p> + +<p>"The necklace is probably gracing the swarthy neck of some fair gypsy +damsel," remarked the latter, rather flippantly. "Here we offer you a +whole silver service, and you're not satisfied."</p> + +<p>Mollie looked from one to the other of her two tormentors in pathetic +bewilderment.</p> + +<p>"Please, <i>please</i>!" she begged. "Mother'll be wild when she hears about +the silver. But oh, I do want that jet necklace almost more than +anything in the world! Don't tease me any more, please."</p> + +<p>At this appeal, Will's heart softened, and, with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> a quick movement, he +drew his hand from behind him, disclosing to four pairs of incredulous +eyes the precious jet necklace.</p> + +<p>"Here it is," he announced triumphantly.</p> + +<p>Mollie grasped the heirloom with a little cry of joy. Then she threw her +arms about Betty's neck, and began to laugh hysterically.</p> + +<p>"Don't mind me," she gasped, as the boys looked on mystified. "I—I +can't help it! I'm just so—so happy!"</p> + +<p>Betty patted her chum's shoulder, soothingly.</p> + +<p>"Now, see what you've gone and done," she accused poor Will.</p> + +<p>"I—I didn't know——" he was beginning, but he seemed destined not to +finish his sentences that day.</p> + +<p>Mollie, a creature of moods, withdrew herself from Betty's arms and +favored the promising young detective with an ecstatic little hug that +amazed and delighted that young gentleman immensely.</p> + +<p>"I say, Mollie, do it again," he pleaded, while the other three boys +hastened to demand their share of the reward.</p> + +<p>But Mollie had caught Grace about the waist and they were engaged in +what might be called a cross between a Virginia reel and an Indian war +dance.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p> + +<p>When they were forced to stop from sheer lack of breath, the volcanic +Mollie flung herself upon the steps, and beamed upon them.</p> + +<p>"And that's not all," Will said, and glanced instinctively toward his +sister.</p> + +<p>Grace started, and leaned forward beseechingly.</p> + +<p>"Will?" she breathed.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he continued, answering her unspoken question, "we found Beauty."</p> + +<p>The girl's eyes opened wide at this new disclosure, and Grace grasped +her brother's arm imploringly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Will, where?"</p> + +<p>"He was found by one of the farmers near the town. Looked as though he'd +broken away from whoever'd had him. The farmer saw he was a +thoroughbred, and guessed at once that he had been stolen. Luckily for +us he was an honest man."</p> + +<p>"Darling old Beauty," murmured Grace, tearfully. "Oh, wait till dad +hears!"</p> + +<p>"I guess he'll get a welcome, all right," Will agreed gleefully. "Poor +old Beauty! I saw him myself this morning."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Mendall says," Allen volunteered, "there are traces of a good many +other things from Deepdale. We'll probably have a triumphant<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> home +coming. And they have captured the gypsies and put them in jail."</p> + +<p>"Oh, oh, and to think we did it!" sighed Amy, contentedly.</p> + +<p>So joyful were they at the outcome of their detective work, that the +long journey to Deepdale was almost forgotten. It was Mrs. Irving who +brought them to their senses.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid," she said, "that if we don't start pretty soon, Deepdale +won't see us until to-morrow morning, and that will never do. Come, +girls, get ready."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't want to go home," wailed Amy, as they rose to follow +instructions.</p> + +<p>"But just think what we will have to tell them when we get there!" said +Betty, and the thought lent wings to their feet.</p> + +<p>Once more the Outdoor Girls and their comrades assembled on the wharf, +waiting for the ridiculous little ferryboat that had been the butt of +their jokes during the summer. Now that they were going away, however, +the sound of the shrill little whistle, as it panted up to them, seemed +somehow strangely typical of their life on the island, and they felt an +unexpected throb of home-sickness.</p> + +<p>"We'll have to come back to it some time," Betty said. "I love the +place."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I wonder if there are any more mysteries floating around loose," said +Roy, pausing for one last backward glance over his shoulder. "If there +are, I'm going back."</p> + +<p>But Allen seized him and drew him aboard.</p> + +<p>"Come on," he cried, "we're off!"</p> + +<p>The four girls linked arms, as they gazed back at the familiar bungalow.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Mollie chuckled irrepressibly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, girls," she murmured softly, "I must be on the spot when Aunt +Elvira hears the news."</p> + +<p>The little ferryboat steamed away from the dock, carrying with it our +happy Outdoor Girls, to whom we must once more wave a reluctant +farewell.</p> + + +<h2>THE END</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS SERIES</h2> + +<h3>By LAURA LEE HOPE</h3> + +<div class='center'>Author of "The Bobbsey Twins Series."</div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><b>12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING</b></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<p>The adventures of Ruth and Alice DeVere. Their father, a widower, is an +actor who has taken up work for the "movies." Both girls wish to aid him +in his work and visit various localities to act in all sorts of +pictures.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS<br /> +Or First Appearance in Photo Dramas.<br /> +</div> + +<p>Having lost his voice, the father of the girls goes into the movies and +the girls follow. Tells how many "parlor dramas" are filmed.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT OAK FARM<br /> +Or Queer Happenings While Taking Rural Plays.<br /> +</div> + +<p>Full of fun in the country, the haps and mishaps of taking film plays, +and giving an account of two unusual discoveries.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS SNOWBOUND<br /> +Or The Proof on the Film.<br /> +</div> + +<p>A tale of winter adventures in the wilderness, showing how the +photo-play actors sometimes suffer.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS UNDER THE PALMS<br /> +Or Lost in the Wilds of Florida.<br /> +</div> + +<p>How they went to the land of palms, played many parts in dramas before +the camera; were lost, and aided others who were also lost.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT ROCKY RANCH<br /> +Or Great Days Among the Cowboys.<br /> +</div> + +<p>All who have ever seen moving pictures of the great West will want to +know just how they are made. This volume gives every detail and is full +of clean fun and excitement.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT SEA<br /> +Or a Pictured Shipwreck that Became Real.<br /> +</div> + +<p>A thrilling account of the girls' experiences on the water.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS IN WAR PLAYS<br /> +Or The Sham Battles at Oak Farm.<br /> +</div> + +<p>The girls play important parts in big battle scenes and have plenty of +hard work along with considerable fun.</p> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</span></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE OUTDOOR GIRLS SERIES</h2> + +<h3>By LAURA LEE HOPE</h3> + +<div class='center'>Author of the "Bobbsey Twin Books" and "Bunny Brown" Series.</div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><b>12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING</b></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<p>These tales take in the various adventures participated in by several +bright, up-to-date girls who love outdoor life. They are clean and +wholesome, free from sensationalism, absorbing from the first chapter to +the last.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE<br /> +Or Camping and Tramping for Fun and Health.<br /> +</div> + +<p>Telling how the girls organized their Camping and Tramping Club, how +they went on a tour, and of various adventures which befell them.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE<br /> +Or Stirring Cruise of the Motor Boat Gem.<br /> +</div> + +<p>One of the girls becomes the proud possessor of a motor boat and invites +her club members to take a trip down the river to Rainbow Lake, a +beautiful sheet of water lying between the mountains.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A MOTOR CAR<br /> +Or The Haunted Mansion of Shadow Valley.<br /> +</div> + +<p>One of the girls has learned to run a big motor car, and she invites the +club to go on a tour to visit some distant relatives. On the way they +stop at a deserted mansion and make a surprising discovery.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A WINTER CAMP<br /> +Or Glorious Days on Skates and Ice Boats.<br /> +</div> + +<p>In this story, the scene is shifted to a winter season. The girls have +some jolly times skating and ice boating, and visit a hunters' camp in +the big woods.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN FLORIDA.<br /> +Or Wintering in the Sunny South.<br /> +</div> + +<p>The parents of one of the girls have bought an orange grove in Florida, +and her companions are invited to visit the place. They take a trip into +the interior, where several unusual things happen.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT OCEAN VIEW<br /> +Or The Box that Was Found in the Sand.<br /> +</div> + +<p>The girls have great fun and solve a mystery while on an outing along +the New England coast.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND<br /> +Or A Cave and What it Contained.<br /> +</div> + +<p>A bright, healthful story, full of good times at a bungalow camp on Pine +Island.</p> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</span></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH SERIES</h2> + +<h3>By GERTRUDE W. MORRISON</h3> + + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><b>12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING.</b></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<p>Here is a series full of the spirit of high school life of to-day. The +girls are real flesh-and-blood characters, and we follow them with +interest in school and out. There are many contested matches on track +and field, and on the water, as well as doings in the classroom and on +the school stage. There is plenty of fun and excitement, all clean, pure +and wholesome.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH<br /> +Or Rivals for all Honors.<br /> +</div> + +<p>A stirring tale of high school life, full of fun, with a touch of +mystery and a strange initiation.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH ON LAKE LUNA<br /> +Or The Crew That Won.<br /> +</div> + +<p>Telling of water sports and fun galore, and of fine times in camp.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH AT BASKETBALL<br /> +Or The Great Gymnasium Mystery.<br /> +</div> + +<p>Here we have a number of thrilling contests at basketball and in +addition, the solving of a mystery which had bothered the high school +authorities for a long while.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH ON THE STAGE<br /> +Or The Play That Took the Prize.<br /> +</div> + +<p>How the girls went in for theatricals and how one of them wrote a play +which afterward was made over for the professional stage and brought in +some much-needed money.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH ON TRACK AND FIELD<br /> +Or The Girl Champions of the School League<br /> +</div> + +<p>This story takes in high school athletics in their most approved and +up-to-date fashion. Full of fun and excitement.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH IN CAMP<br /> +Or The Old Professor's Secret.<br /> +</div> + +<p>The girls went camping on Acorn Island and had a delightful time at +boating, swimming and picnic parties.</p> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</span></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE TOM SWIFT SERIES</h2> + +<h3>By VICTOR APPLETON</h3> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><b>12mo. CLOTH. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING. COLORED WRAPPERS.</b></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<p>These spirited tales convey in a realistic way the wonderful advances in +land and sea locomotion. Stories like these are impressed upon the +memory and their reading is productive only of good.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Tom Swift Series"> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR CYCLE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or Fun and Adventure on the Road</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR BOAT</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Rivals of Lake Carlopa</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIRSHIP</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Stirring Cruise of the Red Cloud</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS SUBMARINE BOAT</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or Under the Ocean for Sunken Treasure</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RUNABOUT</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Speediest Car on the Road</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIRELESS MESSAGE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Castaways of Earthquake Island</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AMONG THE DIAMOND MAKERS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Secret of Phantom Mountain</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT IN THE CAVES OF ICE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Wreck of the Airship</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS SKY RACER</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Quickest Flight on Record</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RIFLE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or Daring Adventures in Elephant Land</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT IN THE CITY OF GOLD</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or Marvellous Adventures Underground</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIR GLIDER</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or Seeking the Platinum Treasure</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT IN CAPTIVITY</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or A Daring Escape by Airship</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIZARD CAMERA</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Perils of Moving Picture Taking</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS GREAT SEARCHLIGHT</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or On the Border for Uncle Sam</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS GIANT CANNON</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Longest Shots on Record</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS PHOTO TELEPHONE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Picture that Saved a Fortune</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS AERIAL WARSHIP</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Naval Terror of the Seas</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>TOM SWIFT AND HIS BIG TUNNEL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Hidden City of the Andes</span></td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers New York</span></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS SERIES</h2> + +<h3>By VICTOR APPLETON</h3> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><b>12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING.</b></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<p>Moving pictures and photo plays are famous the world over, and in this +line of books the reader is given a full description of how the films +are made—the scenes of little dramas, indoors and out, trick pictures +to satisfy the curious, soul-stirring pictures of city affairs, life in +the Wild West, among the cowboys and Indians, thrilling rescues along +the seacoast, the daring of picture hunters in the jungle among savage +beasts, and the great risks run in picturing conditions in a land of +earthquakes. The volumes teem with adventures and will be found +interesting from first chapter to last.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Moving Picture Boys Series"> +<tr><td align='left'>THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or Perils of a Great City Depicted.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN THE WEST</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or Taking Scenes Among the Cowboys and Indians.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS ON THE COAST</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or Showing the Perils of the Deep.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN THE JUNGLE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or Stirring Times Among the Wild Animals.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN EARTHQUAKE LAND</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or Working Amid Many Perils.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS AND THE FLOOD</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or Perilous Days on the Mississippi.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS AT PANAMA</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or Stirring Adventures Along the Great Canal.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS UNDER THE SEA</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or The Treasure of the Lost Ship.<br /><br /></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</span></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS SERIES</h2> + +<h3>By VICTOR APPLETON</h3> + + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><b>12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING.</b></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<p>In these stories we follow the adventures of three boys, who, after +purchasing at auction the contents of a moving picture house, open a +theatre of their own. Their many trials and tribulations, leading up to +the final success of their venture, make very entertaining stories.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' FIRST VENTURE<br /> +Or Opening a Photo Playhouse in Fairlands.<br /> +</div> + +<p>The adventures of Frank, Randy and Pep in running a Motion Picture show. +They had trials and tribulations but finally succeed.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS AT SEASIDE PARK<br /> +Or The Rival Photo Theatres of the Boardwalk.<br /> +</div> + +<p>Their success at Fairlands encourages the boys to open their show at +Seaside Park, where they have exciting adventures—also a profitable +season.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS ON BROADWAY<br /> +Or The Mystery of the Missing Cash Box.<br /> +</div> + +<p>Backed by a rich western friend the chums established a photo playhouse +in the great metropolis, where new adventures await them.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' OUTDOOR EXHIBITION<br /> +Or The Film that Solved a Mystery.<br /> +</div> + +<p>This time the playhouse was in a big summer park. How a film that was +shown gave a clew to an important mystery is interestingly related.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' NEW IDEA<br /> +Or The First Educational Photo Playhouse.<br /> +</div> + +<p>In this book the scene is shifted to Boston, and there is intense +rivalry in the establishment of photo playhouses of educational value.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS AT THE FAIR<br /> +Or The Greatest Film Ever Exhibited.<br /> +</div> + +<p>The chums go to San Francisco, where they have some trials but finally +meet with great success.</p> + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' WAR SPECTACLE<br /> +Or The Film that Won the Prize.<br /> +</div> + +<p>Through being of service to the writer of a great scenario, the chums +are enabled to produce it and win a prize.</p> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</span></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE OUTDOOR CHUMS SERIES</h2> + +<h3>By CAPTAIN QUINCY ALLEN</h3> + +<p>The outdoor chums are four wide-awake lads, sons of wealthy men of a +small city located on a lake. The boys love outdoor life, and are +greatly interested in hunting, fishing, and picture taking. They have +motor cycles, motor boats, canoes, etc., and during their vacations go +everywhere and have all sorts of thrilling adventures. The stories give +full directions for camping out, how to fish, how to hunt wild animals +and prepare the skins for stuffing, how to manage a canoe, how to swim, +etc. Full of the spirit of outdoor life.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Outdoor Chums Series"> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR CHUMS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or The First Tour of the Rod, Gun and Camera Club.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON THE LAKE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or Lively Adventures on Wildcat Island.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR CHUMS IN THE FOREST</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or Laying the Ghost of Oak Ridge.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON THE GULF</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or Rescuing the Lost Balloonists.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR CHUMS AFTER BIG GAME</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or Perilous Adventures in the Wilderness.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON A HOUSEBOAT</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or The Rivals of the Mississippi.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR CHUMS IN THE BIG WOODS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or The Rival Hunters at Lumber Run.<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE OUTDOOR CHUMS AT CABIN POINT</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or The Golden Cup Mystery.<br /><br /></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<div class='center'><b>12mo. Averaging 240 pages. Illustrated. Handsomely bound in Cloth.</b></div> + + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</span></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH SERIES</h2> + +<h3>By GRAHAM B. FORBES</h3> + +<p>Never was there a cleaner, brighter, more manly boy than Frank Allen, +the hero of this series of boys' tales, and never was there a better +crowd of lads to associate with than the students of the School. All +boys will read these stories with deep interest. The rivalry between the +towns along the river was of the keenest, and plots and counterplots to +win the champions, at baseball, at football, at boat racing, at track +athletics, and at ice hockey, were without number. Any lad reading one +volume of this series will surely want the others.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Boys of Columbia High Series"> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or The All Around Rivals of the School<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE DIAMOND</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or Winning Out by Pluck<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE RIVER</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or The Boat Race Plot that Failed<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE GRIDIRON</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or The Struggle for the Silver Cup<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE ICE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or Out for the Hockey Championship<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH IN TRACK ATHLETICS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or A Long Run that Won<br /><br /></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH IN WINTER SPORTS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Or Stirring Doings on Skates and Iceboats<br /><br /></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<div class='center'><b>12mo. Illustrated. Handsomely bound in cloth, with cover design and +wrappers in colors.</b></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</span></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE FAMOUS ROVER BOYS SERIES</h2> + +<h3>By ARTHUR W. WINFIELD</h3> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'>American Stories of American Boys and Girls</div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'>A MILLION AND A HALF COPIES SOLD OF THIS SERIES</div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><b>12mo. CLOTH. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING. COLORED WRAPPERS.</b></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Rover Boys Series"> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS AT SCHOOL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Cadets of Putnam Hall</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or A Chase for a Fortune</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN THE JUNGLE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or Stirring Adventures in Africa</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS OUT WEST</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Search for a Lost Mine</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE GREAT LAKES</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Secret of the Island Cave</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN THE MOUNTAINS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or A Hunt for Fame and Fortune</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON LAND AND SEA</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Crusoes of Seven Islands</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN CAMP</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Rivals of Pine Island</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE RIVER</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Search for the Missing Houseboat</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE PLAINS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Mystery of Red Rock Ranch</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN SOUTHERN WATERS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Deserted Steam Yacht</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON THE FARM</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Last Days at Putnam Hall</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON TREASURE ISLE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Strange Cruise of the Steam Yacht</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS AT COLLEGE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Right Road and the Wrong</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS DOWN EAST</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Struggle for the Stanhope Fortune</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN THE AIR</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or From College Campus to the Clouds</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN NEW YORK</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or Saving Their Father's Honor</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN ALASKA</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or Lost in the Fields of Ice</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS IN BUSINESS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Search for the Missing Bonds</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>THE ROVER BOYS ON A TOUR</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or Last Days at Brill College.</span></td></tr> +</table></div> +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</span></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE DICK HAMILTON SERIES</h2> + +<h3>By HOWARD R. GARIS</h3> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'>A Series That Has Become Very Popular</div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +DICK HAMILTON'S FORTUNE<br /> +Or The Stirring Doings of a Millionaire's Son.<br /> +</div> + +<p>Dick, the son of a millionaire, has a fortune left to him by his mother. +But before he can touch the bulk of this money it is stipulated in his +mother's will that he must do certain things, in order to prove that he +is worthy of possessing such a fortune. The doings of Dick and his chums +make the liveliest kind of reading.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +DICK HAMILTON'S CADET DAYS<br /> +Or The Handicap of a Millionaire's Son.<br /> +</div> + +<p>The hero is sent to a military academy to make his way without the use +of money. Life at an up-to-date military academy is described, with +target shooting, broadsword exercise, trick riding, sham battles, etc. +Dick proves himself a hero in the best sense of the word.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +DICK HAMILTON'S STEAM YACHT<br /> +Or A Young Millionaire and the Kidnappers.<br /> +</div> + +<p>A series of adventures while yachting in which our hero's wealth plays a +part. Dick is marooned on an island, recovers his yacht and foils the +kidnappers.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +DICK HAMILTON'S FOOTBALL TEAM<br /> +Or A Young Millionaire on the Gridiron.<br /> +</div> + +<p>A very interesting account of how Dick developed a champion team and of +the lively contests with other teams. There is also related a number of +thrilling incidents in which Dick is the central figure.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +DICK HAMILTON'S TOURING CAR<br /> +Or A Young Millionaire's Race for a Fortune.<br /> +</div> + +<p>Dick's father gives him an automobile made to live in, which enables him +and his companions to have a good time.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +DICK HAMILTON'S AIRSHIP<br /> +Or A Young Millionaire in the Clouds.<br /> +</div> + +<p>Tells how Dick built an airship to compete in a twenty thousand dollar +prize contest, and of many adventures he experiences.</p> + +<div class='center'><b>12mo. Handsomely printed and illustrated, and bound in cloth stamped in +colors. Printed wrappers.</b></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</span></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>The Putnam Hall Series</h2> + +<h3>Companion Stories to the Famous Rover Boys Series</h3> + +<h3>By ARTHUR M. WINFIELD</h3> + +<p>Open-air pastimes have always been popular with boys, and should always +be encouraged. These books mingle adventure and fact, and will appeal to +every manly boy.</p> + +<p>12mo. Handsomely printed and illustrated.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE PUTNAM HALL MYSTERY<br /> +Or The School Chums' Strange Discovery<br /> +</div> + +<p>The particulars of the mystery and the solution of it are very +interesting reading.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE PUTNAM HALL ENCAMPMENT<br /> +Or The Secret of the Old Mill<br /> +</div> + +<p>A story full of vim and vigor, telling what the cadets did during the +summer encampment, including a visit to a mysterious old mill, said to +be haunted. The book has a wealth of fun in it.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE PUTNAM HALL REBELLION<br /> +Or The Rival Runaways<br /> +</div> + +<p>The boys had good reasons for running away during Captain Putnam's +absence. They had plenty of fun, and several queer adventures.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE PUTNAM HALL CHAMPIONS<br /> +Or Bound to Win Out<br /> +</div> + +<p>In this volume the Putnam Hall Cadets show what they can do in various +keen rivalries on the athletic field and elsewhere. There is one victory +which leads to a most unlooked-for discovery.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE PUTNAM HALL CADETS<br /> +Or Good Times in School and Out<br /> +</div> + +<p>The cadets are lively, flesh-and-blood fellows, bound to make friends +from the start. There are some keen rivalries, in school and out, and +something is told of a remarkable midnight feast and a hazing that had +an unlooked for ending.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br /> +THE PUTNAM HALL RIVALS<br /> +Or Fun and Sport Afloat and Ashore<br /> +</div> + +<p>It is a lively, rattling, breezy story of school life in this country +written by one who knows all about its pleasures and its perplexities, +its glorious excitements, and its chilling disappointments.</p> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'>GROSSET & DUNLAP,—NEW YORK</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>The Flag and Frontier Series</h2> + +<h3>By CAPTAIN RALPH BONEHILL</h3> + +<p>These bracing stories of American life, exploration and adventure should +find a place in every school and home library for the enthusiasm they +kindle in American heroism and history. The historical background is +absolutely correct. Every volume complete in itself.</p> + +<p>12mo. Bound in cloth. Stamped in colors.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br />WITH BOONE ON THE FRONTIER, Or The Pioneer Boys of Old Kentucky.</div> + +<p>Relates the true-to-life adventures of two boys who, in company with +their folks, move westward with Daniel Boone. Contains many thrilling +scenes among the Indians and encounters with wild animals.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br />PIONEER BOYS OF THE GREAT NORTHWEST, Or With Lewis and Clark Across the +Rockies.</div> + +<p>A splendid story describing in detail the great expedition formed under +the leadership of Lewis and Clark, and telling what was done by the +pioneer boys who were first to penetrate the wilderness of the +northwest.</p> + +<div class='unindent'><br />PIONEER BOYS OF THE GOLD FIELDS, Or The Nugget Hunters of '49.</div> + +<p>Giving the particulars of the great rush of the gold seekers to +California in 1849. In the party making its way across the continent are +three boys who become chums, and share in no end of adventures.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br />WITH CUSTER IN THE BLACK HILLS, Or A Young Scout Among the Indians.</div> + +<p>Tells of the experiences of a youth who, with his parents, goes to the +Black Hills in search of gold. Custer's last battle is well described.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br />BOYS OF THE FORT, Or A Young Captain's Pluck.</div> + +<p>This story of stirring doings at one of our well-known forts in the Wild +West is of more than ordinary interest. Gives a good insight into army +life of to-day.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br />THE YOUNG BANDMASTER, Or Concert, Stage and Battlefield.</div> + +<p>The hero is a youth who becomes a cornetist in an orchestra, and works +his way up to the leadership of a brass band. He is carried off to sea +and is taken to Cuba, and while there joins a military band which +accompanies our soldiers in the attack on Santiago.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br />OFF FOR HAWAII, Or The Mystery of a Great Volcano.</div> + +<p>Several boys start on a tour of the Hawaiian Islands. They have heard +that there is a treasure located in the vicinity of Kilauea, the largest +active volcano in the world, and go in search of it.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br />A SAILOR BOY WITH DEWEY, Or Afloat in the Philippines.</div> + +<p>The story of Dewey's victory in Manila Bay as it appeared to a real, +live American youth who was in the navy at the time. Many adventures in +Manila and in the interior follow.</p> + + +<div class='unindent'><br />WHEN SANTIAGO FELL, Or The War Adventures of Two Chums</div> + +<p>Two boys leave New York to join their parents in Cuba. The war between +Spain and the Cubans is on, and the boys are detained at Santiago, but +escape across the bay at night. Many adventures follow.</p> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'>GROSSET & DUNLAP,—NEW YORK</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> + +<div class='tnote'> +<h3>Transcriber's Notes:</h3> + +<p>Obvious punctuation errors repaired.</p> + +<p>Two cases of "fire-light" and three of "firelight" were retained.</p> + +<p>The remaining corrections made are indicated by dotted lines under the corrections. +Scroll the mouse over the word and the original text will <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apprear'">appear</ins>.</p> +</div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island, by Laura Lee Hope + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND *** + +***** This file should be named 19294-h.htm or 19294-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/2/9/19294/ + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Emmy and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island + Or, A Cave and What It Contained + +Author: Laura Lee Hope + +Release Date: September 16, 2006 [EBook #19294] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND *** + + + + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Emmy and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + + + +The Outdoor Girls On Pine Island + +OR + +A CAVE AND WHAT IT CONTAINED + +BY LAURA LEE HOPE + +AUTHOR OF "THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE," "THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS," +"THE BOBBSEY TWINS," "BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE," ETC. + +_ILLUSTRATED_ + + NEW YORK + GROSSET & DUNLAP + PUBLISHERS + + + + +BOOKS FOR GIRLS + +By LAURA LEE HOPE + + * * * * * + +12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, 50 cents, postpaid. + + +=THE OUTDOOR GIRLS SERIES= + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A MOTOR CAR + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A WINTER CAMP + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN FLORIDA + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT OCEAN VIEW + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND + + +=THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS SERIES= + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT OAK FARM + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS SNOWBOUND + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS UNDER THE PALMS + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT ROCKY RANCH + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT SEA + + +=THE BOBBSEY TWINS SERIES= + +For Little Men and Women + + THE BOBBSEY TWINS + THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE COUNTRY + THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE SEASHORE + THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SCHOOL + THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SNOW LODGE + THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON A HOUSEBOAT + THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT MEADOWBROOK + THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT HOME + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + +COPYRIGHT, 1916, BY GROSSET & DUNLAP + + * * * * * + +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND + + + + +[Illustration: THEIR CLOTHES WERE PICTURESQUE AND EACH ONE CARRIED A +HUGE BUNDLE. + +_The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island._ _Frontispiece_ (_Page 172_)] + + + + + +CONTENTS + + CHAPTER PAGE + + I THE RUNAWAY CAR 1 + + II A LUCKY ESCAPE 8 + + III FORTUNES 14 + + IV THE GYPSY ENCAMPMENT 23 + + V THIEVES IN DEEPDALE 32 + + VI A WONDERFUL OUTING 41 + + VII CLOSED FOR REPAIRS 50 + + VIII THE JET NECKLACE REAPPEARS 60 + + IX PINE ISLAND AT LAST 70 + + X BRIGHT AND EARLY 79 + + XI A JOLLY TRIP 88 + + XII "WHERE THERE IS SMOKE----" 96 + + XIII THE GATHERING OF THE CLANS 105 + + XIV A VICTORY FOR BETTY 113 + + XV A SPLENDID CATCH 120 + + XVI NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON 129 + + XVII BENEATH THE MOON 141 + + XVIII WATER SPRITES 151 + + XIX A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY 160 + + XX DANGEROUS VISITORS 171 + + XXI THE LOST TRAIL 179 + + XXII MOLLIE WINS 191 + + XXIII HIDDEN TREASURE 202 + + XXIV LYING IN WAIT 212 + + XXV GLORIOUS NEWS 221 + + + + +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND + + + + +CHAPTER I + +THE RUNAWAY CAR + + +"The boys will be here in five minutes!" cried Mollie Billette, bursting +in upon her friend, dark hair flying and eyes alight. "You'd better get +on your hat." + +"What boys and why the hat?" returned Grace Ford who, pretty and +graceful, as always, was provokingly calm. + +"I'll answer any and everything if you will only get ready. Oh, have you +got to go upstairs? Hurry then," and Mollie swung her feet impatiently +as Grace detached herself from the great chair slowly and gracefully and +started out into the hall. + +"If you will come upstairs with me, Mollie," Grace suggested, "perhaps +you will deign to tell me why you rush in here like a whirlwind and +insist on my putting on my hat to go goodness knows where." + +"Oh, all right, if you will only hurry," cried Mollie in desperation, +and jumping from her chair she propelled her friend in most undignified +haste up the broad stairway--Grace protesting at every step. + +"Here's your coat. Now don't talk--act!" Mollie was commanding when +Grace took her firmly by her two shoulders and backed her up against the +wall. + +"Now listen here, young lady," she said, looking sternly down into her +friend's laughing eyes. "It's my turn to talk. I refuse to budge another +step until you have explained, to my perfect satisfaction, the cause of +all this rush." + +"Well, since you feel that way about it," laughed Mollie, "suppose you +let me--sit down." + +"Will you tell me about it if I let you go? Promise!" + +"Uh-huh," said Mollie, and so she was released. "There isn't much to +tell anyway," she went on. "Betty and I met Frank Haley and Will a few +minutes ago and Frank happened to remark that it was a splendid day for +an auto ride. We agreed with him--that's all." + +"Fine--but where's Betty?" and Grace adjusted her tiny toque with care +before the huge mirror. + +"Oh, she's coming, just as soon as she lets her mother know where she's +off to. We wanted Amy to go along too--stopped in there on the way +down--but Mrs. Stonington isn't feeling well and Amy thought she ought +to stay with her." + +"I'm sorry for that. But would there have been room for all of us in +Frank's car, anyway?" + +"Oh, yes, it's a big seven-passenger affair. Mr. Nelson says it is a +wonder. Just think! I can only squeeze five into mine," and Mollie drew +a long sigh at Fate. + +"How ungrateful, Mollie--most girls would be glad of the chance to ride +around in a neat little machine like yours. Why, I'd even be thankful +for a tiny runabout." + +"There it is now," Mollie said as a motor horn tooted insistently on the +drive below. "Don't let's keep them waiting." + +"Hello, girls, we'd have been here sooner if Betty hadn't delayed us." +It was Frank Haley who spoke, a handsome young fellow, whose merry grey +eyes showed that he deserved his name--the first part of it, at least. +"Come, 'fess up, Betty," he added, turning to the bright-eyed, +rosy-cheeked girl beside him. + +"I'm afraid I did keep them waiting, girls--about two minutes," Betty +Nelson admitted, then added in defense: "But I couldn't go looking the +way I was, you know." + +"I don't see why not. I didn't see anything wrong." + +"That doesn't prove a single thing, Frank," Grace retorted as he opened +the door for the girls. "Boys never do." + +"Don't they though?" Frank objected. "Do you mean to say I don't know +that that little whatever-you-may-call-it in your hat is quite +considerable----" + +"Class?" finished Will, who had been busy tucking in the robe about +Mollie's feet. "Personally I think we're a pretty fine crowd, take us +all together." + +"Well, did you ever hear such--Frank, don't you think we'd better get +started before he says anything worse?" and Betty turned appealingly to +Frank. + +"Just as you say," he answered obligingly, and at his words the great +car glided noiselessly down the drive and out into the street. + +"Where to?" called Will from the tonneau. "How about a little spin in +the country, Frank?" + +"Ask the girls," was the reply. "What they say goes." + +"Oh, yes, let's," said Mollie eagerly. "It is just getting so green and +beautiful now. Summer is the only time in the year anyway." + +"The winter didn't seem to bother you girls much last year," Frank broke +in. "If I could go to Florida every winter, the cold and wintry blasts +would have no more terrors for me." + +"Oh, well, it was wonderful--in more ways than one," this last so low +that only Will heard it, as Grace squeezed his hand under cover of the +robe. You see, Will was her brother, and they were very fond of each +other, as well they might be. + +"Whom did you wave to then, Betty?" Mollie asked, as the car swung off +into the country road. "I didn't see them till we were almost past." + +"Alice Jallow and her friend, Kitty Rossmore. They're always together," +Betty answered, then added: "By the way, Mollie, it seems to me you were +just saying you had something good to tell." + +"My aunt has a bungalow out on Pine Island. It's a lovely place, the +bungalow, I mean, not the island, although if all they say is true, I +shouldn't wonder if that's all right too." + +"But, Mollie, what has that to do with us?" Grace interrupted. "Is she +going to ask you to make her a visit?" + +"No. It's lots better than that. You see Uncle James wants to take her +to Europe this summer and so----" + +"Oh, Mollie!" Betty interrupted, her eyes sparkling. "You don't +mean----" + +"Yes I do--exactly," and Mollie settled back with a contented sigh. + +"I'm afraid I am very stupid to-day," Grace remarked. + +"More than usual?" asked Will, the irrepressible, with a twinkle in his +eye. + +"Why don't you see, Grace?" Betty's face was radiant. "Can't you see +Mollie means that we are to occupy that vacated bungalow this summer?" + +"But please, girls, don't get your minds made up to it yet, for nothing +is really settled, you know. Perhaps I should have waited till I was +sure before I spoke of it." Mollie seemed to be doubtful. + +"Oh, it's certain to turn out all right," said Betty, with conviction. +"Everything has that we have ever planned before, and there is no reason +why this should be an exception." + +"And even if it doesn't, just think what fun we will have thinking about +it," added Grace, philosophically, at which they all laughed. + +"Anyway you are a dear, Mollie, for having such lovely relatives," +cried Betty gaily. "If I could only climb over this seat, I'd give you +two great big hugs, one for each of them." + +"Nobody calls me a dear and offers to hug me, and I've got the loveliest +relatives in the world--you can ask them if you don't believe me," and +Frank managed to look very pathetic and forlorn. + +All this time they had been getting farther and farther out into the +country and now Frank put on extra speed to ascend the rather steep +incline directly in front of them. + +"Your car runs like a dream, Frank," Betty was saying as they reached +the top. "Look at that great big haystack down there--it must have taken +some time to gather it in. Why don't you slow down a little? Don't you +think--oh, what is it, Frank?" for she had noticed the set lines of his +mouth and the look of terror that had flashed into his eyes. "Oh, +Frank!" she cried again. + +"Sit tight," he muttered through clenched teeth. "The brake won't work!" + +On, on dashed the great machine, swaying from side to side and gaining +velocity with each second, while the girls, with terror tugging at their +hearts, sat still--and waited. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +A LUCKY ESCAPE + + +To those who are already acquainted with the Outdoor Girls, no +explanations are necessary, but for the benefit of my new readers I will +take advantage of this moment to make them better acquainted with the +characters and setting of the story. + +In the first book of this series, called "The Outdoor Girls of +Deepdale," the girls, Betty Nelson, sometimes called the Little Captain, +because of her fearless leadership, Mollie Billette, Grace Ford and Amy +Blackford, had gone on their famous walking tour, and during their +wanderings had solved the mystery of a five-hundred-dollar bill. + +The second volume, "The Outdoor Girls at Rainbow Lake," tells of a +summer full of interest and adventure during which the horse Grace was +riding ran away with her. This misfortune led to the loss of some very +valuable papers, with a subsequent strange happening on an island, +about which, and the recovery of the papers, you may read, dear reader, +if you will. + +"The Outdoor Girls in a Motor Car" is the third book of the series. Yes, +there really was a house where all sorts of weird sights and sounds +might be seen and heard at night if one had the courage to stay around. +And you may imagine the consternation of the Outdoor Girls when Mollie +was captured by the "ghost." + +At the end of a delightful summer, spent in touring the country in +Mollie's car, the girls had a wonderful chance to spend the winter in +the woods. Needless to say, they took advantage of the opportunity. The +fourth book, "The Outdoor Girls in a Winter Camp," describes the +settlement of a certain property dispute, involving Mr. Ford. The happy +result was made possible by the good fortune that favors our girls. This +volume tells also how Amy was claimed by a brother, of whose existence +she was unaware. + +Then followed their adventures in Florida during which the girls had +succeeded in finding Will Ford, Grace's brother, who had been virtually +kidnapped by a villainous labor contractor and had been set to work in a +turpentine camp. The fifth volume, entitled "The Outdoor Girls in +Florida; or, Wintering in the Sunny South," tells of many other +adventures the girls had during their winter among the "orange +blossoms," but now it was over, and Deepdale, which they had left +covered deep with snow, had begun once more to stir with life beneath +the gentle touch of spring. + +In the sixth book, "The Outdoor Girls at Ocean View," the girls have +many good times and stirring adventures. The discovery of a box, +containing veritable riches in diamonds, led to the kidnapping of Betty +and Amy and their subsequent rescue. + +And now that spring had dipped into summer, and they were again in +Deepdale, was this ride of theirs, begun so joyously, about to end in +tragedy? + +"Frank, Frank!" screamed Grace, "if you don't stop, I'll jump, I will--I +will!" + +"No, you won't! Sit where you are!" her brother Will commanded sternly. +"Sit still, I tell you!" + +On, on, they went with ever-increasing speed, while Frank tried +desperately to jam the useless brake--but to no effect! The car was like +a horse with the bit between its teeth, plunging madly to destruction. + +"Oh, oh, _oh_!" screamed Grace, pressing her hands tightly before her +eyes. "We're going to be killed, I know it!" + +There was a shock, a sound like tearing cloth, the big machine plowed +half its length through the big haystack and--stopped! + +"Frank, I'm getting smothered; won't you dig me out?" It was Betty's +voice, plaintive and half hysterical. + +Will and Frank shook the hay from their own eyes and then went to the +rescue of the girls. Then they stared at each other. Gradually the look +of utter bewilderment faded from their faces and a smile flashed from +one to the other like a ray of sunshine. + +Then suddenly Mollie laughed. "Oh, you look so funny!" she gasped. "Just +when I thought we were all going to be killed----" + +"You get disappointed," Frank finished with a rueful smile. "Just the +same, it's lucky for us that big haystack was just exactly where it is," +he added. "When I hit the rock I sure thought we were all goners." + +"Oh, don't," begged Grace, then added, with a shame-faced little smile, +"I'm sorry I made such a fuss--I always am ashamed of myself when the +danger is over." + +"You needn't apologize, Grace," said Betty, quickly. "If there's one +time you ought to be excused for making a fuss it's when you think it's +going to be your last chance." + +That was Betty all over--bright, generous, fun-loving, the acknowledged +leader of the girls. Grace was tall, graceful, slender, with a pretty +face framed in a wealth of bright hair. She was accustomed to take life +more easily than Betty and, although not a coward in the true sense of +the word, she was always willing to have the other girls go first. Then +there was Mollie, dark eyed and quick tempered, with more than a touch +of the French in her, but Betty's equal in bravery. The last of the +little quartette was Amy Blackford (formerly called Amy Stonington), who +has not yet appeared in this book. Up to a year before she had been +surrounded by a mystery which would have held great interest for the +girls even had they not loved and admired her for her own good +qualities. + +Such were the girls who, with Betty's help, were fast recovering their +good spirits. + +"If we can back the machine out of this haystack," Frank was saying, "I +guess we had better start for home." + +"But don't you think we had better walk," Grace suggested nervously. +"I'm afraid to trust myself to the old thing again." + +"Oh, there won't be any danger now," Will assured her. "We can go back +by a roundabout route where there aren't any hills to speed us into +haystacks. How about it, Frank?" + +"You're right! We are not going to take any more chances, I can tell you +that." Then, turning to the girl beside him, he added, "How are you +feeling, Betty? Awfully shaken up?" + +"Not a bit," she assured him, gaily. "Why, after the first shock I +really enjoyed it." + +"That's the way to talk and I'm mighty glad no one's hurt. Now for +home." + +After a great number of half starts and sudden stops they succeeded +finally in backing the great machine away from the haystack and out on +the road again. + +"Now remember your promise," cried Grace as they started off. "No more +speeding, Frank, and no more hills." + +"Right," he sang back, cheerily. "We have had excitement enough for one +day. Just watch me." + +And, true to his word, after an hour's roundabout trip, they swung +quietly into Deepdale, without having encountered further mishap on the +way. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +FORTUNES + + +Early the next morning Mollie hailed Betty as the Little Captain went up +the street. + +"Where to, so early?" she called. "Why didn't you stop for me?" + +"Oh, I was going to Amy's first, to find out how Mrs. Stonington is," +said Betty as she turned back. "Then I was going to stop in to see if +you would go with me to call on Grace. I promised her last night I would +come over this morning." + +"But isn't it early?" said Mollie, doubtfully. "Probably Grace won't +even be up yet." + +The Little Captain seated herself comfortably on the board step of the +veranda. "Yes she will," she said decidedly. "I told her yesterday that +if I came over this morning and found her in bed eating candy before +breakfast instead of enjoying the wonderful morning air, I'd never come +over again. She knows that I mean it, too." + +"Well, in that case, she may be up," laughed Mollie. "If you will wait a +minute I'll go with you to Amy's," she added and ran lightly into the +house. + +The girls found Mrs. Stonington very much improved and Amy only too glad +to get out into the glorious sunshine of the summer morning. + +As the three chums, clad daintily in white, with a background of velvety +green lawn to set them off, approached the Fords' beautiful home, they +were surprised beyond measure to see Grace swinging leisurely back and +forth in the big hammock under the trees. They stopped short and gazed +upon this spectacle. + +"And she's not eating chocolates either," remarked Amy in an awe-struck +voice. "What can have happened?" + +"I wish you would stop gazing at me like that," said Grace, raising her +head and looking at the three girls who were still regarding her +fixedly. "Is it my hair, or is my nose red, or is it my skirt that's too +tight? Please tell me and get it over with. I can stand anything but +this suspense." + +"A miracle has taken place--the impossible has happened!" cried Betty, +striking a theatrical pose. "Never again will I doubt the wisdom of +those so learned----" + +"What is she raving about, girls, do you know?" asked Grace plaintively. +"She never used to be like this." + +"It's the shock, that's all," interpreted Mollie. "Never mind, Betty," +she added soothingly. "You will get used to it in time." + +"Amy, you're the only sane one in that crowd," cried Grace in +desperation. "Will you kindly explain what those two lunatics are +talking about--if they know themselves!" This last was uttered so +vindictively that the girls came down from rhetorical heights with a +bounce. + +"Oh," laughed Betty, running up to Grace and giving her a hug. "You must +really forgive us, Grace dear, we just couldn't help it--you reformed so +suddenly, you know." + +"Reformed?" said Grace, still mystified, while she made room for the +other girls in the hammock. "What do you mean--'reformed'? I didn't know +I needed to." + +"Listen to the child," mocked Mollie. "Why, don't you know, Grace, that +there isn't one of us that doesn't need a lot of reforming?" + +"Speak for yourself, Mollie Billette," remarked Grace, a trifle shortly, +for her natural good temper was becoming ruffled under the continued +teasing. + +"Now, please, girls," said Betty, fearing a storm, "don't let's +quarrel, whatever we do. We were only surprised to see you up so early, +Grace, that's all. But now I'm mighty glad you are, because we'll have a +chance for a nice long talk. What time do you suppose it is now?" + +"It was nearly ten when I came out of the house," Grace replied, +placated by the Little Captain's tactful changing of the subject. "Can't +you all stay to lunch? Then we can make a good long day of it." + +The girls took a walk about town before lunch, just to "be sure of an +appetite," as Amy said. During the tramp they met Roy Anderson, an old +boy friend. + +"Are you doing anything particular this afternoon?" he wanted to know, +and upon the girls replying in the negative, asked if he might bring +some of the other boys around. "We have made a discovery!" he shouted +after them. "We'll tell you about it when we see you." + +And so, the noon meal over, the girls strolled out on the lawn again and +waited eagerly for what the boys might have to tell them. + +They had not long to wait--in fact they had barely had time to settle +themselves in the comfortable chairs, when along the road came--not the +boys, but a ragged, bent, old woman, leaning heavily on a twisted stick +for support. Instead of going straight on, as the girls had expected +she would do, the old woman turned in at the drive and made straight for +them. + +"What shall we do? Shall we go in the house?" whispered Grace to Betty. +"I don't like her looks very much, do you?" + +"She isn't particularly beautiful," Betty telegraphed back. "But she +can't possibly do us any harm. Let's wait and see what she has to say." + +As the old hag drew nearer, the girls instinctively shrank back in their +chairs. And, indeed, she was not a prepossessing figure. Her head was +bound about with an old red handkerchief, tied under the wrinkled chin +and framing a face seamed and crisscrossed with a million wrinkles. An +old, tattered shawl covered her bent shoulders, and the hand that +grasped the knotted stick was claw-like and emaciated. Her eyes were the +only part of her that seemed to retain some semblance of youth. They +were little and beady and exceedingly keen, so that when she raised them +to Betty's young face, that staunch little captain felt that she would +almost rather be anywhere else than there beneath the trees with the +searching eyes of the old crone fixed upon her. + +"What do you want?" Betty gasped, trying to make her voice calm and +steady, but with little success. + +"I won't hurt you, pretty ladies," said the old woman, divining their +repugnance and half-fear and desiring to placate them. "Won't you have +your fortunes told? Only twenty-five cents, and I can tell you of your +past and as much as you will of your future. Only a quarter, pretty +ladies." + +Betty glanced inquiringly at the other girls, but they shook their heads +decidedly--the mumbling old crone was getting on their nerves. + +"Not to-day," said Betty, as kindly as she could. "We are expecting +company and we haven't time. Some other time perhaps." + +"Some other day may be too late," said the old crone, leeringly. "Oh, +yes, you will have all the time there is to be miserable in. And you +will be! You will be! The curse be on you for refusing an old woman like +me the price of her bread!" and she hobbled down the long drive +muttering to herself and stopping once to shake her fist at the startled +girls. + +"Oh, did you ever!" Mollie exclaimed. Just then there was a sound of +jolly, masculine laughter and around a corner of the house came the +boys. + +"Oh, I've never been so glad to see anybody in all my life!" said Grace +with a little shiver, as the boys paused to gaze after the retreating +form of the old hag. "It is such a relief to have some boys around!" + +"I say! who's your venerable friend, Grace?" Roy inquired as he and his +friends joined the girls. + +"Yes, what did you do to her, Betty?" It was Allen Washburn who asked +the question. He was a young lawyer, liked and admired by every one in +Deepdale, and let it be said here that Betty was no exception to the +general rule. And as for young Allen Washburn himself, he never sought +to conceal his genuine admiration for the Little Captain. "The last I +saw of her, she was shaking her fist at the house. She didn't seem to be +in any too sweet a temper, either." + +"It was just because we wouldn't let her read our fortunes," Betty +explained. "Oh, I wouldn't let that old thing touch me!" + +"I could tell your fortune for you, if you'd only let me," whispered +Allen, so softly that only Betty heard. But that was as it should be, +since it was intended for her ear alone. + +"She looked just like a--oh, what do you call them?--the people that +wander around all the time and never have any homes--oh, I know, +gypsies," said Amy eagerly. "Wasn't she a gypsy, Will?" + +"Oh, now she's gone and spilled the beans!" said Frank, so ruefully +that they all laughed. "Here we come, all primed to give you a surprise, +and we find you prepared beforehand." + +"But what surprise?" asked Mollie. "She didn't tell us anything--we +wouldn't let her." + +"Yes, she did. She told you everything, only you don't know it," was +Will's enigmatic comment. "You see," he went on, "there's a gypsy +encampment near by and we thought you girls might like to visit it. The +caravans they use and the strange costumes are all mighty interesting." + +"Oh, won't that be fine!" said Grace eagerly. "I've always wanted to see +one of those things near by. When can we go?" + +"I thought you didn't like gypsies, Grace," Betty broke in. + +"Well, I wouldn't if they were all like this," answered Grace. "But +they're not, are they, Roy? There are lots and lots of really +romantic-looking ones if all the books I've read know anything about +it." + +"Of course there are. You don't suppose we'd take you to see a lot of +old crones like this peppery woman, do you?" Roy answered. "Why, I've +heard there are some mighty good-looking girls in this crowd." + +"Now I see why they're so anxious to go," laughed Betty. "I don't think +we'd better chance it, girls. They might become so charmed with the +fair gypsy maids that they'd forget our existence." + +"I don't think you need worry too much about that," said Allen, +answering the challenge in Betty's eyes. "The only question is whether +we will have eyes to see the charms of the gypsy maids." + +"Here! here!" shouted Will. "You're coming on, Allen, you're coming on. +I wish I could reel them off like that. Well, ladies, what day shall we +set for the adventure?" + +"To-night," said Betty promptly. + +"Good," Frank responded. "Betty has the right idea, all right. To-night +it is!" + +So it was settled, and when they parted eyes were bright with the +excitement of the coming adventure. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE GYPSY ENCAMPMENT + + +Betty was ready before any one arrived that night. The boys and girls +were to meet at her house and from there go on to the gypsy encampment. + +She sat on the porch with a light wrap thrown over one arm and waited +impatiently. + +"Oh, why don't they come?" she thought. "The girls said they would be +early, and the boys are always away ahead of time. Oh, here come Grace +and Will, now if the others will only hurry." + +"Hello, Betty! Been waiting long?" It was Will's cheery greeting. + +"Oh, for hours and hours," said the Little Captain with a sigh. "I'd +begun to think everybody had forgotten all about it. I'm so glad you're +here. You can keep me company anyway." + +"Oh, are we the first?" Grace was surprised. "I hurried Will till he +nearly had a fit. Said we would be ahead of everybody else, but I didn't +believe him." + +"Some day," said Will in a prophetic voice, "some day, young lady, you +will learn that I _do_ know something." + +"Oh, do you really think so?" said Grace, hopefully. "If that day ever +comes, Will, dear, I will be the very first to congratulate you." + +"Here come some of the others," Betty cried out. "I can't quite make +them out, but it looks like Roy and Amy and--yes--there's Allen, too. +But who is the other girl? It certainly isn't Mollie. I know her walk +too well." + +"No, it isn't Mollie," said Grace, slowly. "Do you know whom it looks +like, Betty?" + +"No," said that young person, straining her eyes in the direction of the +newcomers. "Who is it?" + +"I'm not sure but it looks like----" Grace paused a moment, then said +with conviction, "I'm right! It's Alice Jallow, and I don't like her +very much. What is she doing in our crowd anyway?" + +"That's what I would like to know," growled Will. "We had just enough +before. I don't know who's going to take care of her." + +"Will, don't be ungallant," warned his sister. "Play the game. Probably +there's some explanation, anyway." + +But to the Little Captain, as she watched the quartette approaching, +there seemed no plausible explanation. Why should Allen be paired off +with "this Jallow girl"? Betty knew very little of the latter except +that she was always trying to get in where she was not wanted. Well, she +certainly was not wanted now. Oh, why did Allen look so happy? If "this +Jallow girl" had her, Betty's, escort, where did she come in? Hot tears +of anger and mortification rose to her eyes, but she drove them back +mercilessly and her greeting to the newcomers was as merry as ever. + +"Hello, everybody!" she called. "You surely took long enough to get +here." + +"Hello, Betty! This is----" Amy paused, then went on rather awkwardly. +"You see, Alice happened to be at the house when the boys came +and--well--we brought her along," she finished, lamely. + +"And here I am," said Alice effusively. "I do hope I'm not putting any +one out. The idea of visiting the gypsy camp was so fascinating that I +simply couldn't resist the temptation. I think you might have let me in +on it in the first place," and she looked reproachfully at Allen. + +That young gentleman had been sending imploring looks in Betty's +direction over Alice Jallow's head, which the former had chosen +absolutely to ignore. Now, being thus appealed to, he smiled down at +Alice. + +"It certainly was a grave oversight on our part," he said. + +Betty felt as if her little world had been turned upside down and she +wanted to shake somebody--it didn't much matter who it was--but shake +somebody she must, good and hard! + +Just at this critical moment up came the two missing ones, Mollie and +Frank--and a third. + +"Now, who is that?" thought the poor Little Captain in despair. "If this +keeps on, we shall have the whole town assembled pretty soon. Oh, dear!" + +"Betty, this is a friend of mine, Jack Sanford," Frank introduced him in +his own pleasant way. "He's not such a bad chap when you get to know him +well," he added, while his friend thanked him, ironically. + +Betty acknowledged the introduction gaily. If Allen liked "this Jallow +girl," why, he could, that was all! and she was not going to let them +spoil the evening for her. Besides, here was one providentially sent, or +so it seemed to her. And he was nice, too, very nice! He seemed to be +hail-fellow-well-met with the boys. And the girls--well, one could see +that they liked him from the start. But if only Allen would not look so +happy! + +"Suppose we start, now we're all here," suggested Roy. "The sooner we +get there the more time we'll have." + +"Bright boy," commented Allen. "How did you ever find that out?" Then, +under cover of the laughter and the darkness, he found Betty's hand and +held it for a moment. "Betty," he pleaded, "I----" + +"May I, Miss Nelson?" It was Jack Sanford, bowing low before her. + +"Sounds like a dance," laughed Betty, and added: "Indeed you may. Oh, +isn't it a wonderful night?" + +Allen ground his teeth and once more submitted to the effusive +attentions of Alice Jallow. If Betty could have seen him then she would +have been moved to pity. + +"Is it very far to the camp?" Mollie asked, after they had been walking +some time. "I'm anxious to get there." + +"Not very far, now," Roy assured her. "It's just on the outskirts of the +town. Just wait till you get there. When you see how interesting it is +you won't mind the walk." + +"I guess you don't know whom you are talking to," called Betty, just +behind them. "You forget that walking is our middle name." + +"Pardon, fair damsel," said Roy in mock humility. "I must confess I had +forgotten for the moment that----" + +"Oh, look! look! All the bonfires and things and people sitting around +them!" Mollie interrupted. "That must be the camp, isn't it, Roy?" + +It really was the camp. The young people drew closer together as they +neared it, fascinated, yet half afraid. There were huge bulky objects in +the background beyond the illuminated circle of firelight. + +"Those are the caravan wagons, aren't they?" demanded the Little Captain +in hushed tones. "Oh, I wish I could see inside one of them." + +"Yes, they are the Pullman cars of the gypsies," laughed Jack. "Perhaps +you wouldn't like them so much inside if you did see them," he added. + +"Oh, let's go on," urged Grace at Betty's elbow. "I'm dying to see more +of them, even if I am horribly afraid. Just look at all the tents they +have put up. They must expect to stay a long time." + +The girls' eyes grew wider and wider as they advanced toward the circle +of flickering firelight. It seemed they were not the gypsies' only +visitors, for there were many residents of Deepdale, some of whom the +girls recognized. + +The roving folk had set forth their wares upon rudely constructed +tables, ready for the first purchaser. Some of the things were truly +beautiful--pieces of rare old lace, chains and chains of many-colored +beads, silver that was polished till it reflected dazzlingly the dancing +firelight. There were rude tents set aside for the telling of fortunes, +and somewhere further back in the camp the wild, sweet strains of a +violin mingled with a man's sweet tenor voice. + +"Some of those fellows surely can sing," Frank remarked. "I'd give a +good hundred dollars this minute if I had his voice." + +"I wish I could find one for you, Frank," said Grace. "I need the +hundred badly." + +The young people spent over an hour wandering about the place, enjoying +to the full the novelty and the romance of it all. + +Just as they had about made up their minds that it was time to go home, +Betty, who had exclaimed more than once over the beauty of some of the +young gypsy girls, their beauty being emphasized by the picturesque +clothes they wore, stepped back to look into a tent they had passed a +moment before. + +Allen saw his opportunity and was quick to improve it. + +"You must be careful how you trot about alone here, Betty. You know----" +he began, when she interrupted him. + +"Oh, it is!" she said. "It is!" + +"What?" asked Allen, mystified. + +She drew him back into the shadows before she answered. "I wasn't sure, +but now I know," she said. "That's the very old woman who wanted to tell +our fortunes at Grace's this afternoon." + +"Well, what of it?" he inquired, with an attempt to be reassuring. "She +won't hurt you--not while I'm around." + +"Oh, but I don't like her looks," and the girl shivered slightly. + +"You need your coat, Betty," said Allen. "Where is it?" + +"Jack--Mr. Sanford has it. I'll get it." + +She started forward, but he laid a restraining hand on her arm. "Betty, +Betty," he whispered. "You're not going to keep this up, are you?" + +"What do you mean?" she questioned, with an attempt at dignity that was +not a very great success. + +"You know as well as I do," he answered. "It wasn't my fault. Amy +introduced her and I--well, I had to be decent. Betty, don't you know +me well enough----" + +"Where have you people been anyway?" It was Amy's voice. "We've been +looking all over for you." + +"Right here, every minute," said Allen cheerily, and the little party +started on again. Not, however, before Mollie and Grace had exchanged +very significant glances. + +The young people turned for a last look at the gypsy rendezvous before a +bend in the road shut it from view. + +"I've had an awfully good time," said Grace, then added, irrelevantly: +"I only hope those gypsies don't steal anything." + +"That's a good hope," whispered Allen in Betty's ear. "They are dabsters +when it comes to getting away with other people's property." + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THIEVES IN DEEPDALE + + +The door bell rang out its noisy summons. + +Betty forestalled the maid on her way to the portal with a merry: "I'll +go, Mary. It's probably one of the girls." + +It was not one of the girls only, but all three of them, and seemingly +in the wildest excitement. + +"Oh, Betty, Betty!" Mollie cried, not even stopping to say "hello." +"Have you heard the news--have you?" + +"No, it's so early----" began Betty, but Grace interrupted her. + +"But it isn't half as bad as what happened to us," she said, sinking +into a porch chair and fanning herself violently, being overcome either +by the heat or her emotions--possibly both. "Why! dad's running around +the house like a mad man this morning, swearing all sorts of vengeance +on the thief, whoever he or she is--I suppose it must be a he, though, +because women don't steal----" + +"Hold on, hold on a minute," commanded Betty, her hands over her ears. +"How _do_ you expect me to find out what has happened if you won't come +to the point?" + +"Well, I was going to tell you if you'd only have a little patience," +Grace continued, in an injured voice. Here she paused to put into her +mouth a chocolate cream, which she had taken from a little box she had +brought with her. Then, seeing Amy about to speak, she went on hastily, +holding the box out mutely toward her friends, who all shook their +heads. "Here I rush all the way over and get all heated up and +everything----" + +"Oh, for goodness' sake, Grace!" Mollie broke in, having come to the end +of her patience. "If you don't tell the story I will. You have been half +an hour already getting nowhere." + +At this dire threat Grace continued quickly. "Oh, well," she +capitulated, "since you are in such a hurry--well, the fact is, Betty, +Beauty's been stolen," and she delivered the terrible news in a hushed +voice. + +"Oh!" said Betty, horrified. "And your father valued him above all the +rest. Are you sure he was stolen, Grace?" + +"Well, I don't see what else could have happened to him." Now that she +had delivered her news, Grace was once more as calm and composed as +ever. "The horse couldn't very well file the padlock from the outside or +climb out the window, and the groom wouldn't be very likely to take him +for a gentle stroll in the middle of the night. And unless one of those +things has happened, Beauty has been stolen. Anyway, he's gone, there's +no doubt of that." + +"That's pretty bad--I can imagine just how your father feels, Grace," +Betty's voice was grave. "I do hope they will be able to trace him. Does +your father suspect the gypsies?" + +"Yes, ever since the store was robbed the other night, dad has been +suspicious of them," Grace answered. "He has tried to watch his horses +with especial care, too. That's one thing that makes him so tearing mad +to-day. Oh, you should have heard him!" and Grace sighed at the memory. + +"I remember," said Betty thoughtfully, "that Allen said something the +other night when we went to visit their camp about the gypsies being +expert thieves. From the way things have turned out I guess he knew what +he was talking about." + +"And they looked so nice and romantic, too," said Amy, and drew a sigh +at the irony of fate. + +This conversation took place between the girls on a certain morning +several days after their memorable visit to the gypsy camp. A day or so +before one of the large stores of the town had been looted and +practically cleaned out. For two days Deepdale had been in a furore of +excitement and indignation, for in the memory of most of the inhabitants +no such crime had ever been perpetrated. There had been small robberies, +of course, but that Hendall's, traditionally the oldest store in +Deepdale, should have been treated to such insult, and by a band of +roving gypsies, too--for every one suspected them from the first--why, +it was unheard of! incredible! + +Detectives and sheriff had searched the town from end to end but had +found no sign of the missing goods. They had visited the gypsy camp, +too, submitting it to a strict investigation, but with no result. The +countryside had been scoured for miles around, but no trace had as yet +been found of the missing criminals nor of their loot. Indeed, the +thieves had covered their tracks well, and the inhabitants of Deepdale +were beginning to lose hope of immediate reparation. + +Such was the chaotic state of affairs on this beautiful summer morning +when Mr. Ford had awakened to find his splendid horse, Beauty, the +ornament of his stables and the pride of his heart, strangely and +inexplicably missing. + +For an hour or so the girls pondered on these two mysterious robberies +and found themselves not one whit nearer the solution. It was Mollie who +finally suggested that they go to her house and look at a couple of new +dresses she had bought recently. "It will help get our minds off the +robbery," she said. + +The girls agreed readily, for they were always anxious to see Mollie's +things. "They are always so novel," Grace had once said, and Mollie had +been uncertain whether to ticket it a compliment or otherwise. + +"Really, my head aches trying to figure things out," Amy complained, as +they neared the Billette home. + +"Well, it seems to me it is just about time some of those detectives +found things out for us," Mollie rejoined. "Will ought to be able to +help, Grace," she added, "since he is in the secret service." + +"You may be sure he is doing his best," Grace retorted with spirit. +"Those gypsies make thieving their profession and it isn't always as +easy to track them as it seems. If you don't believe me, just try it +yourself." + +"I didn't say anything about not believing you," Mollie rejoined, icily. +"And there's no reason why you have to go up in the air about nothing. +I was simply suggesting, that's all." + +"Girls, some day, I am just going to get terribly angry about something +and then let fly," Betty broke in. "I'd just like to know what would +happen and where we would end up if you didn't have me to act as +peacemaker." + +"Probably in the county jail for disturbing the peace," said Grace +ruefully, and Mollie laughed, thereby restoring harmony, for the time +being at least. + +"Oh, hurry, please do hurry, Mollie!" A small cyclone precipitated +itself out of the house and into Mollie's arms. "Muvver's cwyin' tuwible +and she's telephonin' to evwybody to make you come home quick. +Oh--oh----" This was the beginning of a muffled wail--silenced by +Mollie's hand over the small one's mouth. + +"Dodo, don't cry," Mollie implored. "What is the matter with mother? Is +she sick? Oh, don't bother to tell me--I'll see for myself. Come on, +girls." + +"Had we better?" asked Betty, with instinctive delicacy. "It may be +something she won't want us to know." + +"Oh, don't be silly," cried Mollie, impatiently, shoving the three girls +before her through the doorway. "You know as well as I do that we +haven't any secrets from you. Oh, what can be the matter?" + +They found Mrs. Billette in the library where her small daughter, +Dora--nicknamed Dodo, and one of a pair of exceedingly mischievous +twins--ran to tell her of Mollie's timely arrival. + +The girls followed hesitatingly, as Mollie rushed forward and threw her +arms about her mother's neck, crying: "Mother, dear, what is it? Dora +says you have been crying and that you have been telephoning for me all +over. Oh, I wish I had known! We would have run all the way." + +"Oh, I suppose a few moments more or less would make no difference. It +wouldn't bring back the silver," said Mrs. Billette, quietly. Hysterics +had given place to a sort of despairing resignation. "Only, at first, I +felt as if I must talk to some one about it. The twins didn't +understand, of course, and I couldn't very well talk to Jane." + +"But, Mother, what is it?" Mollie demanded again. "Has Aunt Elvira died +or has Paul caught the mumps, or----" + +"Of course not, Mollie! How silly of you," her mother broke in, +impatiently. "Aunt Elvira will probably live another twenty years. And +as for Paul's having the mumps----" + +"Then what is it? Have we been robbed?" Mollie's little foot tapped a +sharp tattoo on the floor. + +"That is just what has happened to us," said Mrs. Billette, as the girls +stared incredulously. "We've been robbed of some things that money never +can replace. Oh-oh-oh, if I had only put it in a safer place! How could +I have been such a fool! Oh! oh!" and Mrs. Billette, poor woman, was +fast verging on another attack of hysteria. + +Mollie put her arms about her mother soothingly. "There, there, Mother," +she crooned. "It may turn out all right after all. But, remember, you +haven't told us what is lost yet," she suggested, with a gentleness very +unlike her former impatience. "I think it would make you feel much +better to talk about it. Did you say it was the silver that had been +stolen?" + +"Yes, the silver tea service that has been in the family for over a +hundred and twenty years." Mrs. Billette's French origin gleamed in her +dark eyes as she added: "Oh, if we could only catch them! I'd like to +make them suffer for this!" + +From Mrs. Billette's rather disjointed story the girls gathered that not +only the valuable tea service was missing, but also a number of smaller +articles, such as knives and forks. Then there was a valuable jet +necklace which Mrs. Billette had locked up with the silver for safe +keeping. + +The girls were stunned by this last calamity. They could think of one +solution and one only, and that was--the gypsies. + +As Betty took leave of the girls at her own door that noon, after vainly +urging them to stay to lunch--they were too impatient to get home and +spread the news to stop for anything, even lunch at Betty's--she heard +the jangle of the telephone. + +"Sorry you won't come in," she called. "I'll see you later, anyway!" and +she flew upstairs to answer the insistent summons. + +"Hello! . . . Oh, that you, Allen? . . . Yes, I've just come home from +Mrs. Billette's. . . . She has lost a silver tea service and some other +things. . . . What's that? . . . Yes, stolen. . . . Gone! . . . Are you +sure? . . . Oh, now they will never get their things! . . . Yes, come +over to-morrow and we can talk things over. . . . Don't be silly! . . . +Yes, come early. . . . Good-bye." + +As she hung up the receiver mechanically, Betty's gaze traveled out of +the window and over the smooth, green lawn to the far-distant horizon. + +"Gone!" she murmured. "The gypsies are gone! Oh, I wonder where they +went to?" + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +A WONDERFUL OUTING + + +"Hello, Betty, that you? Yes, this is Mollie, of course. It seems to me +that I'm always at the 'phone these days. But, oh, Betty, I just simply +couldn't wait a minute to tell you! . . . Yes, I've just received a +letter. . . . What's that? . . . No, mother hasn't been able to trace her +silver at all yet. Isn't it terrible? . . . Oh, well, she is becoming +resigned to the worst. . . . But, Betty, aren't you a bit interested? . . . +Yes, I know you are, dear, and it's very sweet of you. . . . Well, it's +from Aunt Elvira. Remember I told you the other day that she intended to +go to Europe? Well, it's about that. . . . Yes, there has been so much +excitement about these old gypsies that I had almost forgotten I had +such an aunt. . . . No, I won't tell you one thing more about it, except +that everything is O. K. Will you come over to-night? . . . What's +that--you can't? Oh, Betty, you just have to. Oh, well, if that's all +why don't you bring him along? . . . Yes, all the boys are coming anyway. +Will says he has something to talk over with us. . . . Then I may count +on you, to-night, honey? . . . All right--good-bye till then." + +This conversation took place in the morning. Promptly at eight that +evening the door bell rang and Betty, after a last peep in the mirror +and a finishing pat to her dress, flew down to answer the summons. + +"Right on the dot, Allen," she laughed, flinging the door wide open. +"The clock is just striking the hour--listen," and obediently he +listened, his eyes on Betty's face, while the sweet chimes filled the +hall with melody. + +"No wonder I am on the minute," he said, smiling whimsically. "I have +been wandering around for the past half hour trying to kill time. You +see I didn't quite dare to come at half-past seven." + +She laughed gaily. "You would have had to spend your time in the library +if you _had_ come early," she said. "Because I have been ready for only +half a minute. Here's your hat, Allen," she added, taking it down from +the peg where he had just deposited it for the evening. Her manner was +grave but mischief sparkled in her eyes. + +"What's the big idea?" he inquired, regarding the hat held out to him +with a puzzled expression. "I am very well acquainted with the article +in your hand. Too well acquainted, in fact, for this is the second +season we have been chums; and I see prospect of a third, if the law +business doesn't pick up. But, seriously, what is the idea, Betty? Do +you want me to go home and spend a dismal evening all by myself--is that +it?" + +"Far from it, Allen. Oh, please don't look so glum," she added, and the +mischief bubbled over from her eyes and she laughed happily. + +Opening Allen's hand, she placed the unwelcome hat therein and closed +his fingers over it. "The explanation for all this," she went on, making +him a curtsy, "is very simple. We have been invited to spend the evening +at Mollie's." + +"Oh, bother M----" he began, then added, decidedly: "I came to see you +to-night and I am not going to the Billettes' or anywhere else! Here, +hat, get back where you belong," and he flung the offending article back +on the hook with an air of finality that matched his words. + +"Please don't be an old bear," coaxed Betty, and Betty knew how to coax +to perfection. "Mollie has some perfectly wonderful news to tell us and +all our girls and boys are going to be there to hear it. You wouldn't +want me to be terribly disappointed--now you know you wouldn't," and she +looked at him appealingly. + +Mollie opened the door to them herself, radiantly eager to tell her +news. + +"Oh, hurry, you two!" she cried. "I thought you would never get here. We +have been waiting for--oh, ever so long." + +"Well, if we are the last, everybody must have turned over a new leaf +just for to-night," remarked Betty, as she started for the library from +which came a confused murmur of many voices, speaking all at once, with +now and then a burst of merry laughter. + +"Leave your hat here, Allen," said Mollie, and Betty threw him a merry +glance over her shoulder. + +"Hello, everybody," she called a moment later, as she flung aside the +portieres and stood framed in the doorway. "Mollie tells us we are the +last and----" + +"Well, so you are. We thought you and Allen had mistaken the date," said +Frank. "Accidentally on purpose," he added slyly. + +"Not a chance in the world, Frank," said Allen, who had come into the +room in time to hear the last remark. "I might be afflicted with loss of +memory; but, Betty--never!" They all laughed with enjoyment--all but +Betty who threw him a reproachful glance which he refused to catch. + +"Well, now we are here, let's have the news," said Roy, who was always +impatient to get to the heart of things. "Come on, Mollie--out with it." + +Nothing loath, Mollie settled herself with an important air and began +her tale. + +"Well, you see----" she began, when Will interrupted. + +"No, we don't. What?" he asked innocently. + +"Now I won't try to tell it at all if you are going to begin that," said +Mollie with asperity. And Grace added: + +"Do let Mollie tell it her own way, Will, and if you interrupt again, we +will get the boys to throw you out. You will do it, won't you, boys?" + +"Sure!" they shouted with one accord, and Will retired meekly into a +corner. + +"I'll begin all over again," said Mollie. "You all know, with the +exception of Amy and Allen, and they soon will, that I have been +expecting to hear from my aunt and uncle every day. They took rather a +long time to make up their minds, but now everything is settled. They +are really going to Europe, and we girls are going to have the use of +their bungalow, 'The Shadows,' for the summer. Or at least for the month +and a half that is left." + +"Splendid, Mollie! Where is the bungalow?" inquired Betty, leaning +forward eagerly. "We ought to have a wonderful time." + +"Well, I hope we shall," Mollie continued. "The bungalow is on an island +called Pine Island in Lake Tarracusio. They say it is a beautiful place, +and it is only about a day's journey in an auto. We could make it +easily." + +"All this is very fine, but where do we come in?" Allen inquired. "There +isn't room in this wonderful bungalow for us, is there?" + +"Of course not!" said Mollie scornfully. "And if there were, do you +think we would have you boys fussing around?" + +"Well, I was just in search of information," Allen answered defensively. +"And all I get is scorn and ridicule." + +"Hard luck, old man," said Will, feelingly. "I am in the same boat. But +you girls had better look out," he added threateningly. "Don't forget +that I had something to suggest to-night and if you don't treat me +better, I'll----" + +"Will this do," interrupted Mollie, and, with hands clasped in prayerful +attitude, she besought Will, with tears in her voice, to have pity. "Oh, +kind and noble sir," she said, "be kind--be gracious to us, your humble +slaves, and deign to honor----" + +"Now that's something like," broke in Will, beaming around on the +assembled company. "If you had done that from the first, Mollie----" + +"Oh, Will, please hurry," Betty urged impatiently. "I know you have +something good to tell us, and I wish you wouldn't keep us in such +terrible suspense." + +"Well, since you appreciate how great is the----" + +"Yes, yes, go on," Grace interrupted. + +"News I am about to impart," he continued without a glance in her +direction. + +"You will impart it," Allen finished for him. + +"Thank you," said Will, bowing gravely in Allen's direction. "As our +friend says, I will proceed. Well, to come down to brass tacks," he +continued, dropping the air of dignity, which, considering his youthful +appearance, was always very comical, "I thought maybe you fellows would +like to put up a tent on the same island and camp there near the girls +for the rest of the summer. We could have no end of fun." + +There was a yell of joy from the boys, and the excited exclamations, +questions and answers that followed showed that they agreed heartily +with Will in his last prophecy that "they would have no end of fun." + +"Oh, won't it be great!" cried Betty, her cheeks flushed with +excitement. "I do believe this is the very best of all," then her face +clouded as she turned to Allen, who had not been taking a very active +part in the conversation. + +"Do you think you can make it, Allen?" she asked, trying to keep the +eagerness out of her voice. "You said something about a change in the +management of the firm----" her voice was questioning. + +"Why, I was just wondering if I couldn't fix things up some way," he +answered seriously. "It looks as if some of our work might have to lay +over for a time anyway, and if it does----" + +"Of course you will have to manage it somehow, Allen," Frank broke in. +"Why, having you there would be half the fun!" + +"Oh, I guess I can," Allen began uncertainly. Then he continued: "But +you can just better believe if there is a chance in the world, I'll be +there." + +"That's the way to talk," cried Mollie. "Now there is just one important +thing we haven't decided yet, girls, and that is, whom are we going to +have for a chaperon." + +"I have been thinking of that, and I am sure I know just the one," said +Amy quietly; and they turned to her in amazement. Amy was like that, she +didn't talk much, but when she did, what she said was usually to the +point. "You all know young Mrs. Irving whose husband travels?" + +"And she seems sort of lonely sometimes," Grace added, taking a +chocolate nut from a dish of candy that Mollie had placed, for Grace's +special delectation, on the table. + +"Amy, you _are_ a wonder," said Mollie, regarding her chum with awe. "I +would never have thought of her in a thousand years, and of course she's +just the one." + +"Well, now that the all-important question of chaperon is happily +settled," said Roy, veering back to the point like a compass, "suppose +we decide when to start." + +After much discussion it was finally decided they were to start a week +from that day, which was Tuesday. + +It was late when Mollie's guests started for home, and even then they +were all reluctant to go. As Allen stood on the porch of the Nelson home +a few minutes later, Betty turned to him impulsively. + +"Oh, I do hope you will be able to go, Allen," she said. + +"Would you be sorry if I didn't?" he asked her, eagerly. + +"Why, of course." + +"Then, I'll be there," he said, with a smile. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +CLOSED FOR REPAIRS + + +"Grace, Grace, do wake up!" Betty looked at her sleeping chum in +absolute amazement. How could anybody sleep so soundly on this, the day +of days, when one should have been awake at six o'clock thinking over +the delights in store! + +Grace had come over the night before to talk over some minor details of +the outing, bringing with her a new and, she declared, a specially +delicious brand of chocolates. It had been so late when she had started +to leave that she had been prevailed upon to spend the night with Betty. +And so it was that on that eventful morning she lay slumbering +peacefully in the Little Captain's bed, defying all that impatient young +person's efforts to rouse her. + +"Grace! Grace!" Betty cried again. "Won't you please wake up? Why, it's +seven o'clock this minute! We have to be out of the house in an hour." + +Grace groaned dismally. "Oh, Betty, I will have to have some more +sleep," she wailed, pitifully. "If I don't I won't be fit for a thing +the rest of the day. Don't you suppose we could make it if we started by +nine?" she added hopefully. + +Betty paused in the act of putting on a shoe and held it poised in the +air while she gazed at her friend incredulously. + +"Grace Ford, of all the----" she almost stuttered. Then, as a thought +flashed before her mind she laughed delightedly. "Can't you see them, +Grace," she chuckled, putting on one shoe and picking up the other. +"Can't you see the boys when I tell them they will have to walk around +the block while Grace gets her beauty sleep. Oh! oh!" and even Grace had +to laugh at the picture. + +"They probably wouldn't wait anyway," Betty continued, with the tact of +a diplomat. "They would go on to The Shadows and let you follow later at +your leisure. It will be a nice, dusty, hot ride in the train, too," she +added, examining the lace on her handkerchief with the air of a +connoisseur. + +Grace sat up on the edge of the bed and regarded her chum reproachfully. +"Nobody has any heart at all, and you least of all, Betty Nelson," she +complained. "Oh, where did I put my slippers? I was so excited last +night I don't remember what I did with them," and she began a listless +search under the bed. + +"They are over by that chair," said Betty patiently. Then went on: "Oh, +Grace, dear, please wake up. You will give me the blues if you don't +shake off that dead and alive air. Imagine Betty Nelson with the blues +to-day." + +"It _is_ rather impossible," remarked Grace, regarding Betty's flushed +cheeks and dancing eyes with admiration. "I wish I didn't need any more +sleep than you, Betty. Oh, well, the worst part of getting up is over +now and I'll feel fine when I get some breakfast. You just watch me." + +"That's something like," Betty said approvingly. "Oh, Grace, we are +going to have one of the most glorious times we ever had in our lives +to-day." + +"Shouldn't wonder," Grace agreed. "What does that clock say, half-past +seven? Oh, Betty, now I _will_ have to hurry!" + +"If you glare at the clock like that it is apt to develop palpitation of +the heart and stop altogether," laughed Betty. "It can't help the time, +you know." + +"Well, that is the very first time I have ever been accused of stopping +a clock," said Grace with dignity. Then added plaintively: "And by my +best friend, too! Oh, well, I suppose you can get used to anything if +you try hard enough." + +"Oh, Grace, you're a dear when you look resigned like that," said Betty, +dancing over to her friend and hugging her ecstatically. "If you weren't +so pretty, I wouldn't dare talk about stopping clocks," she added, and +peace was restored, and soon both hurried down to breakfast. + +"Oh, there they are now," cried Betty, hastily swallowing the last of +her cocoa. "I knew they would be here before we were half ready. Oh, +Gracy, dear, hurry, will you!" + +"I am all ready," Grace answered. "Suppose you go out and speak to them +while I get the luggage. I'll bring down your hat and coat, too, if you +want me to." + +"You _are_ a dear," said Betty, for the second time this morning. +"Goodness, they are making enough noise with their old horns. Anybody +would think there were ten automobiles instead of two," and while she +ran out to greet the newcomers, Grace hurried--yes, actually +_hurried_--up the stairs to get the small bags they were to take with +them for immediate use, in case the trunks, which had been sent on +before, did not arrive in time. + +Betty found the others all radiant. Roy was at the wheel in Mollie's +car--she had invited him to act as chauffeur and he had gleefully +accepted--with Mollie herself beside him and Will and Amy in the +tonneau. + +The others--Mrs. Irving, their young and jolly chaperon, and the four +girls and boys--were to make the journey in Frank's big car, with Frank, +of course, at the wheel. + +"Hello, Betty!" Will shouted. "You are looking as sweet and fresh as a +daisy! Jump in! Where's that runaway sister of mine? I hope you +succeeded in getting her up in time." + +"I did--after considerable persuasion," laughed Betty. "I came out to +tell you we just have to get our outside things on and we shall be +ready. I can see Grace beckoning now--just a minute," and she ran toward +the house. + +"Can't we carry the luggage--and the chocolates?" said Frank and Allen +together. + +"If you insist," Betty flung the answer over her shoulder as she joined +Grace. + +The boys had tumbled out of the automobile and were racing up the drive +as if their lives depended on their reaching the porch at the same +second. The girls adjusted their pretty panamas before the wide mirror +while the boys picked up the bags and waited. + +"Is my hat on right, Allen, or should it be tilted a little more over +the left eye?" mimicked Frank, as they watched the girls. "Or, perhaps +it should be made to cover my face entirely?" + +"I think the latter--with places for the eyes and nose," said Allen in +the same tone of voice. + +"Anybody who invented such a hat would be a benefactor to the world at +large, Frank," said Betty, as she swept past him--her nose in the air. + +"Oof! That was an awful one," returned Frank, while Grace chuckled at +his discomfiture. "A few more of those, Betty, and I am afraid I shall +have to stay at home!" + +"That sounds just like Percy," Betty remarked, as the boys deposited the +luggage in the car and opened the door for the girls. "For goodness' +sake, don't take him for a model, Frank." + +"I wonder where the dear old chappie is, anyway," remarked Allen as he +took his seat between Betty and Mrs. Irving in the tonneau. Grace was to +sit with Frank. "I haven't seen him about town lately. I wonder if +mother has taken her darling boy to the seashore," he added, as the car +moved off. + +"I hope so. If she would only take him to Kalamazoo it would suit me +better," said Betty. "It's a wonder he didn't invite himself to come +along." + +"Nothing doing!" laughed Frank. "I can just imagine darling Percy +sleeping in a tent and cooking his own meals. Can't you, Allen? Oh, what +a circus!" + +"It is rather hard to imagine the immaculate Percy in those +surroundings," drawled Grace. "He would be running down to the river to +wash his hands every two minutes. How do we get over to the island from +the mainland, Betty, do you remember?" she added. "I know Mollie said +something about a steamer, but I didn't get a very good idea of it." + +"Oh, we will have lots of fun on it," Betty answered, enjoying the +prospect immensely. "Mollie says it is an old, rickety thing that looks +as if it were going to pieces any minute. She thinks it must be at least +two hundred years old, if what her aunt says is true. It will be awfully +interesting." + +"Yes, especially if it fulfills its promise and goes to pieces in the +middle of the lake," Grace remarked dryly. "I wouldn't mind the dip in +weather like this, but I would rather choose the time and place." + +"Well, perhaps it _would_ be better if we put on our bathing suits +first," Betty admitted. "Then we would at least be prepared for the +worst." + +"I wouldn't call that the worst thing that could happen to us," said +Allen; and when the girls looked to him for an explanation he added: "It +would be no end of fun to be dumped in the river with a boatful of +pretty girls. Think of the good time we could have rescuing you." + +"Well, maybe you call that fun, but I should say it was pretty hard +work," said Frank, ungallantly. "Especially if the girls should lose +their heads and begin to choke you. All hail, for Davy Jones' locker!" + +"You needn't worry," said Betty, with dignity. "In the first place we +wouldn't have to be rescued. We can swim just as well as you boys +can----" + +"Now, now, Betty," Frank protested laughingly, "don't exaggerate." + +"I'm not," she denied indignantly. "We haven't lived in the outdoors for +nothing, you know." + +"Well, we shall have a chance to settle all disputes when we get to Pine +Island," said Allen. "To change the subject--has anybody noticed that +the sun has gone under a cloud and that there is a stiff little breeze +coming up? I shouldn't wonder if we were in for a storm." + +"Yes, we may need our bathing suits even before we get to the island," +said Betty, ruefully. "I hope you didn't forget to bring your suit, Mrs. +Irving," she added, turning to the chaperon, who had been singularly +silent during the ride. Perhaps she was realizing for the first time the +great responsibility she had taken upon herself. However, she spoke now, +accompanying her words with a bright smile. + +"Indeed I did," she said. "There is nothing I enjoy quite so much as a +good swim. From what you girls say of the island we ought to have as +many as we want." + +"I am very much afraid we won't leave to wait till we get there," said +Frank, regarding the sky anxiously. "Unless I am a pretty poor prophet +we are in for a considerable spell of bad weather. What do you say, +Allen?" + +"I say you are right and then some," Allen answered emphatically. "I +think it would be a pretty good stunt to get the top up, Frank, before +the girls are deluged." + +Accordingly Frank slowed down and waited for Mollie's trim little +machine to catch up with them. + +"What do you make of the weather?" asked Will, as they came up +alongside. "Looks pretty threatening, don't you think?" + +"If you don't want to get wet, you had better do what we are going to," +Frank advised them. "Put your top up." + +"Oh, hurry, Frank, I felt a drop then!" exclaimed Grace. "And there's +another! Oh, do hurry!" + +The boys worked quickly and in a few moments had raised the tops and +were ready to let down the waterproof sides that would make them +comfortable in almost any weather. + +"We are going to speed up some," Frank shouted to those in the other +car. "When the roads get muddy it's going to be pretty hard going, so we +want to make good time now." + +"Aye, aye, Captain!" Roy answered. "Lead, and we follow." + +For a short distance all went well. In fact, the girls rather liked +riding in the rain. Then suddenly, without any warning, Frank stopped +the car. + +"What is it, Frank?" cried Grace in alarm. "Did you run over somebody?" + +"No, it's worse than that," he answered gloomily. "Look, the road's +closed for repairs!" + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE JET NECKLACE REAPPEARS + + +The girls and boys stared at each other, dismay written on their faces. +The road closed and the rain pouring down in torrents--a nice +predicament! It was Mrs. Irving's calm voice which first broke the +silence. + +"There must be some way around," she said. "It will take us a little +longer, that's all." + +"Oh, of course we shall be able to strike the main part of the road +again if we go a couple of miles out of our way," Frank agreed, a +worried frown on his forehead. "The only question is, how are we going +to find our way? I didn't bring a chart with me--worse luck." + +"Perhaps Roy has one," Betty suggested. "He usually carries a lot of +junk like that around with him." + +"Well, if he has this particular species of junk it will come in mighty +handy just now," said Frank, hopefully. "I'll stick my head out and yell +at him. Gee, it sure is raining some!" and he craned his neck toward +the other car, squinting his eyes to keep out the stinging drops. "Hey, +Roy!" he shouted. "Do you happen to have anything like a map of the +surrounding country in your inside vest pocket? If you have, throw it +over. We are stuck good and plenty." + +"I don't get you, old man," Roy shouted back. "Say the first part of +that speech over again, will you?" + +Frank drew in his head and mopped his face and hair with a huge silk +handkerchief. "Two minutes before the next plunge," he announced to the +amused occupants of his car. "Allen, if he doesn't get me this time you +will have to change places with me. I'll be almost drowned," then he +thrust his head out once more and shouted in the direction of Mollie's +car. + +"I said, have you a map of this here countryside?" he repeated. "Betty +says you usually carry such things with you." + +"Sorry I can't oblige," came his disappointing answer. "I left that home +in my old coat this morning." + +"Of course, just when you knew we would probably need it!" Frank +retorted scathingly. "Now we'll have to hike along and trust to luck. +Nobody knows where we will end up." + +"Well, you needn't blame it on me," Roy shouted wrathfully. "I couldn't +be expected to see twenty miles down the road from Deepdale." + +"Nobody accused you of it," Frank answered, in the same belligerent +voice. "But as long as you had the chart you might have thought far +enough----" + +Grace seized Frank's arm and pulled him back into the machine. "For +goodness' sake, what is the use of making such a fuss about that old +map?" she said. "And in the rain, too!" + +"Yes, if that were you and I, Grace," said Betty, "the boys would say +something about 'isn't that just like a woman,' or, 'aren't girls the +limit--always arguing about nothing?'" + +"Votes for women!" Allen shouted. "Since when have you taken to stump +oratory, Betty?" + +"Oh, she is just naturally eloquent," said Grace languidly and they all +laughed, even Frank--although his brow clouded anxiously a minute later. + +"However, all this isn't getting us anywhere," he said. "We can't stay +out here in the rain all night, you know." + +"I don't believe any of us expect to," said Allen, dryly. "What do you +say we take that side road we passed a little way back, Frank? We can at +least see where it leads and we can inquire our way as we go along." + +"I don't know whom we shall find to inquire of," said Frank, who, +contrary to his usual custom, persisted in looking at the gloomy side of +everything. "We didn't pass a soul on the way down." + +"Please cheer up, Frank," laughed Betty. "You ask us to make a +suggestion and then when we do you scout it. Suppose you tell us what +_you_ would like to do." + +"I know what I should _like_ to do," he added, readily. "I should like +to break down that board that is in our way and go ahead whether they +like it or not. Nothing would give me greater pleasure." + +"However?" suggested Allen. + +"However, I know we'd get pinched--pardon, ladies--I mean, pulled in. +That doesn't sound just right, either, does it?" and he regarded them +with laughing eyes. + +"I imagine 'arrested' is the word you want," said Betty, demurely. + +"That's it, thank you," he said, all irritability gone as suddenly as it +had come. "So, as long as that is understood, perhaps we might do worse +than follow Allen's suggestion, after all." + +"Genius always triumphs in the end," said Allen, with a gravity that set +them laughing. + +"Perhaps it would be better if we hurried a little," Mrs. Irving +suggested, when they had had their laugh out. "With no delay it would +take us almost till sundown to reach The Shadows and I don't want to be +too late." + +"All right, here goes to try to back the old bus out of this mud-hole +and turn her around," Frank agreed. "I don't know how long it will take +us, though." + +"You had better tell Roy what you are going to do," Grace suggested. "We +don't want any collisions." + +Frank obediently thrust out his head, only to jerk it back quickly the +next instant with a startled exclamation. "They are gone!" he said. + +"Gone!" the others cried together. + +"But they couldn't have gone far," Mrs. Irving added. + +"Probably they have motored back to the crossroads to wait for us," +Allen suggested. "When they saw the blockade they knew there was just +one thing to do and they did it." + +"Well, they might at least have told us where they were going," Frank +grumbled. "They should have known Mrs. Irving would be worried." + +"They probably thought they'd decamp before the mud got so bad," said +Betty. "Just the same, they should have told us." + +"You are right," Mrs. Irving agreed. "However, the only thing to do now +is to follow them as quickly as possible." + +For answer, Frank threw in the clutch, and the big machine very slowly +and painfully plowed its way through the clinging mud of the road and +turned its face toward the crossroads and, in all probability, Mollie's +runaway car. + +"No wonder they want to repair the road," said Frank when they were well +under way. "If the rest of it is any worse than this I should think they +would need a new one." + +"There's Mollie's car, straight ahead," said Grace a moment later. "I +wager they are just sitting there as large as life, laughing at us." + +"Let them laugh," said Frank savagely. "It's good to see somebody +happy." + +"Well, if that's all you want," sang Betty, cheerily, "just look at +Grace and Mrs. Irving and Allen and me. I, for my part, am having the +time of my life. And look, everybody," she added, "it isn't raining +nearly so hard as it was. We will be seeing the sun next!" + +"There is just one thing that is better to have along than the sun," +said Allen, softly. Mrs. Irving, hearing, smiled knowingly to herself. + +When they overtook the car ahead, Roy explained that they had gotten out +of the way to make room for Frank's big car to turn around. + +"You surely gave us plenty of it," Frank remarked dryly, upon hearing +the explanation. "But we will have to hurry now if we expect to get +anywhere before dark." + +As they all heartily agreed to this, especially Mrs. Irving, there was +no further discussion and the cars swung down the narrow side road at a +very good pace--good, that is, considering the going. + +They had been riding for half an hour when suddenly Betty's prediction +came true. The rain stopped entirely and the sun peeped out from behind +the clouds, touching the leaden sky with gold. + +"I knew it, I knew it!" cried Betty in delight. "Now we can take down +the top, can't we, Frank? Oh, let's do it!" + +"Mighty good suggestion, Betty," Frank agreed, bringing the car to a +stop once more. "The good old sun sure does change everything, doesn't +it?" + +Five minutes later the cars started on again, with the breeze fanning +the faces of the occupants and the sun pouring down goldenly upon them. +As Frank had said, "The world was a different place to live in." + +A moment later those in Frank's car were surprised to see Roy stop his +automobile and signal them to draw up alongside. + +"Did you see that gypsy girl who just passed in front of us?" Mollie +whispered when they had done as they were desired. Then, as the girls +nodded assent, she continued excitedly: "Well, I am almost sure she had +on that jet necklace that disappeared with mother's silver! Oh, if we +could only follow the girl we might find that too! Oh, can't we--can't +we?" she added, fairly dancing with excitement. + +"Sure, come ahead, fellows!" cried Allen, who was always ready for +adventure. "Did you see which way she went, Roy?" + +"Over this way, I think," Roy answered. "We may be able to trace her to +the gypsy camp. There must be one near here, and it is probably the +same." + +"We'll be back in a minute," called Will, and then the boys disappeared +in the underbrush. + +"Oh, I'm afraid to have them go," whispered Betty fearfully. "Suppose +one of those murderous-looking gypsies should stab them in the back!" + +"One gypsy couldn't do it all," said Grace with a little nervous laugh. +"I guess they can take care of themselves, Betty. We needn't worry." + +"What do you think, Mrs. Irving?" Amy asked quietly. "The boys went off +in such a hurry they didn't give you a chance to say anything if you had +wanted to." + +"I imagine talking wouldn't have done much good anyway," answered Mrs. +Irving with a smile. "Besides, there should not be any danger if they +only keep their wits about them." + +"Oh, mother will be the happiest woman in the world if they can only +find her silver for her." Mollie was so agitated she was actually +trembling. "Girls, do you think they will?" + +"There, there, don't get so excited about it, Mollie, dear," cautioned +the Little Captain. "You may be sure the boys will do the very best they +can." + +At the end of the hardest hour they had ever spent, for inaction was not +easy for Outdoor Girls, they heard the welcome sound of masculine voices +and the regular tramp-tramp of the boys' feet. + +"Oh, oh," they cried together in whole-souled relief, while Mollie added +eagerly: "Did you get it--did you?" + +Allen, who was in the lead, shook his head regretfully. "We couldn't +find a sign of anything," he said. "Not even the camp." + +"But if you didn't find anything, what ever in the world kept you so +long?" Betty demanded. "We imagined all sorts of horrible things +happening to you." + +"Oh, you couldn't get rid of us," said Will, cheerily. "We hated to come +back empty handed--that's all." + +"Well, we are mighty glad to get you back," said Mollie, who, after the +first disappointment, had become resigned to the inevitable. + +"That's the way to make them appreciate us; eh, fellows?" said Frank, as +he flung himself into the car. "They don't realize how good we really +are till they think we are gone." + +"Right you are, Frank," said Roy. "What do you say to full speed ahead?" + +"Full speed ahead it is," Frank agreed, and they were off like a shot +down the road. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +PINE ISLAND AT LAST + + +The Outdoor Girls and their boy friends made good time for the rest of +the journey and it was not quite sundown when they came in sight of the +beautiful shores of Lake Tarracusio. + +"We will have to leave the automobiles somewhere in town, won't we?" +asked Amy, as the two machines drew up side by side for a final +consultation. + +"Of course," said Grace. "According to Mollie's description of the +rickety old steamer I should think it would have all it could do to +carry us--let alone the machines." + +"There ought to be at least one big garage in town, Frank," Betty +suggested. "Let's move along the main street until we find it." + +"Nobody asks me for my advice," complained Mollie, in an injured tone. +"And I am the most likely one to know about it." + +Mollie gave the directions for finding the garage which her aunt had +written. A minute later they drew up before the place and tumbled out, +bag and baggage, in obedience to Frank's instructions. + +While the boys were in the garage talking to the proprietor, the girls +had a chance to look about them. + +"Isn't it lovely?" cried Mollie delightedly. "It looks just like the +little colored pictures of towns they have in the magazines sometimes. +The same quaint little frame houses with green shutters and well-kept +lawns in front----" + +"And flower beds with borders of white shells," Amy finished for her. "I +know just what you mean, Mollie; I've seen them myself." + +"Girls," said Betty, jumping up from the overturned suitcase she was +using for a seat, and speaking impressively, "I have a feeling----" here +she paused for effect. "I have a feeling," she continued, "that we are +going to have a good time." + +"Humph," snorted Mollie. "Why don't you tell us something we don't +know?" + +"Get off the luggage, you girls!" Will commanded, good-naturedly. "The +man in there says we have just exactly five minutes to catch that joke +steamer for the island, and if he is right, we've got to hustle. Sling +over that bag, Sis, will you?" + +"With the greatest of pleasure," said Grace. "But will somebody kindly +tell me how we are going to make that boat in five minutes?" + +"By running like the very wind," Frank declared, and, picking up two +suitcases in one hand, he propelled Grace down the street with the +other. "Please hurry," he urged. "Never mind about your hats, girls. It +will soon be so dark nobody will be able to see them." + +"Shall we give them a race?" asked Allen of Betty, as they prepared to +follow Roy, who had taken both Mollie and their gay little chaperon in +tow. + +"Let's," said Betty with dancing eyes. "Nobody knows us here and I +wouldn't care if they did--better people than you and I have run for +boats before, Allen." + +"Oh, I don't know," he said, argumentatively. "Just as good, possibly, +but never better." + +"All right, have it your own way," she laughed. "Now do we begin? +One--two--three--come on. We'll beat them even with the head start." + +Off they raced, light and graceful and buoyantly alive. It was no task +at all to overtake Roy, who was hampered by gasping little Mrs. +Irving--who, although young, was not--_so_ young. Next came Amy and +Will, running easily, but Allen and Betty passed them as if they had +been standing still. + +"Oh, you will, will you?" Will shouted as they went by. "We'll see about +that. What do you say, Amy, more speed?" + +"Sure," said game little Amy. "I can go lots faster than this." So the +two quickened their pace, but Betty and Allen were on wings, and, try as +they might, they could not lessen the space between. + +"Oh, well, we don't want to beat them anyway, do we?" said Will, when +they had to give up. + +"No, we wouldn't think of taking the fun from them," she panted, and +they both laughed merrily. + +Meanwhile the two champion runners had overtaken Grace and Frank and had +started on the last lap to the wharf. + +"There's the little steamer now, Allen!" gasped Betty. "Oh, do you think +it will go without us?" As if for answer the whistle on the curious old +ferry shrieked a warning to all would-be voyagers to Pine Island. + +Allen's hand tightened its grasp of Betty's arm. "Are you game for one +last spurt?" he asked her. "We may be able to make it." + +Betty nodded her head, for just then breath was precious and not to be +wasted in idle words. Silently, the two called on their splendid reserve +strength, while arm in arm they sped along the shore to the dock. They +reached it just in the nick of time. + +"Hold on there, will you?" shouted Allen, with what he had left of his +breath. "The rest of the party will be up in a minute." + +True to his prophecy, in a moment's time the entire company was +assembled on the ancient dock, tired and out of breath, but happy to be +there nevertheless. + +"You two are some classy little speed merchants," remarked Frank, +slangily, while he regarded the pair thus designated with profound +admiration. "I never knew two people could run so fast before." + +"So this is the steamer!" said Grace, as soon as she could find breath +enough to speak at all. "It does justify your aunt's description, +Mollie, although it doesn't look quite so rickety as I expected." + +"Probably she will look lots worse in the daylight," Will prophesied +cheerfully. "Say, folks, what do you say to our making ourselves +comfortable? We have quite some ride before us; eh, Mollie?" + +"About half an hour's _sail_," corrected Mollie. "You _ride_ in an +automobile, but you _sail_ in a boat." + +"I don't see why ride isn't just as appropriate as sail in this case," +said Will, sitting on a suitcase beside Amy, with his back against the +rail, prepared to argue the point. "Especially since this old tub has +never known a sail." + +"Betty," Frank said, turning to that young person who was gazing +dreamily out over the water, "what did they put in that basket when we +stopped at the hotel this afternoon?" + +"What?" she said, bringing her mind down to every-day things with an +effort. "Oh, the basket! I wouldn't dare tell you that," she added, with +sudden animation. "Boys, boys, if you could only see inside--if you only +could--oh, how your mouths would water!" + +"Just think," said Grace, tragically. "Here we have everything that goes +to make up a romantic sail----" + +"What, for instance?" Roy demanded. "If you call a leaky old ferryboat +with the weather so damp that you can't touch the rail without feeling +as if you have had a dip in the briny--if that's what you call romantic, +then give me a good open fire and plenty of chicken bones to gnaw." + +"Oh," said Betty in sorrow, shaking her head at the depths to which the +boys had fallen. "Frank, I would never have thought it of you. Just the +same," she added, in a stage whisper, "I wouldn't mind having a couple +of them myself." + +"Betty, Betty," Allen reproved her. "I thought----" + +"Oh, Mollie, look there," cried Betty, pulling her friend towards her +and indicating an indistinct shadowy bulk looming eerily before them. +"Mollie, dear, that's the island, isn't it? I can't wait until I put my +two feet on it." + +"Oh, I wish we could see an inch before our noses!" said Grace +impatiently. "I can't make out a single blessed thing." + +"Probably going to rain some more," said Frank consolingly. "Never mind, +Grace, whenever your heart begins to fail you, just think of--what, +fellows?" + +"Chicken!" they shouted, with one voice. + +"You don't know you are going to get any, yet," Betty declared. "If I +remember rightly, Frank is the only one who said anything about it, and +he doesn't know what he is talking about." + +"Betty, don't be heartless," Allen implored. "Is there or is there not a +fowl in that basket?" + +"There is!" she answered in solemn tones. + +"Hoorah!" shouted Will. "Three cheers for the good old bird!" + +As he spoke the little steamer scraped against the dock that was almost +invisible to those on deck, then came to a full stop. The shrill whistle +which Roy contemptuously characterized as a joke, broke the misty +stillness with a shriek, that echoed and re-echoed, thrown back upon +itself by some distant cave or hillside on the island. + +"Goodness! I wouldn't mind a nice fire myself," said Mollie, shivering +with something a little more than cold. There was something mysterious +about this island, shrouded as it was in the clinging mist--something +that made the girls draw close together for companionship. "I hope it +will be more cheerful in the daytime--the island, I mean, not the fire," +she added. + +"Girls," cried Betty, "this looks like a regular adventure island. Maybe +we'll find the gypsies here." + +"Oh, don't," shivered Amy. "Don't talk about gypsies--until daylight, at +least." + +"Here comes the rain!" Roy shouted. "We'll have to hurry some, if we +want to beat it to the house. Here, Will, take hold of this bag. Quick, +I can't carry more than three at a time." + +"Give it to Allen," Will advised, as they tumbled out on the tiny +wharf. "I have more than my share already." + +"Oh, all right," said Allen, "I'll be the goat. How about it, +Betty--shall we give them another race? It looks as if a little speed +would come in handy." + +"No, let Mollie lead this time. I hope she knows the way." + +"Of course I do," said Mollie, coming up behind them. "There isn't any +way to find. The house is at the end of the wharf. Follow us and----" + +"You'll get something to eat," Roy finished for her. "We have the +basket." + +"Then you needn't worry about our following you," said Allen. "Only if +you don't look out we will get there before you after all. Come on, +Betty," and for the second time that day the young folks had a chance to +test their skill in running. The main thing was that they got there +before the rain. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +BRIGHT AND EARLY + + +The morning dawned clear and bright. Mollie woke first in the large, +sunshiny room which the girls had chosen to occupy together during their +stay on Pine Island. + +It contained two large double beds--each in a little alcove of its own. +The spotless grass mats, the flowers that bloomed on the wide-silled, +latticed windows gave the room an air of cheerful hominess and comfort +that was very pleasant. + +All this Mollie took in subconsciously as her sleepy gaze wandered about +the room. Then slowly full wakefulness banished the last vestige of +sleep from her eyes and she sat up in bed. + +"The sun!" she cried joyfully. "And I was sure it was going to be rainy +this morning! Oh, now we shall see the island as it really is. Wake up, +Amy, do! Oh, goodness, how the child sleeps!" and she shook her +slumbering friend with no uncertain hand. + +"There is no use, Mollie," said Betty's voice from the other end of the +room. "You couldn't wake Amy or Grace without a good shaking." + +"What's that?" cried Mollie, startled, as a loud knock sounded on the +door. "I wonder who is coming to visit us so early?" + +"Probably one of the boys," Betty suggested, "come to tell us it is nine +o'clock and high time we were up and dressed." + +"Nine o'clock!" Grace fairly stuttered, but just then Mollie called out +an impatient: + +"Who's there?" in response to a second and harder knock at the door. + +"It's I, Will. Mrs. Irving sent me up to ask when in the name of common +sense you girls are coming down to breakfast." + +"What time is it?" Betty countered. "If you tell us that, we'll tell you +what time we are coming down." + +"It is half-past eight," Will answered. "We fellows have been up since +six o'clock getting our summer quarters fixed up!" + +"I won't believe it until I see it," said Mollie darkly. "Six o'clock, +indeed!" and she sniffed disdainfully. + +"Well, if you don't believe it," said Will, through the keyhole, "all +you have to do is to come down and see for yourself. We've got +everything fixed up O. K. all right. But say! when are you fellows--I +mean girls--going to get up?" + +"Right away, Will," Betty promised, popping out of bed and into her +slippers all at once. "We will be down in a jiffy." + +It required a great deal of tact to coax Amy and Grace out of bed, but +it took a still greater amount of merciless driving to get them +downstairs and into the big airy dining room, where Mrs. Irving was +impatiently awaiting them. + +"Here you are," she said, laying down her book as the four girls tumbled +into the room. "I thought you would be tired after last night's fun, so +I let you sleep it out." + +"Well, we surely did sleep," said the Little Captain brightly. "I for +one feel as if I'll never sleep again." + +"And I feel as if I could sleep forever," said Grace. "You never saw +anything like Betty, Mrs. Irving," she complained. "Why, I do believe +she could have made a fortune in the old days as an overseer down +South." + +Mrs. Irving laughed. "You don't look especially brow-beaten," she said. +"And anyway, I should think you would be glad to get up--you must be +nearly starved to death." + +"I thought after last night, and the chicken, I could never eat again," +said Mollie, her eyes sparkling at the memory. "But I find that I can, +very easily. Oh, Mrs. Irving, what is there?" + +"Well," their chaperon began, "there are the eggs we had put up with the +other things yesterday and some fruit and honey and we can make some +fluffy white biscuits in no time----" + +"Oh, oh, say no more!" said Betty, clapping her hands joyfully and +executing a little dance about the room. "Honey and biscuits--I could +make a meal of them alone. Mrs. Irving, show me the stove--lead me to +it--and I'll make the biscuits," she finished importantly. + +"Mrs. Irving," Grace pleaded, turning to the chaperon, "you are the only +one here who could possibly make Betty do anything that she didn't want +to do or stop her doing anything she had set her heart on. Won't you +please interfere for the sake of the community? It might really be +dangerous," she added plaintively. + +"Don't worry," Mollie put in. "I have eaten Betty's biscuits of old, +and, believe me, they are good. All I ask is that you hustle, +Betty--shoo----" And she hurried the willing Little Captain before her +into the kitchen. + +Mrs. Irving followed more slowly with Amy and Grace, and they were just +in time to hear Mollie's last sentence: "Where have the boys +disappeared to?" + +"They're out yonder in the woods," Mrs. Irving replied, indicating a +spot beyond the cottage. "They were up very early this morning--couldn't +wait to get the tents up. Allen left word that they would stop around in +a couple of hours to say good-afternoon to you girls--if you happened to +be up by that time," and the little chaperon's eyes twinkled as she saw +the look of rising indignation in the girls' faces. + +"If we happen to be up, indeed," sniffed Betty, bustling around the +kitchen in a business-like fashion, sorting out pans and getting out the +flour, which Mollie's aunt had very thoughtfully left in the larder. "If +they talk like that much more, they won't get any of my biscuits. Just +wait till they smell them, girls--they will go down on their knees." + +"Yes, the only way to manage boys is to feed them well," sighed Amy, +with a funny air of knowing all there was to be known about men. + +"Oh, Amy! Amy!" gasped Mollie, "you will be the death of me yet. Anybody +would actually think, to hear you talk, that you had really had some +experience. Say, Betty," she added, regarding the doughy mixture--the +result of Betty's skillful manipulation, "that looks mighty +interesting--I shouldn't mind learning how to make them myself." + +"Oh, it's lots of fun," Betty affirmed, cutting out the biscuits with an +improvised cutter--this last being the top of a baking powder can. "Only +take my advice," she went on, standing with the cover poised in the air +and speaking earnestly. "Don't try it on your family first--they never +appreciate you. Why, the first time I made biscuits, do you know what +dad said?" + +"No, but I can imagine," said Grace, who had also been regarding the +operation, "judging from what dad and Will would have remarked." + +"Well, he said," Betty continued, patting the last biscuit into its +appointed place and regarding her work with satisfaction, "he said the +best thing I could do with them would be to pack them and send them to +the old country to use in some of the new howitzers or something like +that they are getting out. How is that for a slam?" + +"Well, I shouldn't wonder," said Grace wickedly, "if he were justified." + +Betty turned and shot a reproachful glance at her friend. "Just for +that, Grace," she said, "I ought to say you can't have any of +these--works of art," indicating the pan she was putting into the oven. +"Why do you girls stand around staring at me anyway?" she added, a +sudden note of impatience in her voice. "Why don't you do something to +earn your living? Set the table or get the water boiling for the eggs. I +can't do everything--now scatter! If you were all as hungry as I am you +wouldn't wait to be told." + +Laughingly the girls did as the Little Captain bid--somehow it was +impossible to do anything else. + +"Where is the table cloth, Mollie?" called Amy from the other room. "We +used paper napkins and doilies last night." Then she added, as Mollie +came to help her, "Did you ever see anybody eat like those boys last +night?" + +"It was a wonderful and awesome sight," Mollie agreed, as she and Amy +spread the cloth. "I wonder," she added as a sudden thought struck her, +"if the boys have had their breakfast." + +"What a question!" said Grace, appearing at the door carrying a plateful +of the most deliciously golden honey the girls had ever seen--or so at +least it seemed to them. "Do you imagine they could exist from six +o'clock to ten without eating? Mollie, I gave you credit for more +sense." + +"Is that so?" retorted Mollie, cross because she was hungry. "Well, I +have a good deal more sense than some people I know. I mention no names, +but see where I am looking," and she stared steadfastly at her unruffled +chum, who was calmly setting the honey on the table. + +"Here I am again," said Betty, "acting the part of peacemaker. Oh, +girls, it is too wonderful a day for outdoor girls to quarrel. I am +simply crazy to get out in the woods and just revel in the grass and the +trees and the sunshine." And she glanced longingly out of the open door +that led to the porch. "Oh, I wish," she said, "I wish the biscuits +could be done and eaten all in five minutes. Amy, did you put the eggs +in?" she demanded, and Amy, who had been gazing out of the window, +scuttled out to the kitchen obediently. + +The girls had nearly finished breakfast, when there was a sound of +voices outside the door, and a moment later the boys burst in upon them. + +"Hello!" said Allen, evidently surprised. "I didn't expect to see you +for another hour." + +"Say, those biscuits look good," said Roy. "I should say biscuit," he +corrected himself. "Say, Betty, do you happen to have any more of those +around?" + +"No, and you don't get this one, either. It belongs to Amy," said Betty +decidedly. "She has had only three and I made four apiece." + +Frank was just about to protest when she added compromisingly: "I'll +make some more for lunch." + +"When is lunch?" inquired Will practically. "Twelve o'clock?" + +"No, about one," Mollie answered. "We couldn't possibly eat before +then." + +Allen had been talking to Betty in an undertone, and now he broke into +the conversation with: "Betty says she wants to see our camp. Who cares +to go along?" + +There was a clamorous assent followed by a faint little protest from +Grace. "Don't you think we had better wash the dishes first?" she asked. + +"Oh, hang the dishes!" said Frank, inelegantly. "Remember we are +camping." + +"We'll wash them up with the lunch dishes," Betty compromised, then +added, with a sly little glance in Allen's direction: "We'll make the +boys wipe them for us." + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +A JOLLY TRIP + + +The girls and the boys, laughingly driving Mrs. Irving before them, +fairly tumbled down the shallow steps in their eagerness to feel the +soft grass under their feet. As Betty said, it was a glorious day, a +typical day in early August, when a soft breeze tempers the heat of the +scorching sun, and sets the trees to murmuring. + +The spicy air, sweet with the intoxicating scent of damp, moist earth +and blossoming flowers, went to their heads like wine and they danced +down the path that led through the woods on feet that scarcely touched +the ground. + +Soon they emerged from the dense shadows of the wood into the small +clearing which was thick and mossy under foot, and there, nestling among +the trees, were the two tents the boys had so laboriously constructed. + +"Oh, it is ideal!" cried Mollie, delightedly, as they stopped for a +moment on the outskirts of the clearing to survey the scene. + +[Illustration: THEY ROAMED ABOUT THE CLEARING INSPECTING THE TENT +CRITICALLY. _Page 89_ + +_The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island._] + +"Glad you like it," said Frank, then advancing toward the nearer of the +two tents, he paused, turned, and made a low bow. "Enter, fair damsels," +he said. + +"He thinks he is reading 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court,'" +drawled Grace. "However, we will deign to honor you with our presence." +And she swept past him with a queenly air that elicited amused laughter +from the others. + +For more than an hour the Outdoor Girls and their friends roamed about +the clearing inspecting the tent critically, inside and out, and picking +flowers in between times. It was Will who first suggested a change. + +"Why not take a walk about the country?" he asked. "I guess we have seen +all there is to be seen here. Come on, everybody. I want to get a bigger +appetite for lunch." + +"All right; where shall we go?" Betty agreed readily. "Your aunt must +have told you about this part of the world, Mollie. Where can we find +excitement?" + +"Well, there is the summer colony at the other end of the island," +Mollie began doubtfully. "But it is rather a long way off. The steamer +touches there from here." + +"Too far to go before lunch," Mrs. Irving said. + +The party spent the rest of the time until one o'clock visiting the +wharf and roaming the country in the immediate vicinity of the pretty +bungalow. + +True to her promise, Betty turned out at the appointed time a panful of +the most appetizing biscuits, and let it be said here that the boys did +them full justice--to say nothing of the girls. + +It was well on toward three o'clock before the girls had changed their +morning middies and skirts for dainty afternoon dresses, and had made +all other necessary preparations for a trip to town. Mrs. Irving +declined to go, saying she wished to write letters. + +It was in the best of spirits that the party of young people stood on +the end of the dock, waiting to hail the little steamer as it +chug-chugged its way from the summer colony at the far end of Pine +Island to the mainland. + +When finally it did come in sight, the girls and the boys found +themselves convulsed with laughter. If the shabby little craft had +appeared grotesque in the mist of the night before, how much more +forlorn did it look in the full, dazzling glare of the sun! As it came +nearer they saw that the decks were crowded with people, the gay dresses +of the girls mingling with the white flannel trousers and dark coats of +the men. + +"It's a wonder," said Frank, "that with all that crowd of people paying +good money to be towed ashore, they couldn't get something a little more +modern. My! it looks as if it had come out of the ark." + +"Oh, well, as long as it is seaworthy, I suppose they think it will do +as well as any other," said Roy. "The more some people make the less +they like to spend." + +By this time the clumsy ferry had plowed its way to the wharf, and had +come to a stop, while the people on board eyed the waiting young folks +curiously. + +"Guess they will know us the next time they see us," whispered Allen. +"We ought to hang out a placard: _Don't stare. We don't look it, but we +are human._" + +Betty laughed gaily. "They do need a few lessons in manners." + +The bungalow party thoroughly enjoyed the trip to the mainland. The +scenery was as beautiful as it had been pictured, and when they got +tired of looking at the sky, the water, and the mainland, they had +plenty to occupy their attention in the people about them. Everybody +seemed ready for a good time, and the old ferryboat was filled with +shouts and laughter. + +"I shouldn't mind knowing some of those people," Roy confided to Allen, +as they leaned against the shaky, old rail. "There's certainly nothing +slow about them." + +"Well, there is no reason why we shouldn't know them," said Allen. "From +what Mollie says, they are pretty close neighbors. In fact, the girls +said something about going over there this afternoon." + +"Well," returned Roy, "we can't go too soon to suit me." + +"If you are thinking of girls," said Allen, as Mollie and Grace came up +to them, "it is my opinion that they have nothing half so good to offer +us as we have already." + +"I guess you are right," Roy admitted, as they joined the rest of the +party. "Just look at all those dudes, staring at Betty and Grace! Say! +I'd like to teach them manners!" and he glowered at the unconscious boys +from the summer colony with a ferocity that should have terrified the +most hardy. + +"Come away," said Allen. "You can't blame them for doing just what we +have done for the last two years," he added, dryly. + +"Here we are, almost ashore," cried Amy, a little later. "Have you got +the list of the things we need, Allen? Let's see--butter and sugar and +baking powder and eggs and--oh, we mustn't forget the meat." + +"Chocolates," murmured Grace. + +"Don't worry so soon, Amy," laughed Will. "There will be plenty of time +for that when we get back to the island and find that we have forgotten +half the things." + +"Well, if we think of them now," said usually quiet Amy, "there won't be +any excuse for our forgetting them later." + +"Well, but perhaps we shall need an excuse," reasoned Will. "You would +never make a good diplomat, Amy." + +Betty put her arm protectingly around the younger girl. "There is no +reason why you should want to be that, is there?" she questioned. "Amy +thinks that as long as she feeds you boys well there is no need of----" + +"Oh, Betty, do stop," begged Amy, her face flushing scarlet. "It isn't +fair." + +"I know it," said Betty soothingly, while the boys looked on, curious to +know the meaning of this mystery. "I won't do it again, dear, I +promise." + +"I wish you would tell us----" Allen began, but once more Mollie +interrupted. + +"We had better get down near the front," she said, "or we'll not be +able to get ashore in half an hour. Did you ever see such a mob?" + +"It is considerable of a crowd," Frank admitted. "I think Mollie's +suggestion is a good one, fellows. Let's try to make an opening while we +can." + +The boys managed so well that when the little boat scraped against the +wall, their party was almost the first to set foot upon the land. + +"That was pretty good work," said Will, with an air of satisfaction as +they made their way to the shore, followed by a stream of laughing +humanity. "I hope the girls didn't mind getting their dresses mussed. +Say, fellows, if any one should ask me, I'd tell them it was one peach +of a day!" + +There being no disputing this fact, no one tried. The eight young people +swung down the shaded street, feeling in tune with the whole world. + +They succeeded in finding the general store. + +"Now get out that list, Allen," said Betty, as they entered the wide +doorway. "It would really be a shame to forget anything." + +Allen began to search through his pockets, calmly at first, then in +frantic haste. Seven pairs of eyes followed his panicky movements +anxiously. + +"You have never gone and forgotten it?" cried Mollie, in the awed tones +of one announcing the end of the world. "Oh, Allen! you haven't?" + +"Guess I have," he returned grimly, and, having searched through every +pocket, began all over again. "It's strange--I could have sworn----" + +"You're a nice one----" Grace began, but Roy interrupted her with a +shout that made their nearest neighbors turn and look at them curiously. + +"I have it!" he cried. "Don't you remember, Allen, that you gave it to +me just before we left, while you ran back to get something for Betty? +Behold," and he dangled the precious list before their eyes. + +"Oh," sighed Mollie in relief, "now if we girls had done anything like +that----" + +"Hands up, don't shoot!" cried Roy. "We admit everything." + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +"WHERE THERE IS SMOKE----" + + +The Outdoor Girls must have a fire. That they had decided at the supper +table. What was the use of having a big fire-place if they never used +it? Betty's theory was, that it was wicked to let anything go to waste. +All this being true, it stood to reason that a fire they must have. + +"I wonder if the boys wouldn't come in and help us build it," Grace +suggested, seized with a brilliant idea. "There are already some logs in +the fire-place, but I feel that I would like to have somebody else work +for me to-night." + +"Why, of course," said Mollie. "That's what we brought them with us +for--to help out when they were needed." + +"They would be flattered if they could hear you," said Amy. + +"I don't see why they insist on staying out in the woods and cooking +their own meals. Just think what fun we could have with them, if they +were here now," put in Mollie once again. + +"Yes, but then think of all the trouble they would be making us," said +Betty. "Besides," she added, "your aunt didn't say anything about a +troop of noisy boys, Mollie, when she lent us her bungalow for the +summer." + +"That's right, too," Mollie reluctantly conceded. "Just the same I hope +they haven't forgotten they are due here at six-thirty to wipe the +dishes. There is _such_ a pile of them!" + +"Methinks," Grace announced solemnly, "that even at this moment I hear +the sound of approaching footsteps." + +"How can you hear footsteps on the grass?" Mollie demanded rudely. "You +must have better ears than I have." + +"Of course I have," Grace retorted calmly. "I knew that long ago." + +Before Mollie could answer a head was poked in at the door and an +accompanying voice asked cheerily: "May we come in? Are we on time?" + +"You're as welcome as a day in June, Frank," called Betty, as she arose +and started to take the dishes into the kitchen. "We want you to wipe +these for us, and make a fire." + +"Anything else?" Frank inquired mildly, while the rest of him followed +his head into the room. "The fellows told me to come on ahead, and say +to you ladies that they would be here as soon as they got through +scouring their frying pan." + +"Poor boys," said Amy impulsively. "Why don't they bring the things +here?" + +But Mollie's thoughts took another direction. "I hope they bring back +the sapolio," she said practically. "It was the only cake we had." + +Betty paused half way to the kitchen and balanced her pile of dishes on +one hand. "Mollie," she cried in dismay, "they will never think of it! +Don't you think you had better go back and tell them, Frank?" she said. + +"Sure!" he answered obligingly, while he sunk into an easy chair with a +sigh of content. Evidently he was settled for the evening. + +"Then why don't you go?" Mollie demanded impatiently. "If boys aren't +the most aggravating things, when they want to be!" she added. + +"There's plenty of time," Frank assured her calmly. "I left the fellows +in the first throes of cleaning up--they won't be through for half an +hour at least." + +"Well, I don't care," said Betty, continuing her journeyings into the +kitchen. "If we haven't anything to scour the pans with, then they'll +not get scoured--that's all." + +"That's the spirit I like to see," said Frank, and Betty could have +thrown something at him, with the greatest of pleasure. "It's fine to +see anybody resigned to the inevitable." + +"Well, I know one thing," Mollie threatened, "if you don't go back in +five minutes, I will," and for emphasis she banged the salt cellar +forcibly upon the table. + +"What's the matter with our going together?" Frank inquired, moving his +head slightly to bring Mollie within his range of vision. "The distance +won't seem half as far if I have such pleasant company," he added +gallantly. + +"Don't do it," Betty, coming in from the kitchen, advised. "Make him +work a little." + +"Oh, you're only jealous because I didn't ask you," Frank teased. "I +always knew you thought a good deal of me, Betty." + +She made a little face at him, but did not deign to reply. Indeed, why +should she--the accusation was so plainly absurd? + +Long before they had expected, voices were heard in the distance and the +most unearthly noises broke the woodland stillness. There was a banging +of wood upon tin and the clatter of utensils mingling with the +outrageous uproar from three pairs of sound and healthy lungs. There +were shouts and war cries and yells, combining in a weird clamor that +could be heard for miles around--or so it seemed to the girls. + +The girls looked at each other inquiringly--then made a concerted rush +for the door. + +"Oh, what a noise!" cried Betty. "It's just as well there isn't anybody +else in this part of the wood." + +A moment later the boys rushed upon them, vigorously pounding utensils, +and shouting at the top of their voices. The girls gave way before them, +and the roisterers tumbled in and took possession as though they were +really the Redskins, whose cries they were successfully imitating. They +raced about the house like madmen, while the girls watched their antics +in a peculiar frame of mind. If the truth must be told, they were +undecided whether to be displeased or amused. Amusement conquered in the +end, however, for the boys were irresistibly funny, and the girls +laughed till they ached and the tears rolled down their cheeks. + +After considerable time they all managed to quiet down enough to talk +sense. + +"The girls want us to make a fire, fellows," said Frank. "The idea looks +good to me." + +"It is good," Allen agreed. "Give us the wood and matches, and we will +have a fire going in no time." + +"The wood is in the fire-place," Betty answered, "and Mollie has the +matches, I think." + +With this the boys set to work energetically, while the girls and Mrs. +Irving stood about them in a semi-circle. + +"It's so different from building a fire in the open," Amy commented. "I +always love them. Can't we toast marshmallows? That's the most fun of +all." + +"We could if we had any," Grace replied dryly. "I have some chocolates +but you can't roast them, and nobody had the sense to think to buy +marshmallows to-day." + +At this last remark, Frank sat back upon his heels and favored Mollie +with a sly wink--while that young lady smiled mysteriously. + +"Thereby hangs a tale of which you shall hear later," he said, and, in +spite of all their urging, he could not be made to say another word. + +However, their curiosity was forgotten a moment later--forgotten in the +excitement caused by a strange and curious happening. + +Suddenly the smoke which had been rolling in clouds up the chimney, +refused to roll farther. There being no other exit except into the room, +the girls and boys suddenly found themselves suffocating. They choked, +and the boys stumbled to their feet and followed the fleeing girls into +the dining room. + +There was a chorus of sneezes and smothered cries of "I'm choking! Open +the window, some one, quick!" + +"The windows are open and the doors, too," gasped Frank, in answer to +this last request. + +"Don't be alarmed, any one," Allen commanded. "It's nothing but a +clogged-up chimney, and that won't hurt anybody." + +"But the smoke!" gasped Mollie. "Why, the house will be ruined. What +will Aunt Elvira say?" + +"Oh, it won't hurt anything," said Betty, making a brave attempt to push +her way through the smoke into the living room. "But it is terrible. +Can't we do something to stop it, boys?" + +"I don't know how we can--unless----" Roy turned quickly to Mollie. "Did +your aunt say anything about a blower?" he asked eagerly. + +"I don't remember--I--I don't remember," stammered poor Mollie, whose +memory was being taxed to the utmost. "You might look though, and see +what you can find." + +"Oh, do hurry, somebody!" begged Grace. "I'll take to the woods in +another minute." + +"Oh, have a little patience, Sis, can't you?" cried Will, losing his +temper. "We are all doing the best we can." + +"But look," said Mollie, suddenly pointing to the other room. "The +smoke is beginning to clear and the wood isn't half burned out yet." + +"Let's investigate," Frank suggested. "Maybe we can find out what is +wrong with the thing. Come on," and in they all trooped, coughing and +choking, but dauntless. + +"Get me a stick, will you, girls," Roy entreated, as he went nearer to +inspect the fire-place. "A broom will do. Or anything else you happen to +have around." + +Mollie disappeared into the kitchen and returned a moment later, +bringing back with her an old stick that looked as though it might have +been a clothespole in its better days. + +"Will this do?" she asked, holding it out to Roy. "It was the only thing +I could find." + +"Just what I wanted," Roy answered. "Now, fellows, let's see what we can +do with the thing." + +The four boys crowded around, peering up into the opening as if they +hoped to find the solution of the mystery there, while the girls watched +them with breathless interest. + +It was then that it happened. Roy poked upward inquiringly with his +stick, and for answer a cloud of soot and ashes discharged itself from +the chimney, showering the boys' faces with grimy dust. + +They drew back with cries of disgust and began rubbing their eyes and +faces furiously. Then the four blackened adventurers turned to the girls +appealingly. They looked so funny, standing there with their faces black +and their clothes bespattered with grime and a look of sheepish chagrin +on their faces, that the girls burst into gales of uncontrolled +laughter. + +"You look just like candidates for a minstrel show," gasped Mollie, +while the boys stood regarding her reproachfully. "Oh, boys, if you only +had a mirror! If you only had!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +THE GATHERING OF THE CLANS + + +"If you got us some soap and water," Will suggested after they had +indulged in some sheepish grins at their own expense, "you might be +doing a little good in the world." + +"Well, you ought to know how to find it yourselves," Grace retorted. +"Suppose you go and wash, and make yourselves look like respectable +citizens again--even though you aren't," she added sweetly. + +"Look out, Grace, some time we will get even for all the knocks you have +been handing out," Frank threatened, shaking a grimy fist in her +direction. + +"Now I don't suppose we can have a fire at all," sighed Mollie, as the +boys made a rush for the stairs. "And I did so want one." + +"If we can find a blower," Allen shouted from the landing, "we'll have a +good fire yet." + +"Yes, look around, girls, will you?" Roy added, "It will save no end of +time." + +"Do you know what a blower looks like?" Mollie inquired, a puzzled frown +on her forehead. "How can I find anything when I don't know what it +looks like?" + +"Oh, I know," said Betty. "We used to have one at home before dad put +the hood on the fire-place. Let's go on a still hunt." + +This they did, and when the boys came down a few minutes later they +proudly announced their discovery. + +"This is it, isn't it?" asked Betty, indicating a big square of tin with +a handle at the top. "It looks like the one we used to use." + +"It's exactly the thing," cried Frank, pouncing on it eagerly. "Now if +this doesn't make the wood burn, nothing will." + +In less time than it takes to tell the boys had succeeded in igniting +the green wood, and had applied the blower before the smoke had had a +chance to get out into the room. + +The fire danced and glowed, while its leaping flames sent fantastic +shadows playing hide and seek around the room. + +"How is this for a fire, eh?" said Will, holding out his hand to the +welcome warmth of the blaze, for although the days were hot, the nights +were apt to be damp and cool on this island, surrounded as it was by the +waters of the lake. "Some time the girls will find out that we know our +business pretty well. Oh, that feels good!" + +"You are right," said Frank, as they instinctively drew their chairs +nearer to the fire. "Now all we need is something to roast or toast, it +doesn't much matter which." + +"That reminds me," said Betty, turning accusing eyes upon Roy and +Mollie, whose faces were clearly outlined in the dancing fire-light. +"You two people over there seem to have a secret that you don't want to +share with us. I think Mrs. Irving knows," she went on, turning an +accusing eye on the chaperon where she sat in the midst of the circle, +"but she won't let on. Suppose you tell the rest of us what it is." + +"Well, Mollie said something about a fire," Roy admitted, "and I thought +a couple of boxes of marshmallows wouldn't be unwelcome; so, when the +rest of you were all busy buying other things, Mollie and I slipped off +and got them. Where are they, Mollie?" + +"I'll get them," she answered, rising reluctantly from her comfortable +chair. "I hid them. I knew that if Grace once had an inkling they were +in the house she would never rest till she found them. In that case----" +she paused impressively, and looked about her, "there wouldn't have been +one left by to-night." + +They laughed, well knowing the truth of this remark, while Grace gave a +sigh at being so misunderstood. + +A few moments later, Mollie had returned with the cherished sweetmeats +and the boys were busily engaged in the process of toasting them on the +ends of long wire forks made especially for that purpose. + +"Um--um, this is good," said Betty, biting off the end of a delicious +morsel. "Why didn't you buy three boxes while you were about it, Roy?" + +"That's all you get----" Roy was beginning, when Mollie interrupted him, +speaking dreamily. + +"Wasn't he a funny old man, Roy?" she said--"the one who sold us the +candies, I mean." + +"Yes, I guess he must have been in his dotage," Roy agreed. "In five +minutes he told us all his life's history and then some." + +"That's pretty good," said Allen with interest, while he dangled his +marshmallow perilously near the leaping flames. "I bet you couldn't do +as well." + +"I know I couldn't," Roy answered modestly. "That old chap was a past +master all right. Some of the things he said were interesting, though. +Weren't they, Mollie?" + +"Very," said Mollie, while she stared fixedly at the fire. "Interesting +and--a little creepy," she added. + +The girls started and leaned forward eagerly, Mrs. Irving and the boys +evincing equal interest. + +"Creepy!" Amy repeated, in awed tones. "Oh, Mollie, what do you mean?" + +"Just that," said Mollie, enjoying the sensation she was making. "He was +an awfully wizened old man, and when he heard we were from Pine +Island--well, he told us some mighty queer things." + +"Pine Island?" cried Mrs. Irving, the color flaming into her cheeks, +whether from excitement or the warmth of the fire, no one could tell. + +"What can be strange about Pine Island?" demanded Betty. "Mollie, I +could shake you; why don't you tell us and have it over with?" + +Mollie glanced at Roy. "Shall I?" she asked, just as if she had not been +longing for the last half hour for the time to come when she could +create a sensation by telling. + +"You might as well," he answered condescendingly. "As long as we have to +have them around for the rest of the summer, we might as well let them +in on it." + +"Well of all the----" Grace was beginning, when Betty nudged her +sharply. + +"Don't interrupt, Grace, whatever you do," she whispered. "They take +long enough getting to the point anyway." + +Grace saw the wisdom in this, and stopped short. + +"Well," began Mollie, speaking slowly and with aggravating distinctness, +"you see, in the old days, this island used to be a rendezvous for all +the wandering gypsies for miles around." + +"What?" Frank cried. + +"Well, I am only telling you what the old man said," asserted Mollie +defensively and with warmth. "I don't say he may not be mistaken----" + +"Oh, that's all right, Mollie," Betty broke in quickly. "We understand +that you are not vouching for the old man's honesty. All we want is his +story. Please go on--I am awfully interested." + +"Just think, gypsies on this island!" murmured Amy, shuddering. + +"He says," Mollie continued, "in the old days there used to be as many +as two or three hundred of the gypsies gathered around here--on this +part of the island, too." She paused to see the effect of her words. + +"But didn't your aunt say anything about that, Mollie?" Grace queried. +"Why, it seems impossible. I don't wonder you felt creepy, especially +if there are many like that old crone we saw in Deepdale," and she +glanced over her shoulder in the direction of the open window. + +"Don't you think we had better lock the door?" suggested Amy. "Some of +those men in the gypsy camp looked actually murderous." + +Of course the boys laughed at her fears, and Roy remarked casually: "The +old chap told us something else, fellows, that may be of interest later +on." + +"What's that?" Will demanded. + +"He said that when the tide was on the ebb, you could actually ford the +lake to the islands farther south. It might be worth while trying some +time." + +"You bet it will!" said Allen, and his eagerness was not feigned. + +"We'll try it the first chance we get," Frank added. + +"We're going, too," said Betty. "You needn't think you can leave us +behind when there is anything like that afoot." + +"We wouldn't try," said Allen, ruefully. "Especially as you girls say +you can swim." + +"However, they will have to prove that point," Roy put in. + +"That's easy," said Grace fearlessly. "As we have remarked before, we +haven't been outdoor girls all our lives for nothing." + +"If you boys hadn't been so set on our looking at your old camp to-day," +said Amy with unusual spirit, "we would have proved it to you before +this. But do you really think there are gypsies on the island?" she +added. "Because, if there are, we might be able to find some of their +loot." She voiced this last desire in hushed tones. + +The girls laughed even while they drew their chairs still closer to the +fire. + +"Such a chance!" gibed Will, but Betty's eyes were shining in the glow +of the fire-light. + +"Oh, if we only could!" she whispered softly. "If we could only get the +stuff stolen from Deepdale!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +A VICTORY FOR BETTY + + +Breakfast was cleaned away and Betty, with Mollie at her heels, made a +rush for the bedroom. + +"I'm willing to wager anything," called the former, gaily, "that I'll be +in my bathing suit before any of the rest of you have started." + +"I hope the water isn't too cold," Grace shivered, as she took out her +bathing suit. "If there is anything I hate, it's trying to swim in icy +water. It almost makes my heart stop beating." + +"All right, we'll have the weather man heat it for you," said Betty, +slipping into her neat little suit. "I don't know how the water can be +cold, though," she added, "the air is suffocating to-day." + +"Now--one, two, three--go!" and they were off like four little black +sprites, down the broad stairway and into the living room where the boys +were already assembled, talking to the chaperon. + +The boys wore raincoats over their bathing suits; and, as the girls +entered the room, they shouted a merry greeting. + +"So soon?" called Frank in surprise. "Why, we didn't expect to see you +for an hour at least." + +"An hour?" said Betty, with feigned indignation--for she was a good +little actress, was Betty. "Why, we thought you were never coming!" + +"You mean to say you were waiting for us?" said Allen, incredulously. +"Betty, are you telling the truth? Mrs. Irving, is she?" + +"I assure you I was too busy finding my bathing suit and getting into it +to know just when the girls were ready," responded the chaperon. + +At one part of the island the ground dipped gradually so that one might +have any depth of water desired, and it was to this part that the young +folks made their way. + +"Remember----" said Frank, referring to the conversation of the night +before, "remember, you girls will have to prove your claims to +championship swimming this morning. If you were just faking, now is the +time we'll find you out." + +"We're not faking," Mollie denied stoutly. "I learned to swim when I was +nine years old, and I've been swimming ever since." + +"Really?" Roy inquired with interest. "Then you must be Mollie's ghost, +while the real Mollie is swimming around out there somewhere," waving +his hand in the direction of the water, "chumming with some of the +beautiful water nymphs. Just think, nothing to do but swim for--how many +years is it, Mollie?" he asked. + +"Goose!" was all she answered, but that one little word managed somehow +to contain a world of scorn. + +"You try it first, Will," begged his sister. "Then you can tell us +whether it is cold or not." + +"Say, what kind of sport are you, anyway?" Will demanded. "That's the +way with girls--they all make a big bluff about being able to do what we +can, and then when it actually comes down to business they want to try +it on us first. I'd like to see one of you go in first!" + +Betty made a dash for the water. "Wouldn't it be nice," she flung back +at him over her shoulder, "if all wishes could be granted so easily. +Come on, girls--we'll show them a thing or two," and she waded in till +the water was above her waist, then plunged in over her head. + +Mollie followed close upon her heels and it was a moment before the boys +realized what had happened, and could rouse themselves to action. + +"Come on, fellows!" Allen shouted. "We can't let two girls get the best +of us like that." + +Mrs. Irving, who was at home in the water, entered and swam out boldly. + +"Are you going to stay there?" Frank shouted to Amy and Grace, who stood +uncertainly on the bank, undecided whether to advance or retreat. "Come +on in--the water's fine." + +Thus encouraged, the two girls threw caution to the winds, and waded in +till the warm water was up to their shoulders. + +"Oh, it is wonderful!" cried Amy. "Look how far we are behind. Let's see +if we can't catch up with them." And they started off with a will after +their deserting comrades. + +It was not long before the powerful strokes of the boys brought them up +beside Mollie and Betty who were swimming easily. + +"Hello, runaways," was Frank's greeting, turning over on his back and +propelling himself by a whirlpool motion of his arms. "Thought you'd +give us the slip, did you? Well, we shall see." + +Betty followed Frank's example, floating lazily on the still surface of +the water. + +"We weren't running away," she said; "we just wanted to show you we +weren't afraid, that's all." + +"I'll give you a race to that floating log out there, Betty." + +Betty turned over and regarded the log in question with thoughtful eyes. +"All right," she agreed, after a moment's hesitation. "I guess I can +make that easily enough. Will you call the start?" + +"Just as you say," he answered. "We are almost even now, and when I say +go, we're off. Agreed?" + +"Uh'huh," answered Betty. + +"All right. One--two--three--go!" + +They shot forward together, side by side and shoulder to shoulder, each +determined to save his strength for the final spurt. + +By this time the others had come up and were watching the race with +interest. + +On, on the two racers went, with no apparent effort, until half the +distance to the log had been covered. It was then that the watchers +noticed the change. Betty lengthened her stroke a trifle and forged +ahead, while Frank still kept the same steady stroke. + +Then, when more than half of the remaining distance had been covered, +Frank evidently made up his mind that it was time to show those people +some real speed. Suddenly he dropped the lazy stroke, and it seemed as +though he were imbued with new life. His arms and legs worked together +with the precision of a machine and he shot through the water like a +catapult. + +Betty was not prepared for so sudden a transformation, but her surprise +lasted only a minute. Gallantly she gathered all her strength and made a +dash for the goal. + +"I see Betty's finish," Will was saying, when Mollie cried excitedly: + +"You just watch Betty. Did you ever see a girl like her?" + +As Allen came up beside the pair he thought that at last he and Mollie +had found something to agree upon. + +They watched Betty with straining eyes. + +"She'll do it!" cried Allen. "I never thought it was possible for a girl +to swim like that. Look, she has caught up to him." + +It was so. Betty had used the last ounce of strength in her strong, +young arms and the result was a tie. + +She and Frank laid hands upon the log at one and the same instant. + +Frank shook the water from his eyes, and regarded his rival in +amazement. "How did you ever do it?" he questioned. "I thought I had you +beat a mile." + +"Well, that's where you had another think coming." Betty would not have +been human had she not gloried in this victory--for even a tie with one +of Frank's strength and muscle was a triumph. "I told you I could +swim." + +"Hoorah for the cham_peens_!" shouted Will as the others reached the +goal a few moments later. "That's pretty good work, Betty. I have to +hand it to you." + +"Don't you think we had better get to the shore and rest a while?" Roy +suggested. "Amy and Grace seem to have gotten there before us, and Mrs. +Irving has gone back to the bungalow." + +The others agreed and they all swam lazily toward the mossy bank. Betty +drew herself up and sank upon the grassy knoll with a sigh of utter +relaxation. + +"I'd like to give you a longer race," said Frank, whose near defeat at +the hands of a girl was hard to bear. "I bet I could beat you easily on +a long stretch." + +Betty sat up suddenly and stared at him. "Frank Haley!" she cried, "I've +a good mind to take you up." + +"A race! a race!" cried Mollie, clapping her hands in delight. "Oh, I'd +love to see it." + +"Go on, Frank, set the day," Allen urged. "After what you said you are +in honor bound to give Betty a chance." + +"I am perfectly willing," said Frank, glancing toward Betty. "What do +you say about it?" + +"You can't arrange it too soon to suit me," Betty answered, undaunted. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +A SPLENDID CATCH + + +"Can't anybody think of anything to do?" Mollie queried impatiently. +"I'll go crazy if I have to sit around here for another half hour," and +she dug the toe of her shoe into the soft sward viciously. + +"You are not very flattering to our company," said Roy, leaning on one +elbow and smiling up lazily at the straight little figure beside him. + +Mrs. Irving was lying down and the rest of the party was gathering about +the camping place of the boys, some roaming about restlessly and others +sitting upon the grass. It was a sultry, scorching day, when not a +breeze came to temper the heat--a day when the slightest movement +produces the effect, as Mollie had said, "of a fire lighted right under +your nose." The young people were restlessly on edge, undecided what to +do. + +It was too hot to make the long-looked-for walk to the summer colony a +possibility. Of course they could swim, but this they had done all +morning long and one couldn't swim forever! This was the state of +affairs then, when Mollie made her petulant remark. + +"That's nonsense," she retorted, in reply to Roy. "It isn't the company +I find fault with, it's the atmosphere." + +Allen and Betty, who had come back from a little ramble in the woods, +surveyed the scene thoughtfully. + +"I tell you what we can do," said Allen, and the two on the grass +regarded him hopefully. "We fellows have brought some fishing +tackle--suppose we go out and try to get some fish for supper? That +doesn't require much energy," he added. + +"Allen, you have saved my life!" cried Mollie, springing up from the +mossy rock, which had been her seat. "Can't we go right away? Oh, do +call the others and ask them to hurry!" + +"Take it easy," Roy cautioned, still stretched out on the grass. "You'll +get all heated up again. Besides there's no such awful rush--we have all +the time there is before us." + +But Mollie was all action, now that there was some definite point in +view. + +She called the others to her, speaking quickly. + +"We are going to catch some fish," she announced eagerly. "Or at least +we are going to try to." + +"Try is good," murmured Frank, but Mollie continued, unheeding. + +"It is strange that I didn't remember before," she went on, "what Aunt +Elvira said about the wonderful fishing pool about a mile away." + +"A mile!" groaned Grace. "Do you mean to say that we have to walk a mile +in this blazing heat?" + +"Nobody _has_ to," Mollie retorted. "It's only a question of wanting to. +I'm going if I have to go alone." + +"Oh, come on, Grace, be a sport," Frank coaxed. "Just think how nice and +shady and cool it will be when we get there. It _will_ be nice and shady +and cool, won't it, Mollie?" he added, turning to her for confirmation. + +"Nice rocks with great, big trees shading them and clear, cold water +with lots of fish in it and--and--oh, everything!" she agreed in a burst +of enthusiasm. + +"That sounds mighty good to me," said Roy. "Now for the fishing +tackle--where is it, fellows?" + +"Oh, wait a minute," called Mollie, as they made a rush for the tents. +"There are some rods up at the house, too. We might as well take all we +can get." + +"Good!" said Will. "I'll go with the girls, fellows, and help them while +you are getting things ready." + +Their present elation was very different from the apathy which had +possessed them so short a time before. Indeed, Mollie's description of +the fishing pool was very alluring. + +"Whereabouts did you see the tackle, Mollie?" Will asked, as they +entered the house. + +"Oh, I can find it," said Mollie with conviction. "I think there were +four rods. I hope I wasn't mistaken." + +"If you were," said Amy, "one of us will have to sit still and watch!" + +"And I think I know who that will be," said Will with a sly glance at +his sister. + +"Just for that," Grace retorted, "I'll show you the best catch of the +day." + +"We shall see," said Mollie, opening the door of a small closet under +the stairs. "Look," she added, "there they are. You're a judge of rods, +Will--how do these look?" + +Will took them in his hands and examined them minutely. "They're +pippins!" he exclaimed joyfully. "I don't know when I've seen a better +outfit. You ought to be able to catch all the fish in the lake with +these, girls," and he regarded them admiringly. + +"We'd better watch out for the boys," said Amy, wisely, as they left the +house. "They will be exchanging their rods for ours, if we aren't +careful." + +They all laughed, including Mrs. Irving, who had come downstairs. She +had not been feeling well of late--the heat had been too much for +her--but she had announced a strong desire to accompany the young folks, +if they went very far from home. + +They found the three boys industriously digging worms, and so intent +were they in this absorbing occupation that they did not look up when +the party approached. + +"What are you doing?" Grace asked, and then, as Allen held up a +wriggling candidate for the hook, she shivered and drew back in disgust. + +"Ugh," she said, "how I hate the nasty things! Somebody will have to +bait my hook for me. I couldn't do it in a million years." + +"All right, nobody asked you to. How's that for a good fat one, eh?" +asked Roy, as he held up an unusually fine one for her inspection. + +"Why is it boys always have to tease?" Betty asked of the world in +general. "We know you have to have worms for bait, but that doesn't +make us like to look at them." + +"Well, I guess that's enough," said Allen, clapping the top on the big +tin box, and getting to his feet. "Now if the fish don't like the bait +any better than you girls, I shouldn't wonder if we got done out of our +supper." + +"My aunt says they are wonderfully agreeable," said Mollie as they +started down the path, "especially in that pool. She says they just fall +over one another in their hurry to get caught." + +"And you waited all this time to tell us about it," said Allen +reproachfully. "And even then I had to suggest it." + +"Yes, if it were just an ordinary pool you could understand it," Frank +added. "But a marvel like this! Gee, those fish must be hungry!" + +The Outdoor Girls and their companions tramped for what seemed to them a +very long time, but at last they were rewarded by a vision of a +beautiful glade--all trees and rocks and crystal-clear water. + +"Well, this looks like something," said Will, drawing a deep breath. "I +wouldn't mind camping here for the rest of the season." + +Betty laughed. "You would either have to saw down about a hundred +trees," she said, "or camp in the pool with the little fishes." + +"Well, it might not be so bad at that," said Will, cheerfully, while he +helped Amy over the uneven places. "I could have fish dinners if I +wanted them anyway." + +"Well, there is nothing like looking on the bright side of things," +laughed Allen. "Look, Betty, here is a place that was just made for you. +Seat and back and everything complete. Isn't it a dandy?" + +"Do I dangle my feet over it?" asked Betty doubtfully, surveying the +water beneath. "Suppose one of my slippers dropped off?" + +"I suppose I'd go down and get it," he said, brushing the difficulty +aside with a wave of his hand. + +"But it would be ruined," wailed Betty. "They don't feel very tight, you +know." + +Allen ran his hand through his hair in evident perplexity. Then his brow +cleared before the light of a sudden inspiration. + +"Can't you take them off?" he asked eagerly. + +"Allen!" she cried. "What an idea! Of course I can't." + +"Well, what are you going to do then?" he demanded despairingly. "I've +suggested everything I could think of and you certainly can't stand up +all afternoon." + +"What are you two talking about?" Grace demanded. "Don't you know you +are blocking the way?" + +"I don't want to put my feet over the edge," Betty explained. "And I +don't know what else to do." + +"Follow my example," Mollie suggested. "Sit on 'em." + +"Good idea," Betty agreed. And she immediately plumped down on her two +slim ankles, looking up at Allen invitingly. "You look so far away," she +said. "When you sit down you are not nearly so impressive. There's +plenty of room for two," and she patted the rock beside her. + +Allen obediently stretched his long length on the turf at her side, +letting his legs hang over. + +"You see I'm not afraid to risk a dip in the aqua pura," he said. "It +wouldn't ruin my dainty little gunboats." + +"It looks as if nothing would hurt them but an axe," Frank remarked. He +had seated himself next to Allen and Betty, after having made Grace +comfortable, and was busily engaged in baiting his hook. "You'd better +hurry up, Allen--we'll have all the fish in the place hooked before you +get started." + +"Oh, no you won't," said Allen. "Hand us some of those worms, Will, will +you?" + +"Don't let them come too near me, will you, Allen?" begged Betty. "I +don't like them much more than Grace does." + +"Anybody would think you were talking about some lion or tiger from the +jungle," laughed Allen, as Will handed him the bait, "instead of three +little, harmless, unoffending worms----" + +"Who seem to be running in a streak of hard luck," Frank finished, as he +cast his line into the water. + +"It does seem foolish," Betty admitted, taking her rod from Allen's +hand, "but I can't help it. Come, little fishes," she called, casting +her line far out into the pool. "Right this way! You have got to live up +to the reputation Mollie has given you." + +Allen had just succeeded in landing a magnificent, big fish, and was +holding it down to keep it from sliding into the water, when a terrified +cry broke the stillness. + +"Help! help! I am drowning." + +For one stupefied instant, the fishers gazed dumbly at one another. Then +Allen released his hold on the big fish, letting it slide unheeded into +the water, and led the dash through the woods. + +"Help! help!" called the voice again, fainter this time. + +"Keep up your courage!" Allen shouted. "We are coming!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON + + +"Oh, oh!" Betty almost sobbed, as they stumbled on over stumps and +fallen logs. "If the boys can only get there in time--if they only can!" + +As Allen was the first to start, so he was also the first to reach the +water's edge. He was just in time to see two hands above the surface of +the water--two hands clutching in anguish. + +As he rid himself of his shoes in frantic haste, there was one thought +and one only in his mind--to reach the helpless owner of those hands and +bring her back to life and hope. He was sure it was a girl--those little +appealing hands could belong to no other. + +The next moment he was in the water, swimming desperately toward the +point where he had seen the hands disappear. + +Oh, he would never reach it! The water seemed to be some living thing, +pushing him; driving him back to the shore in spite of himself! His +muscles seemed weighted with lead, his sodden clothing dragged upon him +mercilessly! Oh, he would never reach her in time--he couldn't! + +Then a wild, hot thought flashed through his consciousness, searing it +like a flame. Now was no time to say he could not! He must! _He must!_ A +life depended on his ability to reach that spot when the girl came to +the surface again--if indeed she ever did. Ah, perhaps what he had seen +had been the last time. Then he must dive, dive, dive until he found +her, even though he lose his own life in the attempt. + +But no--there right before him so near that he could almost touch it, a +figure rose to the surface, struggling faintly. + +With one supreme effort Allen forged ahead and grasped the skirt of the +girl's bathing suit as she sank for the last time beneath the surface. + +"Thank God!" he murmured, as he raised the girl's head, with its mass of +tangled hair, above the water. "Oh, thank God!" + +As he turned and started to swim slowly back to shore with his burden, +he almost ran into the other three boys who had followed close upon his +heels. + +"Oh, you've got her, have you?" said Frank, unutterable gladness in his +voice. "I was sure you would be too late." + +"It may be yet," said Roy, "if we don't get her to shore pretty quick. +Here, let me take her, old man--you're all tuckered out." + +Allen willingly released his burden, and they swam as quickly as they +could to the shore. + +They found the girls waiting for them, with white, strained faces. + +"Oh, oh!" cried Grace, as they lifted the poor little inert body on to +the bank. "Oh, do you suppose she is dead?" + +"Well, she will be if we don't hurry pretty fast," said Betty, her voice +trembling but determined. "Boys, look about and see if you can find +anything round and hard that we can use in place of a barrel. Oh, do +hurry! Mollie, you take her other arm and move it up and down--that's +the way--hard--hard." + +Mollie did as she was told and in less time than seemed possible the +boys returned bringing with them part of a fallen log. This Betty +declared was the very thing. + +For half an hour they worked over the unconscious form and more than +once during that time, they had almost given up hope of bringing back +the spark of life. Then, all at once, a change took place--the ashy look +of her face gave way to a faint tinge of color--the blue lips parted in +something very like a sigh, and her hands, which had been lying inert +and lifeless at her side, twitched almost imperceptibly. + +"Oh, she's coming back! she's coming!" cried Amy almost in tears. "Oh, I +was sure she was dead!" + +"Hush," Betty cautioned her in a whisper. "I think she knows what we are +talking about," then bending over the girl she said very gently: "Do you +feel better, dear?" + +Slowly the eyelids fluttered, and the eyes gazed vaguely up into Betty's +sweet ones. The lips moved and Betty bent down closer to listen. + +"I don't know you, do I?" the words were almost inaudible. "I--I--don't +seem to remember----" + +"Don't try, my dear," said Betty soothingly, while two tears made their +way down her face, only to be dashed away impatiently. "You have been +through a terrible experience, and you don't have to think very hard +just now--there is plenty of time." + +Slowly, understanding replaced the vague wonder in the girl's eyes, and +she reached out with an unsteady hand to touch Betty's white dress. + +"I wanted to be sure you were real," she explained, smiling wistfully. +"I was afraid you might vanish. Will you help me to remember?" she +pleaded. + +Betty's warm heart went out to the girl, and when she spoke her voice +was full of pity and tenderness. + +"I'll help you as far as I can," she promised. "You were swimming and +something happened that made you cry for help. Luckily we happened to be +near and one of the boys got you and brought you back to land. And here +you are getting strong and well again," she finished brightly. + +"Well, whoever you are, you're a dear," said the stranger, the emphasis +showing how quickly she was gaining strength. "I remember now all about +it. Mother and dad have told me over and over that I must not come over +here alone; but the day was perfect for a swim and no one else would +come, so I slipped off by myself. I was swimming all right, and then I +was taken with cramps. Oh, oh, it was terrible!" and she covered her +face with her hands to shut out the memory. + +"Don't think of it," said Amy compassionately, kneeling down beside the +girl and taking the cold hand in hers. "It's all over now, and you are +safe and sound. Try just to remember that." + +The girl looked up wonderingly at the sweet girlish faces gathered about +her. "I think you must be a--a company of angels," a sharp sob broke +the attempt at a laugh--for she was still very weak. "You are all so +good to me I----" + +"You would have done the same for any of us," said Betty, trying hard to +keep her voice matter-of-fact. "So you needn't thank us for it. How are +you feeling--better?" + +"A great deal," answered the girl, with a grateful glance toward Betty. +"I almost feel as if I could stand up." + +"If you want to try, one of the boys will help you," Grace suggested, +turning to the latter, who had been standing several feet back from the +little group, natural delicacy forbidding them to intrude. + +But now, being thus appealed to for help, they stepped forward like one +person, offering assistance. They helped the girl to her feet and +steadied her as she stood, weak and trembling. + +She looked from one to the other with a wan little smile on her lips. +"Which one of you have I to thank for--for saving me?" she asked. + +"None of us," said Roy, with an attempt at gallantry which was rendered +funny by his extremely sodden aspect. "It was a pleasure." + +Noting the girl's bewilderment, Betty hastened to explain. "They all did +it," she said; "but if credit is due to any one of them it must be given +to Allen for reaching you first." + +"Nonsense!" said Allen, abashed at being brought into the limelight. "I +was nearer than the other fellows, that's all. What's the use of talking +about it, anyway?" + +"There is a good deal of use, I think," the girl answered softly. "If +you people hadn't been so good and kind to me, I would have----" she +paused before the word, and shivered again in her weakness. + +"Don't think of it any more," Betty urged. "Now, what you most need is +rest. If we could get you back to our cottage or, perhaps, to your own +people----" she paused questioningly. + +"Oh, please," said the girl, "if you could only get me back to the +hotel, you don't know how grateful I would be. Mother and dad will be +crazy." + +"If we were only nearer our bungalow, we might take you back there and +then send word to your mother and father," said Mollie, thoughtfully. +"But I guess it is just about as far one way as the other." + +"Yes, the best thing we can do," Mrs. Irving decided, "is to get her as +quickly as possible to the summer colony. That is where you come from, +isn't it?" she asked. + +The girl nodded. All this time she had been standing, supported on +either hand by Roy and Will. But now Allen had a suggestion to make. + +"We could make a seat," he said, "and carry her the rest of the distance +to the colony. The sooner we start the better it will be." + +On this plan they agreed. Very naturally the girl was strainingly eager +to relieve the anxiety of her parents--to let them know she was safe +again. + +Allen and Frank, being the stronger of the boys, volunteered to carry +the slight girl--she was young, scarcely sixteen--for the first half +mile. Then the other two boys were to carry her the rest of the +distance. + +In a moment the little procession was formed, and it started off for the +woods, toward the summer colony. Allen and Frank moved in front with +their burden, followed by the four girls and Mrs. Irving, while Roy and +Will brought up the rear. + +The boys were wet to the skin, and even on a scorching day in August +that is anything but a pleasant sensation. Then, too, the way was rough, +and the briers and brambles along the path scratched their hands and +tore at their clothing. Ordinarily all these petty annoyances would have +tended toward making them irritable and cross, but on this day all such +trifles passed over their heads unnoticed. For had they not between +them done a marvelous thing? To save one life--to have brought back from +eternity one little soul--was there not joy enough in that to last them +all their days? The girls thought there was. + +After a walk that seemed endless, Will called out to the boys in the +front: "Isn't it time for relief work, Allen? We must have traveled more +than half a mile." + +"We're not tired," Allen shouted back. "The hotel is right ahead--we can +carry her for the rest of the way." + +"Just as you say," Roy answered. "But we are ready whenever you want +us." + +"All right," called Allen. "We may be glad of your help yet;" and so the +little party went on. + +A few moments later they heard voices directly ahead, and Anita--for +that, she had said, was her name--raised her voice excitedly. "They are +probably coming in search of me," she cried, cheeks flushing with the +hope of it. "I knew they would! Oh, I knew it! Dad! Conway!" she called. + +"Nita! where are you?" a voice shouted back, unutterable relief +vibrating in every syllable. "Call again!" + +Anita obeyed with a will. "Just keep on the way you are coming. I'm all +right, but please hurry!" + +Then the two relief parties came face to face. Frank and Allen set the +girl gently upon her feet and her father caught her in his arms. "You're +safe!" he murmured over and over again. "My little girl!" and the others +turned away before the depth of his emotion. + +His weakness lasted only a moment, then recovering his self-control he +handed Anita over to the affectionate bear hugs of an elder brother, and +turned to his daughter's rescuers. + +"Madam," he said to Mrs. Irving, "if you will tell me to whom I am +indebted for Anita's safe return, I will try to thank him or her or all +of you as the case may be. Although thanks at this time seem a small +return for such a service." + +"I am sure none of us wish any thanks for whatever little help we may +have been able to render your daughter," Mrs. Irving answered, with +grave courtesy. "We can only thank a kind fate for leading us within +hearing distance of her appeal for help. The rest is simply what you and +your son would have done for any of us had we been in similar danger." + +"That doesn't make what you have done any the less splendid," Anita's +brother broke in impulsively, holding his sister as though he would +never let her go again. "Anita is tired now, but when we hear the whole +story, I know we are going to be even more grateful to you than we were +before--eh, Anita?" + +"Oh, they were wonderful to me," said the girl, her eyes shining like +stars. "If it hadn't been for them--I don't dare--think----" and again +her hand flew to her eyes to shut out the horror of that awful moment. + +Suddenly all Mrs. Irving's mother instinct rose to the fore, and she +spoke impulsively. "Take the child home," she begged; "what she needs +more than anything else is rest. You can see she is at the breaking +point." + +Mr. Benton looked at his daughter, who indeed was trembling like a leaf +in her brother's arms, and saw the truth of the statement. "You are +right," he said slowly. "We can't get Anita home too soon." Then, +turning once more to Mrs. Irving, he added, while his eyes traveled over +the group of girls and boys behind her: "Although we haven't time now to +become better acquainted, we are going to stay here the rest of the +summer, and if you expect to remain our neighbors----" + +"Yes, father," broke in Anita, "they live at the bungalow at the other +end of the island, and they have already invited Conway and me to visit +them. When shall we go, Con?" + +"As soon as you are able, sister dear," Conway Benton said fondly. "I'll +be glad to go any time. Now we will have to get you home." + +So, after many words of mutual understanding and friendliness, they +parted and went on their separate ways. + +"I guess we shall have just time to get the fish and reach the bungalow +before dark," said Mrs. Irving, as our party started to retrace their +steps with weary feet and joyful hearts. + +It was not till they had nearly reached the fishing pool that Allen +thought of his big fish. + +"It was wicked to let that beauty go," he said, gazing ruefully into the +pool. "He was the king of them all." + +"Yes, but just see what you accomplished," Betty said at his elbow, +softly. "What you did to-day is worth a million fish." + +"Yes, and there are plenty more where that came from," he added, smiling +down at her. "Now let's hike along home--I am getting hungry." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +BENEATH THE MOON + + +"I have often read about it, but I never thought I would be fortunate +enough to actually see it," said Amy, clasping her hands behind her +head, and gazing out at the blue of an azure sky. + +The four girls were seated on the steps of the veranda talking, talking +over the events of the day before and speculating as to the future. + +"Well, it scared me nearly to death," said Grace, who was curled up on +the lower step, with a cushion brought from the house acting as head +rest. "I declare when I saw them drag her up on the bank, Betty, I +thought that she was dead. She looked so drawn and white, and----" + +"Well, you couldn't expect her to look particularly rosy and happy, +after all she had been through," Mollie remarked. "If I had been doused +under water as long as that poor girl was I would not only have looked +dead, I'd have been it." + +"Oh, I don't know," Grace retorted lazily. "If I'm not mistaken it +would take a good deal to stop that tongue of yours, Mollie." + +"Speak for yourself," Mollie was beginning angrily, when Betty entered +into the conversation. She had been dreamily studying the shimmering +ripples the soft wind had stirred upon the surface of the water. + +"Some day," she began in a sing-song voice, her eyes still fixed on the +distance, "I'm just going to let you two go on to the bitter finish. I +shouldn't wonder if you will be like the two cats of Kilkenny. You +remember what they did, don't you?" + +"No, what?" asked Mollie, and Grace added: "We might just as well know +where our bad tempers are going to land us. What did they do, Betty?" + +"They fought and they fit and they scratched and they bit," chanted +Betty, "till instead of two cats there weren't any." + +"I guess we had better take warning while there is still time, Grace," +said Mollie, with a little laugh. And so for the time being at least +peace was restored. + +"But when do you suppose Anita and her brother will come to see us?" +asked Amy. "I do hope it won't be very long." + +"I think Amy likes Conway," said Grace, then turning to Betty she asked +meaningly: "Do you, by any chance, believe in love at first sight?" + +"Oh, I think it can be done," Betty answered, her eyes twinkling with +fun as she looked at Amy's flushed face. "At least, I do believe in +strong attractions at the first meeting. Perhaps that is all Amy has +felt just yet." + +"Oh, girls!" implored Amy, in an agony of bashfulness, "I don't like +Conway Benton one bit more than any of the rest of you, and you know it. +I think it is mean for you to tease." + +"Oh, Amy, dear, it is only fun," cried Betty, throwing an arm about her +friend. "We don't really think that you have been smitten with a +stranger's charms. Still _stranger_ things have happened." + +"I don't agree with you," said Amy, and they wisely forbore to pursue +the subject. + +"Oh, but didn't that fish taste good last night?" said Mollie, coming +down to every-day matters. "I never ate anything like it in all my +life." + +"That's because we caught it ourselves," said Grace, unconsciously +voicing a common trait in human nature. + +"Let's take fish out of the conversation for a little while," Betty +suggested, "and talk about something romantic." + +"For instance?" Grace inquired, with uplifted eyebrows. + +"The gypsies," Betty answered. "Ever since the other night I've been +wondering if there was anything in what that old store-keeper said." + +"I hope not," said Amy, with a shudder. "I am more afraid of them than +anything else in the world, I think." + +"I don't see why," Mollie reflected. "Probably they are a great deal +more afraid of us." + +"Well, all gypsies are akin, they say; so maybe we could find out +something about Mr. Ford's Beauty and about Mrs. Billette's silver," +returned Betty. + +"Oh, don't talk about that," cried Mollie. "It fairly makes me sick, for +I'm sure we shall never hear of the things again." + +"I wonder when the boys are going to try to ford to the islands?" said +Grace. "The tide's getting low now." + +"Hello! where is everybody?" it was Will's voice calling from the woods. +"We are going for a paddle--who wants to come along?" + +"Ask us," called Betty. "We were just hoping you'd come to life." + +"Ah, the voice of the siren," called Will, over his shoulder. "Come on, +fellows, let's break up this galaxy of beauty." + +The boys sauntered up to the group of girls, and sprawled upon the steps +wherever there was room. + +"Where _have_ you kept yourselves all morning?" Mollie inquired, as +Frank drew a bur from her white skirt. "If you hadn't come pretty soon, +we were going over to look for you." + +"Oh, just around clearing up," Frank replied, with a vague little +gesture. "If we had known how much you wanted to see us, we would have +left some things undone." + +"You needn't have hurried on my account," Grace drawled. "I don't know +when I have ever felt happier than I did before you came. Oh, Roy, do +look out, you are sitting on my dress." + +Roy rose with alacrity. "Gee! a fellow can't do anything around here +without getting sat on," he complained. + +"It seems to me it was Grace's dress that was being sat on that time, +not you," Betty remarked, with a glint of mischief in her eyes. "I +wonder if anybody else has ever noticed," she went on, "the funny habit +all you boys have of blaming somebody else for blaming you." + +"You're away too deep for me, Betty," Roy protested with a shake of his +head. "That must be a mighty funny habit." + +"To change the subject," said Allen, rising and stretching his arms far +above his head, as if to make sure his muscles were still in good +condition, "who wants to share a nice little canoe with me? Your aunt +sure knew what she was doing, Mollie." + +"We would all like to go, I know," said Betty, with a doubtful glance at +the fast sinking sun. "Only I am afraid it is pretty near dinner time." + +"Well, I tell you what we'll do," said Frank, with sudden inspiration. +"We'll postpone our canoeing trip till to-night. There is going to be a +fine moon." + +"What difference does that make?" Grace asked severely. "I think we had +better go now, and have a fire this evening." + +"Oh, Grace, don't be a kill-joy," said her brother. "It is going to be +too wonderful a night to spend indoors." + +"Well, if Mrs. Irving says so," she began, and they all knew it was +settled. + +"Have dinner early, will you?" Roy urged, taking out his watch. "It is a +quarter past five now. Can you be ready to start by six?" + +"Oh, long before," Mollie assured him, rising hurriedly, and starting +toward the house, while the others followed her example. + +Then after a whispered consultation with the girls at the door, she +turned and threw the boys a merry glance. + +"If you are very good," she said, "we will let you eat with us +to-night." + +"Fine!" cried Allen. "And biscuits, Betty?" + +"Biscuits," she answered. + +They were hilarious all during the meal. In the first place, everything +was delicious, and in the second, everybody was in the best of spirits. + +Afterward they cleared away the dishes in no time, and the four girls, +Mrs. Irving having refused to be of the party, ran upstairs to get the +light wraps that were always needed at night. The boys met them outside +as they rushed down laughing and breathless, and ready for a good time. + +"I hope it doesn't take the moon till twelve o'clock to show itself," +said Will, as they made their way down the walk and on to the float +where the canoes were attached. "Mrs. Irving says that we are to be back +by ten o'clock at the latest." + +"That will give us plenty of time," Frank answered. "Don't you remember +we saw it a little after seven last night?" + +"It's lucky these canoes are eighteen feet long," said Allen, as he +unfastened the rope. "Otherwise we would have to take turns paddling." + +"Who's going to do the work first?" asked Betty. Then she added: "I love +to paddle." + +"If nobody has any objection," said Allen, "you shall. Grace, you drop +into the middle with Frank, until it comes your turn to do the work. +Betty may like it, but I must say I'd rather watch you people slave." + +"All right, we'll go fifty-fifty with you," Frank agreed cheerily. +"Here, Grace, step in the middle--that's the way. Now we are all +settled. Let her go, Captain." + +Allen swung himself into the stern, and deftly pushed the canoe clear of +the swaying float. "All right," he sang out. "Left hand or right, Betty? +It makes no difference to me. Now for the moon." + +"Look out, Allen, you are getting poetical," warned Betty, as she dipped +her paddle into the clear water. "Many a man has reached for the moon, +only to find that he had plucked some green cheese." + +"Are you sure it wasn't limburger?" asked Frank, mildly for so strong a +subject. + +"Ugh, don't!" cried Grace. "How I hate even the name of the horrid +stuff!" + +"And on a night like this, too," said Betty. "Can't we talk about +something less odoriferous?" + +"Remember you started it," said Frank defensively. + +"Yes, I know, but what I spoke of is such a wee little cousin to----" + +"Is that the dipper up there, Frank?" Grace asked, in haste to change +the subject. "Somehow it doesn't look natural." + +Frank squinted aloft. "That's our same old friend," he said. "By the +way, speaking of dippers, I am getting thirsty." + +"Well, I can't give you a drink, but I can feed you. Have a chocolate?" +cried Grace. + +"Oh, Grace!" protested Betty, "you never brought chocolates along?" + +"To be sure I did. Why not?" + +"You are hopeless," laughed Frank. + +"Look at that shooting star," said Betty, pointing with her paddle. "Oh, +that was a beauty!" + +"Did you wish on it?" asked Grace eagerly. + +"I didn't know I had to. Goodness, did I throw away an opportunity?" +Betty's tone was dismayed. + +"Why, of course," said Grace, with an air of superiority. "It's bad luck +if you don't." + +"All right, I won't let the next one escape," Betty promised. + +And so they went on and on, enjoying the shadowy stillness of the +night, and later revelling in the silver radiance of the moonlight. + +It was not until they started on their journey side by side with the +other canoe that Allen broached a subject that had been almost entirely +forgotten in the excitement of the last few days. + +"Say, when are you and Frank going to practice for the big race, Betty?" +he asked. "I am mighty anxious to see it." + +"To-morrow morning, I guess," said Betty, then added suddenly: "I don't +see why Frank and I should furnish all the fun. Why don't you all join +in? It would be ever so much more exciting." + +"That's a good idea," said Allen. "I'll do it if the rest are willing. +How about it, Grace?" + +"I'm willing," she replied. "Oh, I have a bright idea!" + +"Shoot!" said Frank inelegantly. + +"Suppose we take our lunch," she went on enthusiastically, "and have a +regular old-fashioned picnic in the woods beyond the camp." + +"Grace, you are a marvel," cried Betty. "I can't think of anything I'd +like better. Swimming in the morning and a party in the afternoon! Oh, +every day is more wonderful than the last!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +WATER SPRITES + + +The sunbeams danced across the shimmering water and into the room where +the Outdoor Girls lay sleeping. They made patches on the floors and +ceiling, and showered Mollie's face with golden darts. + +She moved restlessly and raised her hand as though to ward off this +invader of her dreams, muttering softly, "Oh--don't----" Gradually she +passed from sleeping to waking and, realizing the cause of the +disturbance, sat up in bed with a start. + +"Oh, the world's on fire with sunshine! What a day to swim! Now, as soon +as I can rouse these sleeping beauties, I'll proceed to get breakfast." + +"Oh, A--my!" she called aloud, giving the bed such a thump that Amy's +eyes sprung wide open on the instant--wide and startled. "Are you going +to sleep for-_ever_? Oh, I'm hungry!" with which words she sprang out of +bed and began dressing hastily. + +For once Amy seemed to agree with her chum, for the moonlight sail of +the night before with only Grace's candies to nibble on had left them +ravenous. + +"All right," she said, sitting up and looking toward the bed in the far +corner of the big room. "Betty and Grace are just yawning themselves +awake. We ought to beat them dressed easily." + +"We don't care," came Betty's sleepy voice. "Whoever gets down first has +to get the breakfast, you know." + +Even this did not daunt Mollie. She did not mind getting breakfast at +all. In her own words, "she could smell the good things that much +longer." So now her only answer was: "Sleepy-head," uttered in a severe +tone. + +"I don't care," came the defiant answer, "it's mighty nice to feel +sleepy sometimes," and Betty stretched luxuriously. + +"Oh, dear!" said Grace irritably, "it seems to me life is one long +succession of getting ups and going to beds." + +"The last isn't as hard as the first, is it, Gracy?" Mollie teased. + +"Probably if you _could_ sleep, you wouldn't want to," replied Grace. + +"Oh, if any one would only give you the chance!" and Betty gave Grace +an affectionate little shake. "Some time we won't call you, Grace," she +laughed. "I'd like to find out just how long you could sleep, if you +were left to yourself." + +"Goodness, I wouldn't like to chance it," said Mollie, slipping a middy +over her head. "I am afraid we would have to carry her home at the end +of the summer--a sleeping beauty still." + +"Or a still sleeping beauty," Betty suggested. "That would be more to +the point." + +"Suits me exactly," Grace drawled, "as long as the prince is handsome +enough." + +"Always the prince," groaned Mollie, giving Grace up in despair--then +added, as she opened the door preparatory to flight: "Frank is quite +good looking. Come on, Amy!" + +"I don't see what that has to do with it!" Grace retorted; but only a +sharp click of the door and a little derisive laugh in the hall outside +answered her. "Oh, well," she added, sitting up and regarding Betty +reproachfully as if that young person were responsible, "I suppose I +have got to get up." + +"Of course, and make yourself charming for the prince," said Betty, +pinning a rose at exactly the right angle in her soft white waist. "You +don't have to be a _sleeping_ beauty to find him, you know," she added +sagely. + +"You seem to know a lot about it," said Grace, regarding her friend +soberly. "I shouldn't wonder if you had found him, Betty." + +Betty turned sharply to see if she were joking, then the soft color +flooded her face. "Nonsense!" she said, but her tone was not convincing. + +"Yes, you have," said Grace, not to be put off. "I can tell by the way +you look at him, and the way he looks at you and oh--and--a hundred +little things." She waved her hand vaguely. + +"Oh, Gracy, don't be foolish," said Betty, recovering her usual +composure. "If you don't look out _I'll_ begin to get personal. You +needn't think you are the only one that has eyes." + +"Oh, well," said, Grace, flushing in her turn. "If you are going to +begin that---- Oh, Betty, just smell the bacon! Please hand me that +shoe, quick!" + +"Oh!" cried Betty, and drew back as a small stone flung by some one +below hurtled through the open window and fell to the floor at her feet. +"Look! It has something tied to it," she cried, and, stooping, picked it +up. + +"Bring it here," called Grace excitedly. "Oh, this is romantic! Betty, +let me see it, quick!" + +"Wait a minute, I haven't seen it myself yet," said Betty, as she +unfolded the tiny slip of paper attached to the stone. "Well, of all +the----" + +Grace looked over her shoulder and this is what the two girls read: + + "When are you coming out? The water's fine." + +With one accord they rushed to the window through which the message had +come and leaned far out. But look as they might in every direction, +there was no sight nor sound of human beings. The grounds about the +house and even the woods seemed deserted. + +The girls drew back in, looked at each other in perplexity, then their +gaze instinctively traveled to the note still held in Betty's hand. + +"Well," Grace announced, "it seems that we have here a key to some +mystery----" + +"Mystery nothing!" Betty interrupted disrespectfully. "We know who wrote +this--there is no mistaking Roy's scrawl. The senders have +decamped--that's all." + +"Speak of princes----" said Grace, as they went out arm in arm. + +"And they are sure to turn up," Betty finished merrily. + +Mollie's breakfast was good. And the young folks ate with the healthy +appetites of youth. Mrs. Irving left the table early to get herself +ready to go over to the summer colony where she had promised to spend +the day with friends who were summering there. The girls had scarcely +finished their breakfast when the boys broke in upon them. + +"You girls eat too much," Frank complained, when the first greetings +were over. "Now, if you only had our dainty little appetites----" + +"The best way to treat some people," put in Mollie significantly, "is to +pay no attention to them or their remarks." + +"Is she speaking to me or at me?" Frank inquired good-humoredly. + +"Oh, it is just a general slam at the sex," laughed Allen, who had not +taken his eyes from Betty and the pink rose. "We ought to be hardened by +this time." + +"Yes, you are terribly ill-treated, aren't you?" + +Betty sympathized and remarked: "It is truly a case for the S. P. C. +A.--I mean the S. P. C. C.," she corrected hastily, while the girls +laughed merrily and the boys looked injured. + +"That's the worst yet, Betty," Will reproached her. "You needn't make +out you didn't mean it, either--we know better." + +"Oh, all right," said Betty, her eyes twinkling. "Have it your own way." + +"To change the subject," Roy broke in, "what are you girls all togged +up for--didn't you get my message?" + +"Of course," said Grace. "You nearly put Betty's eyes out with it." + +"Sorry," said Roy, with a quick glance at Betty's nearly injured eyes, +which had never looked brighter than at that instant. "They look pretty +good to me. But that brings me back to my first query--why are you girls +all dressed up?" + +"Well, you know we could hardly wear our bathing suits down to +breakfast. Imagine a lot of sea nymphs boiling eggs and frying bacon!" +ejaculated Mollie. + +"Besides," Betty argued, "it's just as much trouble to put ugly things +on as it is pretty ones----" + +"And they don't look as nice," Frank finished. + +"Exactly!" said Betty. "And now if you will excuse us we'll put on our +suits, and show you boys how to swim. Come on, girls!" + +"You can't be too quick to suit me," Allen called after them. + +Mollie made a little face at him from the doorway. "Anxious to meet your +Water-loo?" she mocked impishly, and before he could answer had followed +the girls up the stairway. + +The boys raced back to camp to prepare themselves for the swim, and a +few minutes later met the girls coming from the house. + +"You see you didn't have to wait," said Amy. "We are as anxious as you +to get into the water this morning. Oh, I can almost feel it!" + +"Let's run," suggested Mollie. "Somehow to-day I can't be sedate. I'll +race everybody to the bank." + +[Illustration: THEY RAN OUT INTO THE TEPID WATER. + +_The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island._ _Page 158_] + +She broke into a run, and the others followed--bringing up at the edge +of the water a moment later, breathless but glowing. This time no one +hesitated, not even Amy. They ran out into the tepid water, then plunged +in, swimming with strong, even, steady strokes. + +It had been decided that all were to take part in the race--consequently +all were bent on losing not one moment of practice. They swam, off and +on, for the whole morning--occasionally throwing themselves upon the +mossy bank, to rest and get their breath, then going at it again with +renewed vigor and resolve. + +It was only when the position of the sun and acute pangs of hunger +warned them that it was long past their luncheon hour, that they decided +it was time to turn their attention to other things. + +"I left the basket back at the house," said Mollie, when they had come +to this conclusion. "I thought probably we would like to get dressed +before we ate." + +"Oh, why?" Will protested. "It's a scorching hot day, and we'll probably +want to go in for a swim later on, anyway." + +"Why not slip a skirt and middy over our bathing suits?" Betty +suggested. "By the time we reach the house, our suits will be dry. Mine +is almost, now." + +"Good!" said Grace. "We'll feel more respectable, and if we do want to +go in for a swim later it won't be any trouble at all to take them off." + +So it was decided, and they all tramped off through the woods, laughing, +merry, and friends with the world. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +A MARVELOUS DISCOVERY + + +Upon reaching the house the Outdoor Girls ran upstairs while the boys +went back to camp to get some things they thought they might need. A few +moments later the girls rejoined them. + +"Where shall we go?" Roy, who was leading the van, paused and looked +behind him. "Let's take some different part of the wood--some place we +haven't explored yet." + +"If there is any," Allen agreed. + +"There is some place, for we have not yet found the gypsies Mollie's old +store-keeper told her about," put in Betty. + +"Very well, then, trot ahead, Roy, we'll follow you." + +"All right, but don't blame me if we are lost." + +"Oh, if there is any danger of that," said Amy, pulling away and looking +back longingly, "perhaps we better stick to what we know." + +"Oh, Roy is only talking to hear himself talk," Will assured her. "It +isn't possible to get lost on this island, even if you wanted to. All +we would have to do would be to follow the shore and sooner or later +we'd be bound to come upon 'The Shadows.'" + +Amy saw the reason in this and was reassured. "All right," she said; +"but it wouldn't be very much fun to get lost." + +"Why not?" demanded Will, and she looked at him in surprise. + +"Well, would it?" she asked wonderingly. + +"It would be the greatest little lark ever," he said so decidedly that +Amy blushed. "We'd have some excitement for a little while, anyway." + +When they had walked a little farther into the woods Roy stopped again, +and, pointing before him, called out: "We have found just the place, +people--it's Arcadia itself." + +They crowded about him, gazing in the direction he had pointed out. It +was a wonderful island, this--where you were always stumbling into some +little glade or woodland bower made especially for you. Surely this tiny +garden spot of nature was even more alluring than the famous fishing +pool, and the girls pushed forward eagerly. + +"That big flat stone over there will be just the very thing to spread +the eatables out on," said Grace, "and I guess we can all manage to get +around it, too." + +"Of course we can," said Mollie enthusiastically. "It's exactly the +right height. Oh, every thing is perfect!" + +"If you girls will only stop raving long enough to get us something to +eat," said Will plaintively, "you'll be doing some good in the world. +Gee, but I'm hungry!" + +"Poor boy," said Betty, with ready sympathy, "I know just exactly how +you feel, because I'm nearly dead myself. Hand over the basket, Allen, +please, and I'll spread the cloth." + +"You bet I will!" said Allen readily. "I'll help you fix things." + +"Look out for him, Betty," Roy cautioned. "He's got his eye on the good +things." + +"What good does that do?" sighed Allen. "I'd rather have my teeth on +them." + +"So say we all of us," laughed Frank. "Can't I help, too, Betty?" + +"Of course--all of you," the Little Captain agreed, magnanimously. "Come +on, girls--stop admiring the view and help with these things." + +"Oh! will we?" cried Mollie, and all made a rush for the baskets. +"What's first? You've got the table cloth? Well, then the napkins next +and the sandwiches--and the biscuits, and--oh, boys, you never could +guess----" Mollie sat back on her heels and regarded them laughingly. +"Think of the thing you want most in the world," she said. "That's it!" + +"There are lots of things I want," Frank began, but Roy interrupted him. + +"There is only one thing in the world that is better than anything +else," he said. + +"And that?" the others queried breathlessly. + +"Plum pudding!" He pronounced the two words with the reverence due them. + +Grace stared at him in amazement. "How did you know?" she stammered. +"It's almost uncanny." + +"Not at all," said Roy, with a superior air. "It's perfectly simple--I +smelled it." + +"Oh, so that was the blithe and savory odor that assailed our nostrils a +short time ago," said Frank. "But my hopes never soared to the heights +of plum pudding." + +"And here is the hard sauce," said Mollie, passing it around from one to +the other as though it had been a precious jewel. "Amy made it--all of +powdered sugar--with perhaps a little egg and butter thrown in--and I +know it is delicious." + +"You had better put that out of sight till we get through eating other +things, Mollie," Betty cautioned. "The boys will be starting at the +wrong end of the meal." + +"Yes, and spoil their appetites," Amy added, while Mollie removed the +temptation. + +However, from the way the good things disappeared, there seemed no +reason for Amy's fears--appetites like those were proof even against +plum pudding. + +At last the picnickers stretched themselves, replete and happy, upon the +soft grass, to discuss a further course of action. + +"What shall we do next?" asked Betty, after a somewhat lengthy pause. +"Are we going to take a walk or swim some more or just stay here?" + +"You've got the right idea," Roy commended. + +"Which?" she asked, with uplifted eyebrows. "I suggested three things." + +"The last of course," he answered, plucking a piece of long grass and +beginning to chew the end of it. "I don't know what you put in that plum +pudding, but it has made me everlastingly sleepy. I'd like to take a +nice long nap;" and a prodigious yawn gave truth to his words. + +"How interesting," Grace mocked. "Mrs. Irving warned Mollie that it +might have such an effect--in fact, she said it was too hearty for hot +weather. Behold we have the proof of her words." + +"For goodness' sake, Roy, brace up!" cried Will, in a stage whisper. +"Can't you see what you are doing? If you keep this up they won't give +us any more. Brace up!" + +Seeing the wisdom of this, Roy did his best to "brace up," but the girls +only laughed at him. + +"We are sleepy, too," Amy confessed, "so we won't tell. Besides, don't +you suppose _we_ like plum pudding?" + +"Good!" said Roy, leaning back against the tree with a relieved sigh. +"Now we can act naturally." + +However, the Outdoor Girls and their boy chums were too active to remain +quiet long, even after plum pudding. Allen was the first to become +restless, and the others soon caught it from him. He rose, went through +some gymnastic exercises, then looked about him curiously. "I wonder if +there are any more places like this hereabout?" he said. "Does anybody +want to take a little tramp and find out? You look about as energetic as +a bunch of turtles. Come on, let's do something." + +"Why do something when we can get lots more fun out of doing nothing?" +asked Roy lazily. "What wouldst have us do?" + +"I just told you," Allen's tone showed disgust. "Isn't there one among +you with any pep at all? How about you, Betty? You're usually the one +to start things." + +Betty looked up at him with a slow, tantalizing little smile. "That's +why I am letting you take the lead this time," she purred. "I thought +I'd wait and see who'd make the first move." + +"And I am going to force the second move," and before she could guess +what he was going to do, he leaned over, caught her two hands in his and +pulled her to her feet. "Now, you are going to take a little walk with +me, young lady. If the rest of this lazy crowd don't want to come along, +they know what they can do!" + +The Little Captain blinked at him uncertainty. "You might tell me what +you are going to do," she complained. "Look, Allen--you hurt me!" + +He regarded the brown little hand, held up for his inspection, +anxiously. "I don't see anything," he said. "But if I hurt it I am +sorry," and he stroked the place that should have been red. + +"If you are going, why don't you go?" Grace demanded, then added +meaningly: "I guess they _are_ glad we are lazy." + +"Please don't make any insinuations," said Betty, her nose in the air, +but Allen sent a laughing shot back at them before they disappeared into +the denser wood. + +"You can eat another plum pudding if you like," he said. + +Frank chuckled audibly. "Wise old chap--Allen," he remarked. + +"I wish we could take his advice," mourned Amy. "If you boys hadn't been +such pigs, we might have had some pudding left." + +"Oh, why didn't you make more?" was Will's uncivil comment. + +For a long time Allen and Betty wandered through the woods, seeing +nothing and hearing nothing but the usual sights and sounds of the +forest--and seemingly quite content to go on in that way forever. + +It was Allen who first broke the silence. "I wish you would tell me what +you are thinking about so hard, Betty. It must be very interesting, +because you haven't said a word to me since we left that lazy crowd back +there. 'Fess up!" + +Betty flushed faintly. "You should never ask what a person thinks about +on a beautiful summer, day when she is wandering through the woodland +with--with----" + +"Whom?" Allen prompted softly. "Go on, Betty, finish the story." + +"Can't," she smiled up at him roguishly. "It's one of those 'to be +continued.'" + +He caught her hand, but she drew it away quickly. "Allen, what's this?" +she cried. + +She had accidentally brushed aside some brambles that had caught on her +dress, and there close beside them, so near that she could thrust her +hand into the opening, yawned the cavernous black mouth of a cave. + +Allen drew her aside quickly. "Don't go near it," he commanded, in a +tone that made Betty look at him in surprise. "I'm suspicious of these +caves until I have investigated them myself. I am going to have a look, +Betty. You stay where you are." + +But the Little Captain had not been so named for nothing. She seized +Allen's arm, and drew him back from the opening. + +"Allen, if you go in there, I'm going, too," she cried, her eyes +blazing. "Do you suppose I'm going to stand here, and see you get eaten +up by a--a----" + +"A what?" said Allen, putting his hands on her shoulders and laughing +down at her. + +"Well, whatever there is in the cave," she finished lamely. "Anyway, I'm +going in with you." + +"Betty, do be reasonable," he pleaded, but she flared up at that. + +"Do you know, Allen, there is nothing a girl hates more than to have a +boy ask her to be reasonable, when she knows she is? Anyway," her voice +lowered and she pleaded her turn. "Anyway, it's lots worse to see +anybody get hurt, anybody that you like, that is, than it is to get hurt +yourself." + +"You little soldier," Allen murmured. "But can't you see, Betty, that I +am here to protect you from danger if there is any--not let you run +right into it?" + +"Then there is no reason why you should, either," she said obstinately. + +"Will it make you feel any better if we get the others?" Allen asked, +just a little exasperated, for he liked mysteries and hated to leave +them unsolved. "We can get to them in five minutes if we run." + +"Yes, that will be better," Betty agreed, seizing the suggestion +eagerly. "But do you think we can find the cave again?" + +"Easily," said Allen. "You see, we are pretty near the water right here +and that bent old tree at the edge of the lake--see what I mean?--well, +that's right on the line with the mouth of the cave. I guess it will be +easy enough to find." + +So it was settled, and they raced back hand in hand to the spot where +they had left their friends, eager to tell the news. + +"So here you are," cried Mollie, at sight of the runaways. "We thought +you were never coming back." + +Allen wasted no time, but told his story in the fewest words possible. +They were all tremendously excited, and followed the two adventurers +eagerly as they led the way along the shores of the lake. + +"Are you sure you can find it again?" Grace was asking when Amy seized +her arm and pointed out over the water. + +"Look!" she cried. "Gypsies!" + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +DANGEROUS VISITORS + + +"Gypsies?" Betty echoed. "Where?" + +"Can't you see?" returned Amy. "They are fording just as that old man +said they could. Oh, what are we going to do?" + +The boys had been gazing with interest toward the little group of +wanderers, but at Amy's cry they were aroused to sudden action. + +"Get to a place where we can see, and not be seen," said Frank. "I'd +like to watch this thing through." + +"They are coming right this way, too," said Grace, delightfully afraid. +"Oh, what have they got on their backs?" + +"Looks like loot of some sort," Will volunteered, peering forth from his +tree trunk. "Say, this promises to be a lark, fellows." + +"We'd better get back a little farther, if we don't want them to run +right into us," Roy suggested. "They are headed this way." + +The watchers retreated still farther into the woods until they came to +a dense overgrowth of foliage which effectually screened them from +prying eyes. + +"This is just the thing," Roy exulted. "I tell you we are running in +luck to-day." + +"I am glad you think so," said Amy. "If one of those gypsies discovered +us, I am afraid we wouldn't live long." + +"Well, they are not going to," said Roy, overhearing the last remark. +"Don't be a wet blanket, Amy. Anyway, just because they are gypsies they +needn't be murderers." + +"I'm not a----" Amy was beginning, when Allen hissed a sharp warning. +"Keep still, everybody," he said. "They are not a hundred yards away!" + +After that silence reigned, broken only occasionally by a nervous +whisper from one of the girls as they watched the approach of the +enemy--or so they regarded them--with breathless interest. + +There were about twenty in the group, of which the majority were men. As +they came nearer, the girls and boys could see how greatly their ages +varied. Some were old men with white hair and flowing beards, while +others were young striplings scarcely out of boyhood. Their clothes were +many hued and picturesque, while each one carried on his back a huge +bundle. They traveled along the bank, speaking in a low mellow tone, a +language which the Outdoor Girls and the boys had never heard before. + +Grace crowded close to Betty, and the Little Captain squeezed her arm +reassuringly. "I kind of like them," she whispered. "They look so +interesting. They look like bandits or----" + +Frank's hand closed abruptly over her mouth--for low as her tone had +been the gypsies were near enough now to hear the slightest whisper. + +On, on came the little procession so near that the girls, by stretching +out their hands, could almost have touched them. They scarcely dared to +breathe. + +The gypsies moved on for a short distance, then gathered about something +the nature of which the girls and boys could not discern. In his +curiosity, Allen forgot caution and rising from the protection of the +bushes he tip-toed over to a more advantageous lookout. In a moment he +was back again on his knees beside the crouching group crying in an +excited manner: "It's our cave--the cave Betty and I discovered--they +are going into it. Say, I wish we had gone in when we had the chance!" + +"I don't," said Mollie, "they might have found you there and knifed you +in the back or something." + +"Especially something," mocked Roy. But Mollie was too excited to hear +him. + +"Look!" Grace cried. "Now that they are all inside, you wouldn't know +that there was any opening there at all." + +"It _is_ tough to have to sit outside and look at nothing," Roy began. + +"Don't look at me when you say that," complained Mollie, with a little +grimace. + +"When we ought to be in there capturing the thieves--if that is what +they are," he finished. + +"I'd bet on it," said Frank. "All gypsies are born robbers. Just the +same, I wouldn't mind having some of their loot." + +"Frank!" Grace exclaimed, in a shocked voice. "You know you wouldn't +like anything of the sort." + +"Why not?" he said, his eyes twinkling, for teasing Grace was one of his +greatest delights. "I wouldn't go in anybody's house and deliberately +steal anything, but if somebody is kind enough to do it for me----" + +"It will do you as much good as it will them, eh, Frank?" finished Will, +companion in crime. + +"I think you are just talking to hear yourselves talk," Grace commented, +and Betty heartily approved. "That's the most sensible thing I ever +heard you say, Grace." + +"I'm getting stiff sitting on my heels," Mollie complained. "I wish +those old gypsies would go home where they belong, and let us get up." + +"Seventh inning," said Frank. "All get up and stretch." + +Willingly they followed his example, but no sooner had they risen to +their feet than they were sent scuttling back again like rabbits into a +burrow. The bushes were pushed aside and an aged gypsy stepped forth +from the opening. With a little gasp of excitement the girls realized +that he was without his heavy pack. Whatever it was they had brought +evidently had been left behind in the cave. One by one they emerged +until their number was complete. The last of the little band, a lad +apparently no more than sixteen years old, replaced the screening bushes +very carefully across the mouth of their hiding place. Then they turned, +and retraced their steps, still speaking that strange melodious tongue +of theirs, until they had reached the shore and departed the way they +had come. It was not till then that the watchers ventured to speak above +a whisper. + +"Now for the cave and what it contains!" cried Will, and started for the +spot the gypsies had so lately occupied. + +The girls and boys followed him, the former excited yet half fearful. + +"Do you think we had better?" asked Amy, as Will pushed aside the +curtain of foliage and peered inside. "It's getting dark, and besides +the gypsies might come back. Please don't, Will." + +"Do you mean to say that you girls want us to go home without seeing +what is in there?" asked Frank incredulously. "It can't be done, Amy." + +Nevertheless, the boys hesitated before the entrance to this mysterious +hole. After all, it was getting dark and the very blackness of the place +was forbidding. + +"If we only had some matches," said Roy uncertainly. "It wouldn't do us +much good to go stumbling around in the dark." + +"And I presume Mrs. Irving is back and will be terribly worried," Mollie +added, seizing upon the most effective argument she could think of. "She +told us to be home before dark." + +"Yes, and we can come here to-morrow, anyway," Amy added. "What do you +think about it, Betty?" + +"Well, I am just crazy to see what the gypsies left there," the Little +Captain answered, "but I do think it's a little late now to begin +exploring. It isn't as if this were our last day on the island." + +"I think Betty is right, fellows." It was Roy who spoke. "Mrs. Irving +left the girls in our care and she won't do it again in a hurry if we +don't get them home pretty soon." + +"That's so, of course," Allen admitted reluctantly. "Just the same, it's +a crime to leave a discovery like this without getting to the bottom of +it." + +"But we can come to-morrow," Betty pleaded. "It isn't as if----" + +"Oh, I know all about that," he interrupted. "But we probably can't find +the place to-morrow." + +"Well, we will have to take our chances on that," cried Mollie, tapping +her foot impatiently. "The rest of you may stay here all night if you +want to, but I'm going back to 'The Shadows.'" + +"Hold on a minute, Mollie, can't you?" said Will. "I wish it weren't so +late, but since it is, I suppose we shall have to act accordingly. Who's +got the lunch basket?" + +"Frank had, the last time I saw it," said Amy, looking about her at the +gathering shadows uneasily. "Oh, please let's hurry." + +"I forgot all about the basket," Frank confessed. "I think I left it +over there behind the bushes." + +Allen went with him to find it, while the girls stood huddled together, +wishing themselves back at the bungalow. Mystery is wonderful in the +glaring sun of noon-day, but in the chill dusk of evening, with a damp +mist rising and touching all the land with clammy fingers--at such a +time it is not so alluring. All they wanted was home and a fire and a +chance to talk things over. + +Allen and Frank, carrying the basket between them, soon rejoined those +who were waiting at the cave, and they started along the shores of the +lake, keeping a sharp lookout for anything that looked like a gypsy. + +However, they reached home at last without encountering anything more +formidable than their own shadows. + +"But I _would_ like to know what they had in those bags," sighed Betty, +as the boys took leave of them. "Can we go back the first thing in the +morning, Allen?" + +"We can't go too soon to suit me," Allen agreed. "But aren't you going +to let us fellows come over to-night to talk things over?" + +"Of course," said Mollie, "and we'll have a fire." + +"That sounds good," said Roy. "We won't keep you waiting." + +Then the girls went in to relieve Mrs. Irving's anxiety and to tell her +the wonders they had witnessed that afternoon. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +THE LOST TRAIL + + +Before the cheerful glow of the fire, the young people talked long that +night, while Mrs. Irving listened with interest. Her eyes sparkled at +the description of the cave and the gypsy troupe and once she broke in +with: + +"You needn't think you are going to leave me behind when such exciting +things are happening. After this, I am going to be on the spot with the +rest of you." + +"I wish you would," Mollie answered. "We thought you didn't care to go +along." + +"Ask me in the morning," she said. + +And now the morning had come at last. Betty had lain awake most of the +night, too excited to sleep and impatiently awaiting the first streak of +dawn. + +Now it had come after a wait that had seemed interminable and she +slipped silently out of bed, determined not to awaken the sleeping +girls. But before she had time to move half way across the room, Grace +hailed her. + +"Hello, Betty!" she called, "I'm glad you are up--I haven't been able to +sleep for the longest while. What are you going to do?" + +"Get dressed, I suppose," Betty answered. "I simply couldn't lie in bed +any longer." + +"Guess I will, too," said Grace; and that being the first time she had +ever agreed with Betty on that subject, the latter looked at her in +surprise. + +"You must be all worked up, Gracy," she commented, "to be willing to get +up at this time in the morning. I don't think it can be six o'clock, at +the very latest." + +"Well, anything is better than lying in bed awake," yawned Grace, +sitting up in bed and curving her arms behind her head with that slow, +instinctive grace that was part of her. "Look at Mollie staring at us +for all the world like a little night-owl," she added. + +"Thanks," said Mollie dryly. "I feel highly complimented, I'm sure. I'd +hate to tell you what you look like." + +"Don't," said Grace. "What I don't know won't hurt me." + +"Let's all agree that you both look as bad as you can," said Betty +crossly, for the strain of a sleepless night was beginning to tell. "It +would be a relief to know the worst, anyway." + +"Oh, for goodness' sake, Betty, don't you begin to disturb the peace, +too," Amy broke in sleepily. "It was bad enough before with Grace and +Mollie always at swords' points, but if you begin it, I don't know what +I shall do." + +Amy's despair was so comical that the girls had to laugh in spite of +themselves. As if at a signal, the sun broke through the heavy mist that +had risen over night and flooded the room with golden beams. Somehow the +world suddenly seemed a better and a happier place to live in, and the +girls' spirits rose like mercury. + +"Do you suppose Mrs. Irving will really want to go?" Amy asked, as they +finished dressing. "She seemed eager enough last night, but she may have +changed her mind by this time." + +"I don't think so," said Betty. "She is as game as we are for things +like that." + +"Yes, and she is feeling better now," said gentle little Amy. + +The boys called for them bright and early. It seemed that they, also, +had spent a rather restless night, and were glad of the sunshine and +warmth of the morning. + +The party started off in high spirits to find the cave and solve its +mysteries. Mrs. Irving was with them, for, as Betty had said, she was a +game little person and in for a good time whenever one could be found. + +"Suppose we can't find the place?" it was Grace who voiced the thought +that had been secretly troubling them all. "Betty just found it by +accident yesterday." + +"Don't cross bridges till you come to them, Grace," Frank admonished +her. "We'll find it, all right, if we have to cover every square inch of +the island." + +"I vote that we let Allen and Betty take the lead," Roy suggested. "They +know more about it than we do--or at least they ought to." + +"What's that?" asked Betty, who had been deep in a conversation with +Amy. "Who's talking about me now?" + +"They are shifting the responsibility to our shoulders, that's all," +Allen explained. "Roy says because we found the cave in the first place, +it's sort of up to us not to disappoint them now." + +"You may be sure we'll do our best," said the Little Captain, with her +whimsical smile, "since we'd be disappointing ourselves at the same +time." + +"Wasn't it somewhere about here, Allen?" asked Mollie, pointing into the +woods. "The place looks familiar." + +"I don't think so," said Allen, puzzled. "Betty and I noticed a big tree +that was almost directly on a line with the cave, but I don't see it +to-day. I wonder----" + +"It's a little farther ahead, I think, Allen," Betty volunteered, trying +to force conviction into her tone. "I'm sure we haven't passed it." + +"Well, I'm not," said Mollie, abruptly. "I'm positive I saw the bushes +where we hid yesterday quite a distance down the road." + +"Well, why on earth didn't you say so," Grace demanded, "instead of +letting us wander on ahead?" + +"Well, I wasn't sure," Mollie retorted. "And besides, I thought Betty +and Allen knew what they were doing----" + +"Sh-h!" warned Mrs. Irving. "There's nothing to get excited about. We +all want to find the cave, and we are all going to do our best to find +it. Remember, we are equally interested." + +"Well, but it's very strange that we can't locate that tree," said the +Little Captain, a troubled frown on her forehead. "Allen and I were so +particular about it yesterday." + +"Well, we surely won't accomplish anything by standing here," said Will, +a shade impatiently. "Let's travel ahead a little--it seems to me it was +farther on." + +So they started again, troubled and perplexed and scanning every step of +the way. Half an hour later they halted for another conference. The tree +was nowhere to be found--neither was the cave. It seemed as if their +adventure of the day before had been a dream which had faded and +vanished into thin air with the advent of the morning. + +"Every place we look at seems to be it, and then it isn't," wailed Amy. + +"That's fine English, I must say," Will teased. "Where did you go to +school?" + +"Oh, for goodness' sake, let her English alone, Will!" Grace admonished. +"It isn't _that_ we're interested in just at present. Oh, where has the +old thing gone to?" + +"I guess it never was," Roy replied gloomily. "We just imagined it." + +"Imagined it!" sniffed Betty. "If I thought I had an imagination like +that I'd write books or something." + +"I wish I knew what the something stood for," said Frank, laughing at +her. "It must be good." + +"I imagine it would be," said Betty, laughing back at him, "if I only +knew myself." + +"Stop fooling, you two, and help us think of something," Mollie +demanded. "We can't stand here and admire the view all day." + +"What would you suggest?" Frank asked politely. "We are willing to give +weighty consideration to anything you say." + +Mollie looked weakly about her for support. "Grace, can't you do +anything with him?" she pleaded. "He does nothing but talk nonsense all +day long." + +"And just after he's paid you a compliment," Grace drawled. "I wonder +you call that nonsense." + +Mollie had opened her mouth for a stinging rejoinder, but before she +could voice it there came a disturbance from a new and unexpected +quarter. The bushes parted and two figures emerged--a young man and a +girl. + +Astonishment held the little group motionless, but the strangers, or so +they appeared, stepped forward impulsively. + +"It's no wonder you don't remember me," said the girl impulsively, +"since I was dressed very differently when you last saw me. I am Anita +Benton--the girl you rescued the other day." + +As usual, Betty was the first to find her voice. "Oh, we _are_ glad to +see you!" she said warmly. "We were wondering when you and your brother +were coming to pay us that promised visit." + +"Oh, we would have been here long ago, but, you see, I was rather, +well--shaken up," Anita explained, with a merry little laugh that made +the girls warm to her at once. "Conway could hardly wait to come to tell +you all how grateful he was--and is," she added, with a quaint little +sideways glance in the direction of her tall brother. + +"Anita's right. I almost came alone when I found she was inconsiderate +enough to get sick," said Conway, who had been regarding the scene with +lively interest. "You see, I never knew before what it was to almost +lose a small sister." + +"He speaks as if he had any number of them," cried Anita, gaily; and one +could see at a glance the perfect understanding and union between the +two. "But, really, this is the very first day I have been able to walk +any distance at all, so Con and I thought we'd take advantage of it." + +"Well, we are mighty glad you did," said Roy heartily, and Mollie +glanced at him sideways. "I wonder if you two could help us solve a +riddle," he added. "We had just about given it up for a bad job when you +came along." + +"What is it?" asked the girl eagerly. "I love riddles." + +"Don't let him get your hopes raised," Betty warned. "It isn't a riddle +at all. The thing is, we found a cave yesterday, and to-day it has +simply vanished, disappeared, gone up in smoke." + +"A cave?" said Conway, interestedly. "A cave around here? Why, I never +heard of any." + +"Well, we are beginning to think that _we_ dreamed it," said Allen, +pessimistically. "The only strange thing about it is that we all should +dream the same thing." + +"But please tell me what you mean," begged Anita. "Caves are even better +than riddles. Why did you say you dreamed it?" + +There could be no escaping this emphatic young person--that they +realized--so Allen started to explain. When he had finished the two +visitors were almost, if not quite, as excited as the Outdoor Girls and +their boy chums had been. + +"You think it was somewhere about here, don't you?" Anita asked. "It +ought to be easy enough to find." + +"That's what we thought before we started," said Grace, "but after you +have been hunting for an hour or two you begin to realize your mistake. +I vote we do something else." + +"Grace! And leave the cave?" Amy cried, amazed at her friend's lack of +romantic fervor. + +"Why not?" said Grace. "It won't run away. Besides, I guess everybody's +forgotten this is the day we set for the race." + +They stared at one another dumbfounded. It was as Grace had said--this +was the day they had decided on for the race and they had forgotten all +about it. Had ever such a thing happened before in the annals of +history? If so, they could not remember it. + +"A race?" demanded Anita. "What race?" + +Betty looked at her dazedly. "What race?" she repeated. "Why, _the_ +race, of course. Oh, I beg your pardon--I forgot you didn't know. The +fact is, we have been planning a swimming race for--oh, ever so +long--and now this gypsy-cave business put it clear out of our heads. +Oh! how could we have forgotten it?" + +"Well, it isn't too late yet," said Will, practically. "That is, if you +aren't too set on finding this elusive cave to do anything else." + +"Oh, that's safe enough where it is," said Allen. "If we can't find it, +it's a pretty safe bet that nobody else can." + +"I vote we get into our bathing suits just as fast as we can," said +Frank. "That is, if our visitors don't mind seeing a crazy race," he +added, half-apologetically; for he remembered his manners just in the +nick of time. + +"There's nothing we would like better," Conway assured him heartily. +"And I don't think it will be crazy, either, from the way you fellows +demonstrated your swimming ability the other day." + +"Oh, it would be all right if we fellows could be in it alone," said +Roy, wickedly. "But, you see, the girls have a mistaken idea they can +swim, too, and so, just to encourage them, we have let them in on it." + +"Let them in on it, indeed!" sniffed Betty. "If I remember correctly, we +were the first to propose the race. That doesn't look as if we were +particularly afraid of getting beaten." + +"Sheer nerve, that's all," said Frank, snapping his fingers with an air +of superiority. + +"We don't need to talk," said Mollie; "we will _show_ you what we can +do." + +"All right, we're from Missouri," Will announced, cheerily. "All we want +is to be shown." + +By this time they were well on their way to the bungalow, and now the +subject of the cave was overshadowed by the excitement of the +approaching race. + +As the young people neared "The Shadows" their excitement grew, and when +at last they reached the house the girls fairly flew up the stairs, +dragging Anita with them, Conway going with the boys, of course. + +"Don't you want a suit?" Betty inquired of her visitor, pausing in the +act of slipping her skirt over her head. "I brought an old one in case +of emergency that I think would fit you." + +Anita shook her head. "Thanks just the same," she said. "But the doctor +says I mustn't think of swimming for some time." + +"It's pretty hard luck," said Mollie, sympathetically, "to have to stay +out of the water on days like this. Say, girls, do you think we have a +chance in the world of even keeping up with the boys?" she asked, +anxious, now that the moment of the test had come. + +"Why, of course we can," said Betty, pretending a confidence she did not +feel. "Especially if the boys give us the heavy handicap we agreed on. I +didn't want them to, but I guess it may come in handy." + +"Well, are you ready?" cried Mollie, jumping up. "I am. Come on, girls, +let's show them something!" and she was off down the stairs with the +others close behind. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +MOLLIE WINS + + +The Outdoor Girls found the boys waiting for them, and evidently as +eager as the girls to begin the race. + +"Well, it didn't take you very long," Frank remarked; for the boys had +never ceased to marvel that girls could be on time. + +"What point do you start from?" asked Conway, as they started off +together. "How long is the race, anyway?" he added. + +"Well," said Allen, electing himself spokesman, "we decided on a +starting point about a quarter of a mile from here. You see, from a +sharp turn there, there is, for about three-quarters of a mile, a course +almost straight. So, you see, that makes a fairly good course." + +"I should say so," Conway commented. "Why didn't you say something about +it to the folks over at the hotel--you'd have had considerable of a +crowd for an audience." + +"Oh, we didn't want it," cried Amy, shrinking from the very mention of +such a thing. "I couldn't swim at all if I thought anybody was looking +at me." + +"Don't you make any exceptions?" asked Anita, twinkling. "Con and I +don't feel like going home just yet, and Mrs. Irving has elected to be +audience instead of actor." + +"Oh, of course I didn't mean you!" Amy exclaimed, embarrassed at the +slip. "I don't mean one or two----" + +"Of course you don't," said Anita remorsefully. "I only wish I could go +in with you." + +They soon reached the bend of the river which Allen had indicated, the +girls growing more nervous with every step. + +"I tell you what you can do," said Allen, struck by a sudden thought. +"You and your sister can be the judges. In case there are any +ties--although, of course such a thing is improbable"--the girls refused +to become indignant at this shot--"we'll need somebody to settle our +dispute, and Mrs. Irving has flatly refused to interfere before this." + +"All right, that will be fine--provided everybody agrees to abide by our +decision. You see, we are absolutely neutral." + +"Oh, we won't kick at anything you say," Frank promised. "There is not +much I can say for this crowd. But one thing--we are good sports. All +in favor of Allen's proposition say 'Aye.'" + +The vote was carried unanimously, and the newly made judges were +instructed by Will to "trot along to the finishing point" and wait till +they saw him leading the van. Then they would know who had won the race. +There was an ironic shout at this assertion and Conway's laugh came back +to them as he and his sister started to obey orders. + +"Well, now, is everybody ready?" Roy asked, surveying the group +critically. "Suppose you girls get started. We won't jump in until one +of you gets well past that jut in the shore--then it's our time to show +a little speed." + +"All right, we are ready," said Mollie. "Frank, when you say the word +we'll start." + +The girls lined up with beating hearts, waiting for the word that would +relieve their taut muscles. + +"One--two--three--_go_!" Frank counted, and the Outdoor Girls made a +running dive into the water, which was deep at this point, and struck +out strongly for the goal. + +"Those girls sure can swim some," was Will's admiring comment. + +"For girls," grunted Roy. + +"Get ready now, fellows," commanded Allen. "They've almost reached the +point." + +"I think we gave them too big a handicap," said Frank doubtfully. "They +swim like fish." + +"You old croaker!" Will exclaimed. "Why, we ought to be able to beat +them with twice that handicap." + +"Look out, Mollie has reached the point, fellows!" Allen shouted. "Now's +the time!" + +Without more ado, the boys struck out bravely, determined to overtake +the girls in the shortest time possible. They found it was not so easy, +however, as might have been anticipated. The girls had had a big +advantage and were still swimming strongly. Will and Roy began to agree +with Frank that they had given them too long a handicap. + +On the other hand, the girls were not so confident. The strain was +beginning to tell even upon their tried young muscles. Their breath was +becoming labored and the goal seemed terribly far away. + +Mollie and Betty had fallen a short distance behind the other two. They +had felt the tax the speed was making on their strength, and had decided +wisely to save the rest of it until it was more needed then at the +present. + +Naturally Amy and Grace thought their friends were giving up and +marveled at it. How on earth could they have lost out so soon? Had they +been more versed in races they could have answered that question +themselves. + +Meanwhile the boys, pulling hard, had managed to make up half the +distance between them and the girls, and in sight of Betty's and +Mollie's evident weariness their hopes soared high. Why, with these last +two out of the running the race was as good as won. + +On, on they came, hand over hand, stroke following stroke, rhythmic and +strong and confident. + +Betty looked at Mollie and Mollie looked at Betty, and each knew she had +discovered the other's secret and at the same time recognized a rival. + +Amy had come to the limit of her strength with the goal an eighth of a +mile away. She knew that for her the race was over. The waters pushed +her back, forced her back, seeming like some pitiless enemy bent upon +her downfall. + +And what of Grace? She would not acknowledge to herself that her +strength was leaving her--why, she had swum as far as that many a time +before--it was absurd that she should give up now. Besides, she was +leading them all. With this thought she put the remainder of her waning +strength into a few last desperate strokes. + +Meanwhile, the boys had caught up with Mollie, and seeing this she +quickened her stroke, forging ahead again. But Betty kept the same calm, +steady stroke which had so deceived the boys--and the girls, too, for +that matter, with the exception of Mollie. + +On, on they came--almost abreast now. The boys, tired from the long +chase, were resting, gathering strength for the last spurt. + +The finish line had been very conveniently marked by a slender tree +which had evidently been torn down in some terrific storm and now lay +half on the shore and half upon the water. This, then, was their goal. + +Conway was the first to see them coming. "Look, Nita!" he cried, seizing +his sister's arm and drawing her to the edge of the water. "From the way +they are all lined up I should judge this is nobody's race yet. That's +the kind of a thing I enjoy--where there is occupation at the end. And +look----" + +"Look at Betty," cried Anita, interrupting him. "She can swim better +than I can, and I thought I was pretty good." There was no conceit in +this remark--it was simply a statement of fact. + +Out on the water the girls and boys knew the time had come when they +must show what was in them. Grace and Amy, with the discomfited Will, +had fallen to the rear, and the race lay between the other five. Allen +was leading, and the two young judges on the bank had just decided that +either he or Frank would be the winner. Then it happened! The two girls +gathered all their energy, that splendid reserve strength they had kept +so well in check--summoned every ounce of vitality they had and gave it +full rein. + +Their muscles, trained to outdoor life, gallantly responded to the call. +They passed first Frank, then Allen, who stared after them stupidly. You +see, the boys were not believers in miracles. However, they rallied +their reserved strength and shot ahead until they were even with the +girls again. + +The goal was close before them. Now, if ever, must come the last +desperate spurt. Could they make it? They must! they must! The thought +kept hammering itself over and over in the girls' consciousness. They +were so near now--they couldn't lose--oh, they couldn't! + +And the girls were right. Anita almost fell into the water in her +excitement as the four swept on, swimming as though they had just +touched the water. + +"Mollie! Betty!" she cried. "Go it--for the cause!" + +Whether this encouragement reached the ears it was intended for is +doubtful. Suffice it to say, the girls followed her instructions to the +letter. + +Conway stretched forward eagerly as the swimmers rushed on toward the +mark. Four hands closed over the fallen tree trunk almost at the same +instant--but not quite. Mollie reached the goal a fraction of a second +ahead--the race was hers. + +As the dripping contestants drew themselves up upon the bank, Anita and +Conway rushed forward eagerly. "Mollie had it!" they cried together, and +Nita added: + +"I don't see how you ever did it--it was the closest thing I ever saw." + +For a few seconds the swimmers were too spent even to congratulate the +winner. But when they did recover sufficient breath, they fairly +overwhelmed her with praises. As Roy had said, "they were nothing if not +sports." + +"It was lucky you did have a judge, or, I should say judges." Conway +glanced apologetically toward his sister. "Otherwise I don't believe +anybody would have known which of you got there first. It was as near a +tie as anything I have ever seen." + +As the four lagging participants in the race came up to them, rather +sore and disgruntled, the young folks delicately forbore to look in +their direction and Frank covered their coming with a remark. "I don't +know how you girls ever accomplished it--I thought you were done almost +at the beginning. Tell us the secret." + +Mollie and Betty looked at each other significantly. "That's our +secret," said Betty. Then, springing to her feet, she cried: "Let's give +three cheers for the winner of the race, Miss Mollie Billette!" + +The cheers were given with a will that awoke the answering echoes on the +island. + +Mollie flushed gratefully. "Thank you," she said. "It was only luck +anyway that I happened to touch the tree a second before the rest of +you." + +"Don't be modest, Mollie," Roy entreated. "You beat us all +fairly--especially me," he added ruefully. They laughed and Betty added +whimsically: "I thought I had you up to the last, Mollie. It wasn't fair +to lead me on like that." + +"Well, you sure know how to swim--all of you," Conway commented +admiringly. "You must do a lot of it." + +"Oh, we are at it a good deal of the time," Frank agreed carelessly. +"And the girls--well, they have formed a club for all sorts of outdoor +stunts. You see the results." + +"Oh, isn't that great!" exclaimed Anita with genuine enthusiasm. "I +love all those things, too. I wish I could belong to such a club." + +"If you lived anywhere near Deepdale," said Betty warmly, "we should be +very glad to have you join us." + +Only too soon--for Anita and the Outdoor Girls had taken a great liking +to one another--the former declared that it was time she and her big +brother must be starting for home. "Dad and mother worry whenever I am +out of their sight nowadays--even though Con is with me," she explained. + +"Come again soon," Betty called after them. + +"Will you have another race?" asked Anita. + +"Yes, especially for your entertainment," laughed the Little Captain. +"And we won't let Mollie win it either." + +"All right, then, I'll come," Anita promised. + +"Humph, we'll see about that," said Mollie, referring to Betty's last +remark. "History often repeats itself, you know." + +Allen sighed as they started homeward. "We won't be able to come +anywhere near them now, fellows," he said. "They'll have suffrage +banners hung all over the house." + +The girls laughed, for after all they _had_ won through Mollie, and the +taste of triumph was very sweet. + +"Wasn't it grand!" cried Betty. + +"The best ever!" returned Grace, as she popped a chocolate candy in her +mouth. + +"I'd like another such race," said Mollie, wistfully. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +HIDDEN TREASURE + + +The week that followed the Outdoor Girls remembered as just one endless +round of fun. With the exception of two days, the weather was perfect. +They traveled over to town on the rickety ferryboat several times. They +took the cars out of the garage for short spins about the country, and +otherwise amused themselves. + +Then, too, the fish in the unrivaled fishing pool proved just as +agreeable as they had on that first day, and provided many delicious +suppers for the young people. The only thing that served to mar their +pleasure was the continued reluctance of the mysterious cave to come to +light--it was as though the earth had opened and swallowed it up. + +"I'm beginning to think it just never was," Grace remarked, as she +contentedly munched some chocolates that Frank had laid on her altar. +"Will is terribly worried about it. He thinks since he is in the secret +service that he ought to investigate it." + +"How can he if there isn't anything to investigate?" asked Betty. And in +truth there seemed some reason in her query. "It makes me angry every +time I think of it." + +"Yes, the fellows say Will even talks in his sleep about the cave," Amy +volunteered. "Probably they exaggerate, but I don't wonder he is all on +edge about it." + +"And we have to leave so soon, too," Mollie commented. "We haven't much +more time to look for it." + +"It doesn't seem possible we have to go back home in less than a week," +sighed Amy. "I just hate to leave this place." + +"To change the subject," said Betty, "I wonder what's keeping the boys. +Let's get the lunch and go to meet them." + +The girls agreed, and Betty ran in to get the luncheon and tell Mrs. +Irving where they were going. + +Before they had gone more than a hundred feet from the house they were +met by the boys, who seemed in a great hurry. + +"Oh, did we keep you waiting?" Roy inquired anxiously, evidently +relieved to see them. "Old Will here disappeared and we had to go on a +still hunt to find him." + +"Yes, he still has that confounded cave in his head. I'd given the +thing up. Why worry about a thing you can't find?" Frank demanded. + +"But we saw it," Will argued, relieving the girls of the basket. "And as +long as we saw it, it's got to be on this island somewhere--that's a +sure thing--and I'm going to find it." + +"Well, I wish you luck," said Allen gloomily. "Blow a horn when you find +it--we all want to be in at the death." + +"If you are going to be so lazy I'll keep it all to myself," Will +retorted. "That cave is somewhere on this island, and I intend to find +where if I have to stay for another six months." + +"Hear! hear!" cheered Roy. "That's the way I like to hear a fellow +talk." + +"Yes, you do," Will was beginning when Betty interrupted him. + +"I'm on your side, Will," she said staunchly. "I'm not going to stop +looking for the cave until we have to go home. Why, just think of the +things we might find. There is probably loot in that place that is worth +a great big lot of money, and in some cases they might be things that +money couldn't replace. It's not a question of mere curiosity, it's a +duty we owe to society." + +"Speech! speech!" Roy cried again. "We have some little orator in our +midst! But may I ask," he added, with exaggerated politeness, "how we +are to go about accomplishing this service to society?" + +Betty's patience was at an end. "Ask something you can answer yourself!" +she said shortly, and Roy was silenced. + +They deposited the basket at what seemed to them an ideal spot and were +about to examine the contents when a sharp cry from Mollie arrested +their attention. + +"Look! look!" she cried. "I've found it! Girls--boys, come here! Quick." + +There was no need of urging, for they fairly flew in the direction of +her voice. There she was down on her knees before an opening much lower +and narrower than the one they had discovered before, but nevertheless +unmistakably another entrance to the cave. + +"I caught my foot in a twig," she explained, as they crowded around her, +wild with excitement, "and I almost fell into the cave." So, as in the +first place, the discovery had been made through an accident. + +The cave seemed to have been formed in a rise of the ground--it could +hardly be termed a hill--and as the young people looked inside, its +black interior stretched as far as they could see. + +"Who wants to go in first?" asked Amy, her tone low and awed in the +presence of the unknown. "The boys will have to stoop to get in." + +"I'll go," said Will, pushing his way past them, and in his tone was a +ring of command. "Come on, anybody that wants to. I'm going to find +what's in this place before it disappears again." + +The place had a damp and earthy smell, and Amy drew back uncertainly. +"The rest of you go first," she said. "I'll come--later." + +Nothing loath, Mollie, Betty and even Grace pressed into the opening +after Will, the boys standing aside--this last bit of self-control +proving that chivalry was not all dead yet. The first temptation had +been to run pell-mell after Will, regardless of girls or any other +disturbing element that might be about. + +However, as has been said, they allowed the girls to go in first and +followed them as closely as they dared, Amy, however, going last of all. + +After several feet of back-breaking progress the girls came out into +another portion of the cave, where the roof was high enough to admit of +an upright position. As they stood up, nerves aquiver with suppressed +excitement, Will rushed back to them. + +"There is another entrance at the other end," he cried. "That must be +the one you and Allen found, Betty. Come over here where you can get +more light," he added. "It filters through the leaves and twigs at the +opening." + +All this time he was leading the way to the spot that he was describing, +the others following breathlessly. Once there, he grasped Allen's arm +excitedly, crying in a tense voice: "Look here, old man, here is one of +those bags they carried the other day--the place is full of them. Now I +am going to open this one. You keep a good lookout." + +"Hush!" cried Allen, and they listened, scarcely daring to breathe. From +the mouth of the cave, soft but unmistakable, came the sound of +voices--voices speaking in a tongue the boys had heard before. There +could be no mistake--the gypsies were visiting their hiding place! + +"Get back," breathed Will. "Back into the other mouth of the cave." He +pushed the others before him with all his force and they obeyed without +question. + +They shrank back in the darkness and waited for what was to come. They +might have fled, but curiosity held them chained to the spot. + +Once Amy uttered a weak protest, saying: "Don't you think we had better +go back?" when Will silenced her, none too gently. The moment was a +critical one. + +The little group of young people held their breath while the gypsies +entered, silent now. In the dim light of the cave their features could +not be seen, but there was something about the bent old figure of the +foremost gypsy that proclaimed the leader of that other day. They were +as velvet-footed as cats, and as the girls' eyes became more accustomed +to the gloom they discovered that the gypsies were not hunch-backed, as +had first appeared, but merely carried upon their backs packs like those +others scattered about the cave. These they deposited on the floor +without much ceremony and were gone before the girls and boys had fairly +realized it. + +The watchers stood motionless even after the footsteps had died away in +the distance. It seemed as though a mystic spell had been woven about +them, which, for the time, they were powerless to break. + +It was Roy who first "came to life," as Mollie expressed it. "I say, +what's the use of standing here?" he inquired. "Let's have a look." + +"Oh, hush, please!" begged Grace, alarmed at the unrestraint of his +tone. "They might come back." + +"No, they won't," Will asserted, for he had suddenly acquired great +dignity. "They have probably gone for another haul. In the meantime it +is up to us to inform the authorities, and mighty quick, too." + +"But we don't even know that it _is_ loot, Will," Betty protested. "We +ought to make sure first." + +"That's easy enough," Allen commented. "Besides I've been anxious to +examine the contents of that bag for a long time. Now, I'd like to see +anybody keep me from it!" and he rushed over to the other side of the +cave and was opening one of the bags even as he spoke. + +The others crowded close beside him as he knelt on the ground, taking +advantage of the meager light from the cave mouth to examine its +contents. What they did see literally made them gasp. Gold and silver +and strings upon strings of beads--some very valuable, others less +so--and trinkets of all sorts and descriptions. + +"Say, those gypsies are experts!" Frank exclaimed, awe in his tone. "I +think I'll go into the business." + +The girls didn't even pretend to be shocked at this--they were too taken +up with their own emotions--too excited to notice such trivial remarks. + +"Oh, aren't they wonderful?" cried Amy, down on her knees before the +bag, and running her fingers through the brilliant mass delightedly. +"How do they ever get such things?" + +"That's a funny question to ask," Grace remarked. "They steal them, of +course." + +"But what are we going to do?" asked Betty practically. "If all the bags +contain things like these, this cave is a mighty valuable place. Oh, and +to think that we were the ones to discover it!" + +"Well, you people can stay here and guard the loot if you want to," said +Will. "But I'm going over to the mainland to hunt up a couple of ancient +sheriffs--I suppose they are ancient," he added whimsically. "In +stories, you wouldn't recognize a sheriff without his whiskers." + +"Never mind the whiskers," said Mollie impatiently. "The thing is, +somebody has to stay and guard the cave or it will disappear the way it +did the other time, and you will bring the authorities over here for +nothing." + +"Well, of course you will have to stay until I get back," Will decided. +"In the meantime, you can eat lunch. Good-bye, I'm off." And he led the +way into the sunlight, which dazzled their eyes after the semi-gloom of +the cave. + +"But you will have to wait for the ferry," Allen called after him, "and +it may not be along for some time." + +"I'll take a chance," Will flung back. "I'll get there if I have to +swim!" + +"Maybe if you swim you can beat the ferry," suggested Allen, with a +laugh. + +"Say, that's a scheme! I guess I had better try it." + +"Nonsense! You take the boat, old as it is." + +"All right, Allen." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +LYING IN WAIT + + +Somehow the lunch did not taste as good that day. Excitement had robbed +the Outdoor Girls and their boy friends of appetite. They ate in a +preoccupied way, eyes now on the cave so close at hand, now wandering in +the direction from which the gypsies had come. If these latter should +return before Will--well, then it would be time for a hurried exit on +their part. They had no intention of being caught in the wolf's lair. + +It was Will, however, who reached the place first, and those waiting for +him could have danced with relief when they heard his voice. A moment +later they caught sight of him, accompanied by two men from the town. +Judging from their gesticulations, the latter were more than ordinarily +excited. Incidentally, let it be recorded that neither of them, the +sheriff nor his deputy, had a beard. + +"Here they are!" Will cried, as he caught sight of his friends. "I +thought I was on the right track. Any news since I left?" + +"Not a thing," Frank answered. "The place has been absolutely deserted." + +"Good," said Will, then, turning to the men beside him, added: "This is +the entrance we found to-day--you see the bushes hide it completely. But +there is another and a larger opening at the other end--that's the one +we stumbled into in the first place." + +The two men listened to his words attentively, and when he had finished +set about little explorations of their own. + +"You say there is another opening at the farther side?" one of them +inquired, pausing in the act of pushing aside the bushes. "That probably +is the main one." + +"I think so," Will agreed, "but they both lead to the same place." + +Satisfied on this point, the two continued their investigations. They +disappeared within the cave and the young folks waited impatiently for +their reappearance. + +"Do you suppose they will bring the bags out here?" asked Mollie +eagerly. "If they do, then we can really see what the things are like." + +"I hope so," Amy stated. But Betty started to speak dreamily, saying: + +"What will those poor old gypsies do when they come back and find the +place cleared out?" + +"They'll probably all go to the penitentiary," said Frank calmly. "The +authorities will be on the lookout for them and they'll get caught all +right when they do come back." + +"Oh!" said Grace, horror in her tone; for so far that side of the +question had not occurred to her. "It's terrible to think of sending +those poor things to jail." + +"Well, but they have earned it," Allen argued. "They must have been +getting away with this thing for years." + +"It's a wonder Aunt Elvira never suspected anything," said Mollie, +frankly puzzled. "Why, she didn't even mention the gypsies." + +"Probably thought the story too old to tell," Roy suggested. "We +wouldn't have believed there was such a place on Pine Island ourselves +if we hadn't seen it with our own eyes." + +"I suppose not," Mollie admitted, and then the sheriff and his deputy +emerged into the daylight once more and each brought with him a bag. + +"Now we will find out how far their rascality has gone," one of the men, +the elder of the two, asserted. "Perhaps you don't know it," he added, +untying the fastenings of the first bag, "but you young people have done +the community a great service. People all over are complaining of +stolen property, and, although we have suspected the gypsies for some +time, so far we haven't been able to prove anything. However, this +discovery of yours changes things considerably. Ah, what have we here?" + +The sun struck full upon the brilliant mass, making it glow and sparkle +like a jewel. There were other and real jewels, too, in the collection, +which they were soon to discover. + +"Oh," murmured Mollie, "if I could only find some trace of mother's +silver service among those things!" + +The detective looked up sharply. "Have you folks lost anything?" he +asked. + +"Oh, yes!" Mollie explained. "Mother lost her silver tea service that +has been in the family for ever so many years, besides an expensive jet +necklace. And, besides that, Miss Ford's father had his pet thoroughbred +horse stolen." + +"And one of the big stores in Deepdale was looted," Betty added. "Oh, +there was tremendous excitement there for a time." + +"Hum," said the spokesman, stroking his beardless chin thoughtfully. "It +looks as if we might be able to trace a good many things." And he +continued to explore the contents of the bag to the very bottom. + +The other one was treated in like manner but nothing familiar met the +watching eyes. Of course, all were disappointed, but Mr. Mendall, for +such was the sheriff's name, warned the young people that it was not yet +time to give up hope--there were plenty more bags where these had come +from. + +"But we haven't time to go through all of them now," he stated. "I +simply wanted to assure myself that the things were valuable. Now that I +am satisfied on that score, the best thing to do is to get the loot away +as soon as possible and then set somebody to watch for those gypsies. I +never saw anything like them when it comes to nerve," he added, waxing +enthusiastic on the subject. "Why, I believe if you were crossing a +chasm with only a board between you and eternity, and they happened to +need that board for kindling wood they would pull it out from under you +without the slightest compunction." + +The girls laughed, but they could not help thinking that the statement +was somewhat exaggerated. + +"But you are not going to leave the cave unprotected until you get the +loot away?" Mollie cried. "Suppose they should come back in the +meantime?" + +"Then they would fall into a very prettily laid trap," was the grim +answer. "No, my dear young lady, we are not going to leave the cave +unguarded. I'll have men watching day and night until we catch them +red-handed. It is sure to come sooner or later." + +The girls drew a relieved sigh. They had not liked the idea of being +alone on this end of the island when the gypsies returned to find the +cave empty. + +Mr. Mendall rose to his feet, gripping a bag in each hand, but together +they were all that he could carry. "Here, Trent, you take one of these," +he ordered. "I'll take the other and, armed with proof like this, we +ought to be able to convince even those skeptical people on shore." Then +he added, turning to Will: "If you will keep watch for another hour we +will be back with more men to relieve you." + +Will readily promised, and once more the young folks were left alone. + +"You people don't have to stay just because I do," said Will, meaning to +be generous. "You can go home, or go in swimming, or anything else to +amuse yourselves you wish, while I do the sentry act." + +"Go home!" Mollie cried indignantly. "Why, how can you think of such a +thing, Will, when you know how interested we all are? I, for one, can't +do anything but wait." + +"Nor I," said Grace. "They may be able to find your mother's silver, +Mollie, but I'm afraid our poor dear Beauty is gone forever." + +"Oh, I wouldn't say that," Betty argued cheerfully. "Just because they +didn't sew him up in a bag and stick him in a gloomy old cave is no +reason why we can't find him. We may come across him any time." + +"Well, maybe," sighed Grace, and her tone was anything but optimistic. + +The friendly sheriff had set an hour for the time of his absence, but +long before the hour had sped he returned, bringing with him six other +men and a small hand-cart. + +"I don't see how you managed to get it through the woods," said Allen, +referring to the hand-cart. + +"Oh, we stuck to the shore most of the time," said Mr. Mendall, +cheerily, "and the rest of the way there are pretty broad paths. Now for +the clearing up," and he led his half dozen followers after him into the +cave. + +They made several trips until the crazy cart was heaped high with +veritable treasure bags. + +"Oh, aren't you going to let us see what is in them now?" Betty +entreated, intense disappointment in her voice. "We are so anxious to +know." + +"Sorry," said the big man kindly, "but I'll feel safer when this loot is +safely locked up on shore. We'll let you know exactly what's in them as +soon as we know ourselves," he promised. + +"Nothing could be fairer than that," said Allen cheerfully. "I guess +since we've waited so long, we can afford to wait a little longer." + +"It won't be much longer," Mr. Mendall responded. "We want you all to +know how grateful we are for this assistance. Without it we would +probably have been a long time getting to the bottom of things. As I +said before, you have rendered a great service to the community." + +And with this graceful little speech, Mr. Mendall and two of the men he +had brought with him took their leave, carrying with them the precious +bags, one of which Mollie so hoped would contain some, at least, if not +the whole, of her mother's silver. The other four men were left behind +to watch for the return of the gypsies. + +"Oh, I don't know how I can wait till to-morrow," wailed Mollie, as they +started homeward. "I'm simply dying to know. I think they might have +opened the things while we were there. Horrid old things! The gypsies +probably wouldn't be back for another two weeks, anyway, and there +really wasn't any danger." + +"But to think we had the luck to find it!" cried Betty, her eyes still +glowing. "And after we had given it up, too. Goodness, I'm glad you had +that tumble, Mollie." + +"Thank you," sniffed Mollie. "Just the same," she added with a gleeful +little laugh, "I'd give a great deal to see Aunt Elvira's face when she +hears the story." + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +GLORIOUS NEWS + + +"I guess they will never come," said Mollie, gazing despairingly out +over the water. "They must have been gone at least an hour." + +"Goodness, Mollie!--an hour," echoed Betty, in imitation of Mollie's +tragic tones. "Don't you know that it would take at least three hours +for the boys to go over, find out what Mr. Mendall has to say to them +and get back here? Remember they have to wait for the ferry," she added +significantly. + +"Well, I know, but if it is going to take that long, we won't get home +to-day," Mollie grumbled. "Besides, I've _got_ to hear the news." + +It was early in the morning of the day on which the Outdoor Girls and +the boys had decided to start for home. For days they had expected word +from Mr. Mendall. The boys had haunted the town hoping to hear from +him--but no word had come. Then suddenly Will had burst in upon the +others with the great news that he had almost run into Mr. Mendall +turning a corner, and that genial man had expressed great pleasure at +sight of him. + +"Why, he said----" Will had reported excitedly, "he said that if he +hadn't met me, he fully intended coming over to camp--that he had +something to tell me that might be of great interest. And he wants us +fellows to come over first thing in the morning," he had finished +exultantly. + +So it was that the girls were waiting impatiently for confirmation of +their hopes. + +"We don't really have to go home to-day," Amy was saying doubtfully. "I +don't see why we couldn't have waited until to-morrow." + +"It does seem a shame to leave this wonderful place," sighed Grace +looking about her. "It seems to me it is more beautiful now than it ever +was. September is the best time in the year, anyway." + +"Why can't we stay over anyway--to-morrow is Saturday. I think we might +as well finish out the week," cried Grace, seized with a bright idea. +"Maybe Mrs. Irving will consent, since it is bound to be late when we do +get home." She popped a chocolate in her mouth as she finished. + +Betty regarded her chum pityingly. + +"That _is_ clever," she said. "Especially since the boys have taken +down their tents, and we have everything packed up." + +Grace looked rather crestfallen. + +"Well, I suppose we couldn't," she admitted. "Just the same I would be +glad of any excuse that would keep us on the island a few days longer. +Oh, dear----" and she gazed about her longingly. + +"Haven't we had a good time?" asked Betty, as she settled herself on the +steps. "This last week has been great, too--even though we were so +anxious to hear about Mollie's silver." + +"Oh, and do you know what Anita said the other day?" Amy broke in +suddenly. "She said she had some distant relatives in Deepdale, and that +if she could fish around and get an invitation, she might see us there." + +"Oh, wouldn't that be great!" said Mollie, with genuine enthusiasm. + +"Yes, she's a fine girl," Betty echoed. "I only wish she lived in +Deepdale, so we might invite her to join our happy little party." + +"Yes, and the boys like her brother, too," said Grace. "Will says he is +a fine fellow; and Will never says a thing like that unless he means +it." + +"Do my eyes deceive me?" cried Betty, springing up and pointing toward +the mainland, "or is that the good old Pine Island dreadnaught steaming +majestically from the harbor? Tell me some one--am I right?" + +"You are!" cried Grace, dramatically. "That noble ship could be no +other." + +"Oh, do stop your nonsense," cried Mollie impatiently. "Are you sure +that's the ferry?" + +"Since it is the only apology for a boat that ever comes this way," +Grace remarked lazily, "I guess it must be." + +"Oh, Grace, don't tease," warned the Little Captain, in an aside. "Can't +you see how worked up Mollie is? No wonder she is excited--the news may +mean a lot to her." + +Grace glanced at her chum and saw that Betty had spoken the truth. +Mollie's hands were clenched tight to her side, crimson flamed in her +face, and her foot tapped nervously on the ground. + +"Oh, they'll never get here," she was saying over and over again. "Can't +the old ferryboat get up any steam at all?" + +"Perhaps we might help tow it in?" Betty suggested, striving to break +the tension. "I think we could paddle lots faster in the canoes." + +"Goodness, I would almost like to try it!" Mollie exclaimed. "I think +they might get something modern on the lake--something real +modern--around the eighteenth century." + +"Oh, isn't she sarcastic," said Amy, putting an arm about her friend and +patting her hand gently. "Never mind, Mollie, all things come in time." + +Of course she was right, even Mollie had to admit it. + +At the end of one of the longest half hours the girls had ever spent, +the rickety little ferryboat scraped against the dock, and they ran down +to meet the boys. The latter almost fell out of the boat, careless of +what any one might think. At the first sight of them the girls were +convinced their news was of the best. + +"Oh, oh, hurry!" cried Mollie. "I thought you would never get here. Oh, +you have something wonderful to tell us--I know it!" + +"You bet we have!" cried Allen. "We have the very finest news you ever +heard." + +"Oh, what is it?" the girls cried in unison, and Mollie added +pleadingly: "Don't keep us waiting any longer, boys, please." + +"All right," Will agreed; for he was as anxious to tell as the girls +were to hear. "Come to the house and we will tell you the whole story." + +"But did you get them?" Mollie demanded. "I don't see why you have to +wait till you get to the house to tell me that." + +"You can see by their faces they have, Mollie," Betty assured her. "You +had better not interfere--they will tell the story their own way, +whatever you say." + +By this time they had reached the house and called to Mrs. Irving to +come and hear the news. + +She joined them in a moment, and Will began. + +"Well, you see," he said, "in the first place, Mr. Mendall didn't want +to raise our hopes until he found out definitely whether anything there +belonged to us." + +"Yes," broke in Mollie quickly. + +"Don't interrupt," Will warned her. "You might sidetrack me or +something." + +"Oh, Will, don't be a goose!" cried his sister. "Go on." + +"I'm not a goose," he declared with dignity, "and I expect to go on if I +am given half a chance." + +He paused for a reply, but as none was forthcoming and as only +threatening looks met him on every side, he continued hurriedly. + +"Well, as I was saying," he went on, "Mr. Mendall did finally succeed in +getting the information he wanted. Then yesterday afternoon I happened +to meet him----" + +"Yes, we know all about that," said Betty, dancing with mingled +excitement and exasperation. "Please get to the point." + +"Since you insist," Will answered gravely. "The fact is, Mollie, that +all your mother's silver is there--even down to the little sugar bowl." + +"Oh!" gasped Mollie, and for a moment she could say no more. + +Then the flood gates of speech opened, and her questions poured forth. + +"Oh, Will! isn't that wonderful?" she cried. "I didn't dare really to +believe till this very moment. Are you sure everything is there--not a +thing missing? The creamer and teapot? And oh, Will!" she grasped his +arm beseechingly, "did you find the necklace?" + +Will looked evasive. + +"Why, you see----" he was beginning, when Frank interrupted him. + +"The necklace is probably gracing the swarthy neck of some fair gypsy +damsel," remarked the latter, rather flippantly. "Here we offer you a +whole silver service, and you're not satisfied." + +Mollie looked from one to the other of her two tormentors in pathetic +bewilderment. + +"Please, _please_!" she begged. "Mother'll be wild when she hears about +the silver. But oh, I do want that jet necklace almost more than +anything in the world! Don't tease me any more, please." + +At this appeal, Will's heart softened, and, with a quick movement, he +drew his hand from behind him, disclosing to four pairs of incredulous +eyes the precious jet necklace. + +"Here it is," he announced triumphantly. + +Mollie grasped the heirloom with a little cry of joy. Then she threw her +arms about Betty's neck, and began to laugh hysterically. + +"Don't mind me," she gasped, as the boys looked on mystified. "I--I +can't help it! I'm just so--so happy!" + +Betty patted her chum's shoulder, soothingly. + +"Now, see what you've gone and done," she accused poor Will. + +"I--I didn't know----" he was beginning, but he seemed destined not to +finish his sentences that day. + +Mollie, a creature of moods, withdrew herself from Betty's arms and +favored the promising young detective with an ecstatic little hug that +amazed and delighted that young gentleman immensely. + +"I say, Mollie, do it again," he pleaded, while the other three boys +hastened to demand their share of the reward. + +But Mollie had caught Grace about the waist and they were engaged in +what might be called a cross between a Virginia reel and an Indian war +dance. + +When they were forced to stop from sheer lack of breath, the volcanic +Mollie flung herself upon the steps, and beamed upon them. + +"And that's not all," Will said, and glanced instinctively toward his +sister. + +Grace started, and leaned forward beseechingly. + +"Will?" she breathed. + +"Yes," he continued, answering her unspoken question, "we found Beauty." + +The girl's eyes opened wide at this new disclosure, and Grace grasped +her brother's arm imploringly. + +"Oh, Will, where?" + +"He was found by one of the farmers near the town. Looked as though he'd +broken away from whoever'd had him. The farmer saw he was a +thoroughbred, and guessed at once that he had been stolen. Luckily for +us he was an honest man." + +"Darling old Beauty," murmured Grace, tearfully. "Oh, wait till dad +hears!" + +"I guess he'll get a welcome, all right," Will agreed gleefully. "Poor +old Beauty! I saw him myself this morning." + +"Mr. Mendall says," Allen volunteered, "there are traces of a good many +other things from Deepdale. We'll probably have a triumphant home +coming. And they have captured the gypsies and put them in jail." + +"Oh, oh, and to think we did it!" sighed Amy, contentedly. + +So joyful were they at the outcome of their detective work, that the +long journey to Deepdale was almost forgotten. It was Mrs. Irving who +brought them to their senses. + +"I'm afraid," she said, "that if we don't start pretty soon, Deepdale +won't see us until to-morrow morning, and that will never do. Come, +girls, get ready." + +"Oh, I don't want to go home," wailed Amy, as they rose to follow +instructions. + +"But just think what we will have to tell them when we get there!" said +Betty, and the thought lent wings to their feet. + +Once more the Outdoor Girls and their comrades assembled on the wharf, +waiting for the ridiculous little ferryboat that had been the butt of +their jokes during the summer. Now that they were going away, however, +the sound of the shrill little whistle, as it panted up to them, seemed +somehow strangely typical of their life on the island, and they felt an +unexpected throb of home-sickness. + +"We'll have to come back to it some time," Betty said. "I love the +place." + +"I wonder if there are any more mysteries floating around loose," said +Roy, pausing for one last backward glance over his shoulder. "If there +are, I'm going back." + +But Allen seized him and drew him aboard. + +"Come on," he cried, "we're off!" + +The four girls linked arms, as they gazed back at the familiar bungalow. + +Suddenly Mollie chuckled irrepressibly. + +"Oh, girls," she murmured softly, "I must be on the spot when Aunt +Elvira hears the news." + +The little ferryboat steamed away from the dock, carrying with it our +happy Outdoor Girls, to whom we must once more wave a reluctant +farewell. + + +THE END + + + + +THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS SERIES + +By LAURA LEE HOPE + +Author of "The Bobbsey Twins Series." + + * * * * * + +=12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING= + + * * * * * + +The adventures of Ruth and Alice DeVere. Their father, a widower, is an +actor who has taken up work for the "movies." Both girls wish to aid him +in his work and visit various localities to act in all sorts of +pictures. + + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS + Or First Appearance in Photo Dramas. + +Having lost his voice, the father of the girls goes into the movies and +the girls follow. Tells how many "parlor dramas" are filmed. + + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT OAK FARM + Or Queer Happenings While Taking Rural Plays. + +Full of fun in the country, the haps and mishaps of taking film plays, +and giving an account of two unusual discoveries. + + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS SNOWBOUND + Or The Proof on the Film. + +A tale of winter adventures in the wilderness, showing how the +photo-play actors sometimes suffer. + + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS UNDER THE PALMS + Or Lost in the Wilds of Florida. + +How they went to the land of palms, played many parts in dramas before +the camera; were lost, and aided others who were also lost. + + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT ROCKY RANCH + Or Great Days Among the Cowboys. + +All who have ever seen moving pictures of the great West will want to +know just how they are made. This volume gives every detail and is full +of clean fun and excitement. + + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT SEA + Or a Pictured Shipwreck that Became Real. + +A thrilling account of the girls' experiences on the water. + + + THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS IN WAR PLAYS + Or The Sham Battles at Oak Farm. + +The girls play important parts in big battle scenes and have plenty of +hard work along with considerable fun. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS SERIES + +By LAURA LEE HOPE + +Author of the "Bobbsey Twin Books" and "Bunny Brown" Series. + + * * * * * + +=12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING= + + * * * * * + +These tales take in the various adventures participated in by several +bright, up-to-date girls who love outdoor life. They are clean and +wholesome, free from sensationalism, absorbing from the first chapter to +the last. + + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE + Or Camping and Tramping for Fun and Health. + +Telling how the girls organized their Camping and Tramping Club, how +they went on a tour, and of various adventures which befell them. + + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE + Or Stirring Cruise of the Motor Boat Gem. + +One of the girls becomes the proud possessor of a motor boat and invites +her club members to take a trip down the river to Rainbow Lake, a +beautiful sheet of water lying between the mountains. + + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A MOTOR CAR + Or The Haunted Mansion of Shadow Valley. + +One of the girls has learned to run a big motor car, and she invites the +club to go on a tour to visit some distant relatives. On the way they +stop at a deserted mansion and make a surprising discovery. + + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A WINTER CAMP + Or Glorious Days on Skates and Ice Boats. + +In this story, the scene is shifted to a winter season. The girls have +some jolly times skating and ice boating, and visit a hunters' camp in +the big woods. + + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN FLORIDA. + Or Wintering in the Sunny South. + +The parents of one of the girls have bought an orange grove in Florida, +and her companions are invited to visit the place. They take a trip into +the interior, where several unusual things happen. + + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT OCEAN VIEW + Or The Box that Was Found in the Sand. + +The girls have great fun and solve a mystery while on an outing along +the New England coast. + + + THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND + Or A Cave and What it Contained. + +A bright, healthful story, full of good times at a bungalow camp on Pine +Island. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH SERIES + +By GERTRUDE W. MORRISON + + + * * * * * + +=12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING.= + + * * * * * + +Here is a series full of the spirit of high school life of to-day. The +girls are real flesh-and-blood characters, and we follow them with +interest in school and out. There are many contested matches on track +and field, and on the water, as well as doings in the classroom and on +the school stage. There is plenty of fun and excitement, all clean, pure +and wholesome. + + + THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH + Or Rivals for all Honors. + +A stirring tale of high school life, full of fun, with a touch of +mystery and a strange initiation. + + + THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH ON LAKE LUNA + Or The Crew That Won. + +Telling of water sports and fun galore, and of fine times in camp. + + + THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH AT BASKETBALL + Or The Great Gymnasium Mystery. + +Here we have a number of thrilling contests at basketball and in +addition, the solving of a mystery which had bothered the high school +authorities for a long while. + + + THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH ON THE STAGE + Or The Play That Took the Prize. + +How the girls went in for theatricals and how one of them wrote a play +which afterward was made over for the professional stage and brought in +some much-needed money. + + + THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH ON TRACK AND FIELD + Or The Girl Champions of the School League + +This story takes in high school athletics in their most approved and +up-to-date fashion. Full of fun and excitement. + + + THE GIRLS OF CENTRAL HIGH IN CAMP + Or The Old Professor's Secret. + +The girls went camping on Acorn Island and had a delightful time at +boating, swimming and picnic parties. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE TOM SWIFT SERIES + +By VICTOR APPLETON + + * * * * * + +=12mo. CLOTH. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING. COLORED WRAPPERS.= + + * * * * * + +These spirited tales convey in a realistic way the wonderful advances in +land and sea locomotion. Stories like these are impressed upon the +memory and their reading is productive only of good. + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR CYCLE + Or Fun and Adventure on the Road + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR BOAT + Or The Rivals of Lake Carlopa + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIRSHIP + Or The Stirring Cruise of the Red Cloud + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS SUBMARINE BOAT + Or Under the Ocean for Sunken Treasure + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RUNABOUT + Or The Speediest Car on the Road + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIRELESS MESSAGE + Or The Castaways of Earthquake Island + + TOM SWIFT AMONG THE DIAMOND MAKERS + Or The Secret of Phantom Mountain + + TOM SWIFT IN THE CAVES OF ICE + Or The Wreck of the Airship + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS SKY RACER + Or The Quickest Flight on Record + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RIFLE + Or Daring Adventures in Elephant Land + + TOM SWIFT IN THE CITY OF GOLD + Or Marvellous Adventures Underground + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIR GLIDER + Or Seeking the Platinum Treasure + + TOM SWIFT IN CAPTIVITY + Or A Daring Escape by Airship + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIZARD CAMERA + Or The Perils of Moving Picture Taking + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS GREAT SEARCHLIGHT + Or On the Border for Uncle Sam + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS GIANT CANNON + Or The Longest Shots on Record + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS PHOTO TELEPHONE + Or The Picture that Saved a Fortune + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AERIAL WARSHIP + Or The Naval Terror of the Seas + + TOM SWIFT AND HIS BIG TUNNEL + Or The Hidden City of the Andes + + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS NEW YORK + + + + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS SERIES + +By VICTOR APPLETON + + * * * * * + +=12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING.= + + * * * * * + +Moving pictures and photo plays are famous the world over, and in this +line of books the reader is given a full description of how the films +are made--the scenes of little dramas, indoors and out, trick pictures +to satisfy the curious, soul-stirring pictures of city affairs, life in +the Wild West, among the cowboys and Indians, thrilling rescues along +the seacoast, the daring of picture hunters in the jungle among savage +beasts, and the great risks run in picturing conditions in a land of +earthquakes. The volumes teem with adventures and will be found +interesting from first chapter to last. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS + Or Perils of a Great City Depicted. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN THE WEST + Or Taking Scenes Among the Cowboys and Indians. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS ON THE COAST + Or Showing the Perils of the Deep. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN THE JUNGLE + Or Stirring Times Among the Wild Animals. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN EARTHQUAKE LAND + Or Working Amid Many Perils. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS AND THE FLOOD + Or Perilous Days on the Mississippi. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS AT PANAMA + Or Stirring Adventures Along the Great Canal. + + THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS UNDER THE SEA + Or The Treasure of the Lost Ship. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS SERIES + +By VICTOR APPLETON + + + * * * * * + +=12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING.= + + * * * * * + +In these stories we follow the adventures of three boys, who, after +purchasing at auction the contents of a moving picture house, open a +theatre of their own. Their many trials and tribulations, leading up to +the final success of their venture, make very entertaining stories. + + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' FIRST VENTURE + Or Opening a Photo Playhouse in Fairlands. + +The adventures of Frank, Randy and Pep in running a Motion Picture show. +They had trials and tribulations but finally succeed. + + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS AT SEASIDE PARK + Or The Rival Photo Theatres of the Boardwalk. + +Their success at Fairlands encourages the boys to open their show at +Seaside Park, where they have exciting adventures--also a profitable +season. + + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS ON BROADWAY + Or The Mystery of the Missing Cash Box. + +Backed by a rich western friend the chums established a photo playhouse +in the great metropolis, where new adventures await them. + + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' OUTDOOR EXHIBITION + Or The Film that Solved a Mystery. + +This time the playhouse was in a big summer park. How a film that was +shown gave a clew to an important mystery is interestingly related. + + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' NEW IDEA + Or The First Educational Photo Playhouse. + +In this book the scene is shifted to Boston, and there is intense +rivalry in the establishment of photo playhouses of educational value. + + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS AT THE FAIR + Or The Greatest Film Ever Exhibited. + +The chums go to San Francisco, where they have some trials but finally +meet with great success. + + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' WAR SPECTACLE + Or The Film that Won the Prize. + +Through being of service to the writer of a great scenario, the chums +are enabled to produce it and win a prize. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE OUTDOOR CHUMS SERIES + +By CAPTAIN QUINCY ALLEN + +The outdoor chums are four wide-awake lads, sons of wealthy men of a +small city located on a lake. The boys love outdoor life, and are +greatly interested in hunting, fishing, and picture taking. They have +motor cycles, motor boats, canoes, etc., and during their vacations go +everywhere and have all sorts of thrilling adventures. The stories give +full directions for camping out, how to fish, how to hunt wild animals +and prepare the skins for stuffing, how to manage a canoe, how to swim, +etc. Full of the spirit of outdoor life. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS + Or The First Tour of the Rod, Gun and Camera Club. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON THE LAKE + Or Lively Adventures on Wildcat Island. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS IN THE FOREST + Or Laying the Ghost of Oak Ridge. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON THE GULF + Or Rescuing the Lost Balloonists. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS AFTER BIG GAME + Or Perilous Adventures in the Wilderness. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON A HOUSEBOAT + Or The Rivals of the Mississippi. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS IN THE BIG WOODS + Or The Rival Hunters at Lumber Run. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS AT CABIN POINT + Or The Golden Cup Mystery. + +=12mo. Averaging 240 pages. Illustrated. Handsomely bound in Cloth.= + + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH SERIES + +By GRAHAM B. FORBES + +Never was there a cleaner, brighter, more manly boy than Frank Allen, +the hero of this series of boys' tales, and never was there a better +crowd of lads to associate with than the students of the School. All +boys will read these stories with deep interest. The rivalry between the +towns along the river was of the keenest, and plots and counterplots to +win the champions, at baseball, at football, at boat racing, at track +athletics, and at ice hockey, were without number. Any lad reading one +volume of this series will surely want the others. + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH + Or The All Around Rivals of the School + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE DIAMOND + Or Winning Out by Pluck + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE RIVER + Or The Boat Race Plot that Failed + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE GRIDIRON + Or The Struggle for the Silver Cup + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE ICE + Or Out for the Hockey Championship + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH IN TRACK ATHLETICS + Or A Long Run that Won + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH IN WINTER SPORTS + Or Stirring Doings on Skates and Iceboats + +=12mo. Illustrated. Handsomely bound in cloth, with cover design and +wrappers in colors.= + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE FAMOUS ROVER BOYS SERIES + +By ARTHUR W. WINFIELD + + * * * * * + +American Stories of American Boys and Girls + + * * * * * + +A MILLION AND A HALF COPIES SOLD OF THIS SERIES + + * * * * * + +=12mo. CLOTH. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING. COLORED WRAPPERS.= + + * * * * * + + THE ROVER BOYS AT SCHOOL + Or The Cadets of Putnam Hall + + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN + Or A Chase for a Fortune + + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE JUNGLE + Or Stirring Adventures in Africa + + THE ROVER BOYS OUT WEST + Or The Search for a Lost Mine + + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE GREAT LAKES + Or The Secret of the Island Cave + + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE MOUNTAINS + Or A Hunt for Fame and Fortune + + THE ROVER BOYS ON LAND AND SEA + Or The Crusoes of Seven Islands + + THE ROVER BOYS IN CAMP + Or The Rivals of Pine Island + + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE RIVER + Or The Search for the Missing Houseboat + + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE PLAINS + Or The Mystery of Red Rock Ranch + + THE ROVER BOYS IN SOUTHERN WATERS + Or The Deserted Steam Yacht + + THE ROVER BOYS ON THE FARM + Or The Last Days at Putnam Hall + + THE ROVER BOYS ON TREASURE ISLE + Or The Strange Cruise of the Steam Yacht + + THE ROVER BOYS AT COLLEGE + Or The Right Road and the Wrong + + THE ROVER BOYS DOWN EAST + Or The Struggle for the Stanhope Fortune + + THE ROVER BOYS IN THE AIR + Or From College Campus to the Clouds + + THE ROVER BOYS IN NEW YORK + Or Saving Their Father's Honor + + THE ROVER BOYS IN ALASKA + Or Lost in the Fields of Ice + + THE ROVER BOYS IN BUSINESS + Or The Search for the Missing Bonds + + THE ROVER BOYS ON A TOUR + Or Last Days at Brill College. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +THE DICK HAMILTON SERIES + +By HOWARD R. GARIS + + * * * * * + +A Series That Has Become Very Popular + + * * * * * + + DICK HAMILTON'S FORTUNE + Or The Stirring Doings of a Millionaire's Son. + +Dick, the son of a millionaire, has a fortune left to him by his mother. +But before he can touch the bulk of this money it is stipulated in his +mother's will that he must do certain things, in order to prove that he +is worthy of possessing such a fortune. The doings of Dick and his chums +make the liveliest kind of reading. + + + DICK HAMILTON'S CADET DAYS + Or The Handicap of a Millionaire's Son. + +The hero is sent to a military academy to make his way without the use +of money. Life at an up-to-date military academy is described, with +target shooting, broadsword exercise, trick riding, sham battles, etc. +Dick proves himself a hero in the best sense of the word. + + + DICK HAMILTON'S STEAM YACHT + Or A Young Millionaire and the Kidnappers. + +A series of adventures while yachting in which our hero's wealth plays a +part. Dick is marooned on an island, recovers his yacht and foils the +kidnappers. + + + DICK HAMILTON'S FOOTBALL TEAM + Or A Young Millionaire on the Gridiron. + +A very interesting account of how Dick developed a champion team and of +the lively contests with other teams. There is also related a number of +thrilling incidents in which Dick is the central figure. + + + DICK HAMILTON'S TOURING CAR + Or A Young Millionaire's Race for a Fortune. + +Dick's father gives him an automobile made to live in, which enables him +and his companions to have a good time. + + + DICK HAMILTON'S AIRSHIP + Or A Young Millionaire in the Clouds. + +Tells how Dick built an airship to compete in a twenty thousand dollar +prize contest, and of many adventures he experiences. + +=12mo. Handsomely printed and illustrated, and bound in cloth stamped in +colors. Printed wrappers.= + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + +The Putnam Hall Series + +Companion Stories to the Famous Rover Boys Series + +By ARTHUR M. WINFIELD + +Open-air pastimes have always been popular with boys, and should always +be encouraged. These books mingle adventure and fact, and will appeal to +every manly boy. + +12mo. Handsomely printed and illustrated. + + + THE PUTNAM HALL MYSTERY + Or The School Chums' Strange Discovery + +The particulars of the mystery and the solution of it are very +interesting reading. + + + THE PUTNAM HALL ENCAMPMENT + Or The Secret of the Old Mill + +A story full of vim and vigor, telling what the cadets did during the +summer encampment, including a visit to a mysterious old mill, said to +be haunted. The book has a wealth of fun in it. + + + THE PUTNAM HALL REBELLION + Or The Rival Runaways + +The boys had good reasons for running away during Captain Putnam's +absence. They had plenty of fun, and several queer adventures. + + + THE PUTNAM HALL CHAMPIONS + Or Bound to Win Out + +In this volume the Putnam Hall Cadets show what they can do in various +keen rivalries on the athletic field and elsewhere. There is one victory +which leads to a most unlooked-for discovery. + + + THE PUTNAM HALL CADETS + Or Good Times in School and Out + +The cadets are lively, flesh-and-blood fellows, bound to make friends +from the start. There are some keen rivalries, in school and out, and +something is told of a remarkable midnight feast and a hazing that had +an unlooked for ending. + + + THE PUTNAM HALL RIVALS + Or Fun and Sport Afloat and Ashore + +It is a lively, rattling, breezy story of school life in this country +written by one who knows all about its pleasures and its perplexities, +its glorious excitements, and its chilling disappointments. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP,--NEW YORK + + + + +The Flag and Frontier Series + +By CAPTAIN RALPH BONEHILL + +These bracing stories of American life, exploration and adventure should +find a place in every school and home library for the enthusiasm they +kindle in American heroism and history. The historical background is +absolutely correct. Every volume complete in itself. + +12mo. Bound in cloth. Stamped in colors. + + +WITH BOONE ON THE FRONTIER, Or The Pioneer Boys of Old Kentucky. + +Relates the true-to-life adventures of two boys who, in company with +their folks, move westward with Daniel Boone. Contains many thrilling +scenes among the Indians and encounters with wild animals. + + +PIONEER BOYS OF THE GREAT NORTHWEST, Or With Lewis and Clark Across the +Rockies. + +A splendid story describing in detail the great expedition formed under +the leadership of Lewis and Clark, and telling what was done by the +pioneer boys who were first to penetrate the wilderness of the +northwest. + + +PIONEER BOYS OF THE GOLD FIELDS, Or The Nugget Hunters of '49. + +Giving the particulars of the great rush of the gold seekers to +California in 1849. In the party making its way across the continent are +three boys who become chums, and share in no end of adventures. + + +WITH CUSTER IN THE BLACK HILLS, Or A Young Scout Among the Indians. + +Tells of the experiences of a youth who, with his parents, goes to the +Black Hills in search of gold. Custer's last battle is well described. + + +BOYS OF THE FORT, Or A Young Captain's Pluck. + +This story of stirring doings at one of our well-known forts in the Wild +West is of more than ordinary interest. Gives a good insight into army +life of to-day. + + +THE YOUNG BANDMASTER, Or Concert, Stage and Battlefield. + +The hero is a youth who becomes a cornetist in an orchestra, and works +his way up to the leadership of a brass band. He is carried off to sea +and is taken to Cuba, and while there joins a military band which +accompanies our soldiers in the attack on Santiago. + + +OFF FOR HAWAII, Or The Mystery of a Great Volcano. + +Several boys start on a tour of the Hawaiian Islands. They have heard +that there is a treasure located in the vicinity of Kilauea, the largest +active volcano in the world, and go in search of it. + + +A SAILOR BOY WITH DEWEY, Or Afloat in the Philippines. + +The story of Dewey's victory in Manila Bay as it appeared to a real, +live American youth who was in the navy at the time. Many adventures in +Manila and in the interior follow. + + +WHEN SANTIAGO FELL, Or The War Adventures of Two Chums + +Two boys leave New York to join their parents in Cuba. The war between +Spain and the Cubans is on, and the boys are detained at Santiago, but +escape across the bay at night. Many adventures follow. + + * * * * * + +GROSSET & DUNLAP,--NEW YORK + + * * * * * + +Transcriber's Notes: + +Obvious punctuation errors repaired. + +Page 53, "Gracie" changed to "Gracy" to conform to rest of text. (Oh, +Gracy, dear) + +Page 105, "girmy" changed to "grimy". (shaking a grimy fist) + +Page 162, "Molly" changed to "Mollie". (will we?" cried Mollie) + +Page 197, "splended" changed to "splendid". (that splendid reserve) + +Two cases of "fire-light" and three of "firelight" were retained. + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Outdoor Girls on Pine Island, by Laura Lee Hope + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND *** + +***** This file should be named 19294.txt or 19294.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/2/9/19294/ + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Emmy and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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