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diff --git a/old/54649-0.txt b/old/54649-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 388b6e7..0000000 --- a/old/54649-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8156 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Dorothy Dale's School Rivals, by Margaret Penrose - -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/license - - -Title: Dorothy Dale's School Rivals - -Author: Margaret Penrose - -Release Date: May 2, 2017 [EBook #54649] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOROTHY DALE'S SCHOOL RIVALS *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - -[Illustration: - - “DON’T BE AFRAID,” TAVIA CALLED TO THE ONE IN THE WATER. - “IT CAN’T SINK.” _Dorothy Dale’s School Rivals Page_ 79] - - - - - DOROTHY DALE’S - SCHOOL RIVALS - - BY - MARGARET PENROSE - - AUTHOR OF “DOROTHY DALE: A GIRL OF TO-DAY,” “DOROTHY - DALE’S GREAT SECRET,” “DOROTHY DALE’S CAMPING - DAYS,” “THE MOTOR GIRLS,” “THE MOTOR - GIRLS AT LOOKOUT BEACH,” “THE - MOTOR GIRLS THROUGH NEW - ENGLAND,” ETC. - - ILLUSTRATED - - NEW YORK - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY - - - - -BOOKS BY MARGARET PENROSE - - THE DOROTHY DALE SERIES - Cloth. Illustrated. - - DOROTHY DALE: A GIRL OF TO-DAY - DOROTHY DALE AT GLENWOOD SCHOOL - DOROTHY DALE’S GREAT SECRET - DOROTHY DALE AND HER CHUMS - DOROTHY DALE’S QUEER HOLIDAYS - DOROTHY DALE’S CAMPING DAYS - DOROTHY DALE’S SCHOOL RIVALS - - THE MOTOR GIRLS SERIES - Cloth. Illustrated. - - THE MOTOR GIRLS Or A Mystery of the Road - THE MOTOR GIRLS ON A TOUR Or Keeping a Strange Promise - THE MOTOR GIRLS AT LOOKOUT BEACH Or In Quest of the Runaways - THE MOTOR GIRLS THROUGH NEW ENGLAND Or Held by the Gypsies - THE MOTOR GIRLS ON CEDAR LAKE Or The Hermit of the Fern Island - -_Cupples & Leon Co., Publishers, New York_ - - - - - Copyright, 1912, by - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY - - DOROTHY DALE’S SCHOOL RIVALS - - Printed in U. S. A. - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. THE START 1 - - II. AT STRATHAWAY BRIDGE 11 - - III. THE GET-AWAY 20 - - IV. RIVAL RUNS 26 - - V. SCHOOL AT LAST 32 - - VI. CHOCOLATES AND SANDWICHES 44 - - VII. RUNNING A LUNCH COUNTER 51 - - VIII. DOROTHY’S WORRIES 62 - - IX. THE INTERVIEW 69 - - X. AN UPSET CANOE 75 - - XI. THINGS THAT HAPPENED 80 - - XII. TROUBLE UPON TROUBLE 88 - - XIII. NEWS AND A NEWSPAPER 98 - - XIV. A TURN IN THE TIDE 105 - - XV. THE STORY OF RAVELINGS 113 - - XVI. THE RESCUE 120 - - XVII. DEEPENING GLOOM 124 - - XVIII. LETTERS 136 - - XIX. ZADA 144 - - XX. A SCHEME THAT FAILED 150 - - XXI. A MISHAP 156 - - XXII. THE THREAT OF THE “T’S” 163 - - XXIII. THE INVESTIGATION 171 - - XXIV. JEAN AGAIN 178 - - XXV. TEACHERS 185 - - XXVI. A SCRAP OF PAPER 194 - - XXVII. WHO STOLE THE PICTURE? 201 - - XXVIII. THE ROADSIDE ROBBERY 208 - - XXIX. TEACHERS AND PUPILS 215 - - XXX. A CLIMAX 224 - - XXXI. A MEETING OF THE BOARD 233 - - - - -DOROTHY DALE’S SCHOOL RIVALS - -CHAPTER I - -THE START - - -Dorothy’s blue eyes looked out of the car window, but she saw nothing. -All her faculties were bent upon thinking--thinking of something that -evidently was not pleasant. Tavia fussed around in the next seat, -scattering books, candy boxes, wraps, gloves and such “trifles.” She -finally left the things to their fate and climbed in with Dorothy. - -“We’ll soon be back to the old Glen, Doro,” she said, “and I know -you’ll be glad. As for me, I count this my last hour of freedom, and -feel as if I were going to----” - -“Now, Tavia, you know perfectly well that you are just as fond of -Glenwood as I am,” replied Dorothy, with something akin to a smile. -“But of course, you have to get your fun out of growling. Really, I -think this time you won’t be able to get it out of me. I am--glum!” - -“That will be the best fun ever. To have you glum! Have you been to a -fortune teller, or anything like that, Doro?” - -Dorothy looked harder than ever out of the window, and did not bother -to reply. - -“Because, Doro,” went on Tavia, “if she told you a friend is going to -be married it’s me. If she said you would get a letter, asking for -money, that’s from me. If she said a very dear friend was going to -get in some new kind of trouble, that will also be me, and last, if -she said you were going to cross water, it will be on account of _my_ -health. I love fortune tellers, they pick out such good news,” and -Tavia glanced across the aisle at a rather good-looking young man, who -was reading a theatrical paper. - -Dorothy touched Tavia’s hand. “There,” she said, “I am not going to -have any more blues. I can’t manage well with them, and I have to -manage you, Tavia.” - -“Now, have you only just discovered that? Well, all I can say is that -I am glad the other girls did not get these seats. They are--ahem--so -convenient!” - -“But there is one vacant place just back of the young man whom you are -watching,” said Dorothy, teasingly. - -“And there comes one of our girls,” exclaimed Tavia. “I wager she flops -into it.” - -The prediction was correct. A new girl, with very up-to-date apparel, -and very flashy jewelry, had taken the vacant seat. The book she -carried showed its title plainly, and was, of course, one of “the best -sellers.” - -“Next she’ll drop the book under his seat, and he’ll have to speak to -her in returning it,” said Tavia. “Now, why didn’t I think of trying -that? Such a chance!” - -Dorothy was interested in the new girl and paid little attention to the -talk that Tavia was making for her benefit, for, though Tavia always -loved to do absurd things, she would not have spoken to the stranger. - -“She is the young lady we were introduced to on the depot platform,” -Dorothy remarked. “Her name is Jean Faval.” - -“Ought to be Bean Flavor,” said Tavia, trying to pun on the name. “She -looks sort of--canned.” - -“I think her very stylish, but that skirt _is_ tight. I wouldn’t wear -one like it myself,” Dorothy replied. - -“And a Dutch neck on the train,” continued Tavia, looking at the very -white neck of the new girl, who wore no collar. “I believe she wears -slippers, and the very thinnest silk hose.” - -“It’s warm enough for both, and I shouldn’t mind having forgotten my -heavy walking shoes,” Dorothy said. - -Just then the book dropped. Tavia almost jumped out of her seat. She -actually gasped. The young lady across moved her foot, and the book -came out in the aisle. - -In an instant Tavia had it in her hands, and was passing it back. - -“Oh, thank you so much!” spoke the owner, in a suspicious tone. “I -could have gotten it.” - -“It was not the least bit of trouble,” and Tavia uttered a false note -that caused the young man to turn and observe her. - -“Anything I can do?” he asked, politely. “Have you lost anything?” - -Both girls answered in the same words. - -“Oh, no; thank you.” - -He glanced over at Dorothy, then resumed his paper. Miss Faval found -her place in her book, and Tavia turned to her chum. - -“Didn’t I tell you? Am I not a prophet? But I spoiled it, and I am -dying laughing from head to foot.” - -“She will think you rude,” cautioned Dorothy. - -“I hope she thinks me the entire conjugation, and the worse ones on the -last page. I can see some fun with her at Glen.” - -“Please, Tavia,” begged Dorothy, “don’t try to get into trouble before -we arrive there. You have plenty of time during the term,” and she -looked bored--quite unlike the real Dorothy. - -“Say, Doro,” exclaimed Tavia, “I actually believe you want to get rid -of me. I’ll run off and leave you to your dismals. I know Dick and -Ned have a brand of chocolates I am particularly fond of, and your -own Cologne always tips the porter for ice water. So be good, and,” -she added in a whisper, “don’t miss any of the circus,” nodding her -head toward the other side of the aisle. “Be sure to render me a -satisfactory and full report.” - -Tavia flaunted off, and Dorothy again pressed her pale face to the -window pane. The hills and vales were rolling away, and of course -the fast train seemed to be standing still. The wonderful changes of -scenery, that had never failed before to interest her, she now scarcely -saw. - -In the rear of the car were a number of her companions, but she was -really glad to be alone. There was Rose-Mary Markin, known as Cologne; -Edna Black, called Ned Ebony; Molly Richards, titled just Dick, and -others picked up along the route to Glenwood School, in the mountains -of New England. - -Dorothy was not sick. She was gloomy, and whatever caused this gloom -had occurred just before the girls left for school, for up to that time -she had been the same vivacious, sprightly girl who had ever been -a favorite with her acquaintances and companions. The change in her -manner was, therefore, so marked that even the reckless Tavia noticed -it instantly, as did the other girls, who were wise enough (on advice -of Cologne, Dorothy’s most intimate friend after Tavia) to let Dorothy -alone, and not bother her. - -The sun was fading into shadows, and soon the train would pull into -the familiar little Glenwood station. Then what a time there would be! -Dorothy thought of it, and again determined to be cheerful. Tavia would -be, as Tavia herself had declared, “on top of the heap,” for while -there was no hazing allowed, something that made a splendid imitation -was ever practiced on the first night, the “fun” not being confined to -new scholars, either. - -The car attendant came through the train, and turned on the lights. The -strange gentleman with the paper across the aisle asked him if they -would get in on schedule and he replied they had lost a little time, -but were making it up now. - -“Thought you had an extra clip on,” commented the stranger. - -Scarcely were the words uttered than Dorothy and everyone else was -thrown from their seats, and then there was a terrific crash. - -Instantly there followed screams and commotion. The lights went out, -and many passengers rushed for the doors. Dorothy realized she was -not hurt. Next, the other girls from the rear of the car were hanging -around her, displaying very little of the common sense that had been -drilled into them at Glenwood. - -“Oh, Dorothy, what is it?” - -“Oh, Dorothy, my arm is broken!” - -“Oh, Dorothy, I am sure we will all be killed!” - -“Doro, are you all right?” - -This last was from Tavia, while the other gasps came from various -girls, too intermixed to separate. - -It seemed a long time, but was, in reality, only a few seconds, until -the conductor and porter made their way to the girls’ car, and assured -them that nothing at all had happened, more than the rather too sudden -stopping of the train, made necessary by a special and unexpected -signal. The lights were again turned on, and everyone might see that -there really had been no accident. The seats were as straight and as -smooth as ever, and most of the frightened passengers were gathering up -their trinkets from the floor, and replacing them in the holders and -seats. - -Edna Black was rubbing her arm, and wincing. - -“Is your hand hurt?” Dorothy asked. - -“I’m afraid it is. I got quite a jolt against the seat arm. But I -guess it isn’t much,” Edna replied. - -Tavia gazed across the aisle. The young man was looking at Edna. The -new girl was groaning dramatically. She was also trying to get back -into her skirt, that had, in the excitement sprung up like a deep -girdle around her waist. - -“Can’t flop nicely in a skirt tight as that!” Tavia whispered to Molly -Richards. “I wish it had all ripped to pieces. Wouldn’t it be sport for -her to have to get out in a buttoned raincoat?” - -“She’s pretty,” Mollie said, simply. - -“That’s why I hate her,” replied Tavia. “I always hate what I can’t -have--even beauty.” - -“Strange you get along so well with--well, with some people,” answered -Molly, casting an appreciative glance at Tavia, with the hazel eyes, -and the shade of hair every one loves--no color in particular but all -combined in one glow. “Every one envies you, Tavia.” - -Dorothy was examining Edna’s wrist. - -Meanwhile the new girl kept exclaiming, “Oh, my!” Finally the young man -turned to her. - -“Are you hurt?” he asked kindly. - -Tavia gripped Molly’s arm. - -“Oh, I don’t know,” whimpered Miss Faval, “but I am so--nervous.” - -It was the greatest wonder in the world that Tavia did not shout -“hurrah” or something equally absurd. - -“You are shaken up,” said the stranger, “but nerves soon adjust -themselves, when there is not any real injury. I see some one else has -trouble.” He crossed to Dorothy and Edna. “Can I help you?” he asked. -“I know something of medicine.” - -“And he was reading a theatrical paper!” Tavia managed to get in line -with Molly’s ear. “I’ll wager he turns out to be a baseball player.” - -“My friend has hurt her arm,” Dorothy told the young man, who had -already taken the trembling hand of Edna in his own firm grasp. “She -fell against the arm of the seat.” - -All eyes were upon them. Of course Tavia was whispering: “Wouldn’t be -_my_ luck! Just like Ned! Do you suppose he will need help to set it? -I’ll get a glass of water--that’s safe,” and off she raced, making -jolly remarks to the frightened ones, as she made her way to the water -cooler. - -“I’m afraid it is sprained,” said the man, holding Edna’s hand, “but I -have some bandages in my grip.” - -Tavia had returned with the glass of water before he found the bandages. - -“I’m so sorry, Ned dear,” said Tavia truthfully. “I’m so sorry it is -not _my_ arm. Isn’t he handsome!” - -Edna smiled, and Dorothy held the water to her lips. As the young man -with the antiseptic cloth crossed the aisle Dorothy motioned Tavia to -stand back and make room for the work to be done. Tavia stepped back, -and just then the train gave one, single jerk. - -The contents of Tavia’s glass of water went over the “Dutch neck” of -Jean Faval. - -“Oh, mercy!” screamed the girl. - -Tavia recovered herself from the jerk and was just about to apologize -when Amy Brooks rushed up to them. - -“Whatever do you think, girls?” she blurted out. “The railroad bridge -is down, and we can’t leave this spot to-night!” - - - - -CHAPTER II - -AT STRATHAWAY BRIDGE - - -“Not leave this spot to-night!” - -The exclamation came in chorus from every Glenwood girl, and there was -a low, moaning sort of echo-encore from the young man with the medicine -case. - -What should they do? They could not swim, that was certain, so they -would have to wait. - -To break the monotony of this wait we will tell our readers something -of the other books of this series, and thus enable them to get a keener -insight into the characters we are now following, as well as making a -little bow of introduction to those we are meeting for the first time. - -In the first book, entitled “Dorothy Dale; A Girl of To-Day,” we find -the Dale family; the Major, an ideal, dear, kindly father; the two -sons, Joe and little Roger, and Dorothy, the daughter. Tavia Travers, -a girl of opposite temperament to that of Dorothy’s, is a great friend -of the prettiest girl in Dalton, Dorothy Dale. Tavia is fearless and -fearful; Dorothy is clear-minded, well balanced and capable. In this -story is related how Dorothy gets a clew to the unlawful detention -of a poor little girl, and in the parlance of those who use “quick” -English--Tavia for instance--Dorothy “rounds up” the culprit and takes -little Nellie away from a home of misery and poverty. - -Our second volume was “Dorothy Dale at Glenwood School.” Glenwood -School is situated in the mountains of New England, and the pupils -there come from many parts of the country, even the South being -represented. “Glen School” is not an asylum for the refuge of young -girls whose mothers are “too busy” to bring them up. Neither are the -girls there of the type who believe that boarding school life is a -lark, with original slang at each end; and an attractive centre piece -about mid-way, devoted to the composition of verbal putty-blowers, -constructed to “get even” with teachers; nothing of the sort. But there -is time for fun, as well as for work and for adventure, and a time for -girlhood walks, and talks in the shady ways of the pretty school. - -This second story deals with the peculiar complications that so readily -arise when girls and boys get on well together, in the wholesome -sports of youth, until that other element, “Jealousy” makes its grim -appearance. Then the innocent nonsense of Tavia, and the deliberate, -open-hearted ventures and adventures of Dorothy, are turned about so as -to become almost a tragedy at Glenwood. - -In “Dorothy Dale’s Great Secret,” our third volume, there is a real -secret. Not a little kindergarten whisper, but a matter which so -closely affects Tavia’s career that Dorothy takes all sorts of risks to -hold that secret from others, until the opportune time for explanation -arrives. - -“Dorothy Dale and Her Chums,” is the title of the fourth book. This is -a real story--a plot that deals in mystery and adventure, of a gypsy -girl in a cave, stolen goods, and so many thrilling mysteries that -Dorothy was kept busy solving them. - -Then “Dorothy Dale’s Queer Holidays,” shows how very queer some -holidays may be, indeed, when girls and boys unite to discover the -mystery of an old castle, where they eventually find and rescue an -aged and demented man. But this is not accomplished without stirring -adventures, not the smallest of which was the night spent in the -old mansion, when the young folks had been overtaken by so heavy a -snowstorm that their automobile could not make its way back to North -Birchland. The two cousins of Dorothy, Nat and Ned, with other boy -friends, protected the frightened girls until rescue finally came at -almost daybreak. - -The story of a mistaken identity is told of in the sixth volume of the -series, “Dorothy Dale’s Camping Days.” To be mistaken for a demented -girl, captured and held in the hot, blistering attic of a farmhouse, -then taken to a sanitarium, where Dorothy is really believed to be -the girl who escaped from that institution, was surely an ordeal for -Dorothy. But not less is the latter part of that story, where the real -sick girl is found by our friends, Dorothy and Tavia, and the joyous -conclusion of her complete recovery, and the opening of a new life to -this girl, so dear to her mother’s heart, and so loved by her friends, -make up for all the suffering. - -So Dorothy Dale has had some experience, and we hope, in the present -volume, she will sustain her reputation, as that of the up-to-date -girl, with will power and ambition, “tied with a little blue bow of -sentiment.” - -We left them at Strathaway Bridge, and night is coming, as it always -does come, just when there are so many daylight things to be done. - -In the excitement that followed the announcement that the bridge was -down, and the train could not cross the river until morning, all the -water that Tavia had inadvertently poured down Jean Faval’s neck was -dried up in the heat of gulped exclamations. Even Jean left her seat -and joined the conversation on ways and means that were being held -in the seats on the opposite side of the car. There were so many -suggestions--some wanted to bribe the porter for sleeping quarters, -as the trip to Glenwood did not originally require such a luxury; -Rose-Mary wanted to get permission to “run” one car for the “Glens,” -and camp out in it; Tavia wanted to get up a committee on food-quest, -with time-table drinking cups apiece. Dorothy thought it might be a -good idea to consult the conductor and have an official statement. -The gentleman (“King” they called him now) excused himself, and left -the girls so forlorn, all alone there, in a heaped-up convention, -that Tavia declared he was a card sharp, and that Ned would get blood -poison from the bandages he had put on her wrist. Moreover, Tavia also -declared that he had gone forth to “trim” the scared car people at that -minute. “For,” she said, her bronze hair fairly showing electrical -sparks, “any one would do anything in a case like this. No place to -sleep, nothing to eat, just a bunch of loony girls, and--me,” and she -wound up with coming down on Ned’s box of butter cups (the candy kind), -that happened to be under the lame arm. - -It was strange how much that one man had been to the Glenwood -contingent. They had fairly stopped talking since his departure. A -night on that train now seemed impossible. Tavia went to the last seat -in the car, and dared any one to follow her until she had thought it -out. This did not take long, for “out” must have been very near the -surface. - -“I have it!” she shouted, going back to seat seven. - -“Where?” asked Dorothy. - -“What?” demanded Dick. - -“Havies!” begged Ned. - -“Corkies!” joked Cologne. - -“We may go!” announced Tavia, now standing on Jean’s pretty dress that -happened to spread itself over the seat from which she decided to -orate. “We may go. We may walk. It is only three miles over the cove -bridge and I pity Glen to-night when jelly-round comes. We’ll lick the -plates!” - -“Whatever do you mean, Tavia?” asked Dorothy. “The bridge cannot be -repaired to-night.” - -“The bridge may sink or swim, but there won’t be one of us ‘waiting at -the bridge,’” and she hummed a tune gaily. - -“But what shall we do?” asked little Amy Brooks. “We can’t fly?” - -“More’s the pity,” answered Tavia. “Next time I take this trip I’ll -carry a box kite over the green flag. No, but this is what you _can_ -do, my dears. Take up your things--every mussed paper bag of them, and -hurry with me across the meadow. The road comes out just at the Green -Edge trolley line, and that line is wound around Glenwood tower! It -crosses Strathaway River on a small bridge below this railroad one. -Come on!” - -Everyone gasped. That Tavia should have thought of this! - -“But, Tavia,” objected Dorothy, “how are we to know that we can cross -the meadow? It is almost dark!” - -“More reason why we should hurry to find out,” answered the daring one. -“Come on, or I’m gone.” - -“But our tickets, and the conductor, and all that?” inquired Nita -Brant, with ambiguous precision. - -“We will all make over a total assignment to you--you may stay with the -ship, Nita, but we run!” - -It was funny to see how those girls did scamper from the last car -of that train. The dainty travelling bags, gifts of “friends on -departing,” were now all tangled up in the scant skirts, that did -double service of being a part of wearing apparel--small part--and -also answering for a carryall of the old time conception. It was the -quickest way, and that was what counted. Jean Faval did drop her gold -purse just as she was alighting (she did not “get off”) but Tavia was -so anxious that all should escape that she crawled under the oily -wheels and dragged out the golden trinket. The new girl thanked her, -and, for the time, an armistice was established. - -“Are we all here?” called Dorothy, who was assisting Edna because of -the lame arm. - -“All but King, and he is cleaning out the other cars,” replied Tavia. -“There, look out, Dick! Land sakes alive! We won’t have thread and -needles enough in the tower to sew our tears, if this keeps up. Dick, -you have ruined your flounce on that brake.” - -Molly Richards (otherwise Dick) looked hopelessly at the torn -needlework skirt. “Oh, well,” she said, making the ground, “I never -liked that anyway. The pattern was true-lover’s-knot, and I’m just glad -I----” - -“Broke the knot,” put in Dorothy. “Tavia, wherever are you leading us -to? This must be a turf bog!” - -“Leadin’ on to vict’ry,” replied the girl who was almost running ahead. -“I have been over this bog before.” - -“But not at this season, when the water comes in,” cautioned Dorothy. -“However, girls, I am willing to take the same risk that you all -take--sink or swim,” and she ran along after Tavia, while the others -followed, like American soldiers taking their initial trip through a -rice field. - -Every step was uncertain--every foot was put in the bog with a shudder -or groan, and pulled out with a shout. - -“I can’t do it,” declared Nita Brant. “These are my best silk hose.” - -“Hose,” yelled back Tavia, “we’ll take up a collection on repairs when -we get to Glen.” - -“And my--velvet--ties!” exclaimed Jean Faval. “They feel like wooden -shoes!” - -“We’ll put them up at auction,” suggested Dorothy, good humoredly. “The -only thing that really worries me is Edna’s sprained arm.” - -“Why didn’t you fetch the doc then?” asked Tavia, but before an answer -could be ventured there was a scream, and even the happy girls of -Glenwood stopped. - -What had happened? - - - - -CHAPTER III - -THE GET-AWAY - - -Amy Brooks had sunk in the bog! - -The weight of the soggy earth had dragged her down, until she lay -helpless, clinging to some underbrush! - -And how dark it was now! - -“Quick! Quick!” called Dorothy. “This may be a bog hole!” - -“Team play! Team play!” shouted Tavia, and instantly every girl, -whether leading or following, was making for the spot from which Amy’s -cries came. - -The girl was imbedded in the black, wet bog as if she had been cemented -there! - -Even Tavia had no suggestion to offer, but stood gazing in hopeless -amazement. - -Dorothy was running about, trying to find a firm footing from which to -reach out to the imperilled girl. - -Although it was September, the late afternoons were damp and chilly, -and as the girls, almost feverish from the over-excitement, ran this -way and that, in hope of finding some sort of board or plank to make a -way to Amy, their shouts of fright and cries for help, rent the air, -and turned the scene, so lately one of merriment, into terror and -danger for everyone of them. - -“Oh, it’s all my fault!” wailed Tavia. “I should not have risked it so -near dark.” - -“It’s nobody’s fault,” replied Dorothy, “but this is the time to act. -Come Tavia, we may get a fence rail. I see some old black stuff, like -wood, over there,” and she did her best to hurry over the wet ground, -that threatened to hold her fast at every step. - -In the meantime the other girls were trying to get Amy out. Molly -Richards was the oldest and strongest, and she ventured near the spring -until the others called to her that she would presently be worse off -than Amy. A pile of light travelling coats were tossed over to Amy and -she kept herself from going deeper in the bog by making these fast to -the brushwood near her. - -“Here we are!” called Dorothy, and with one end of the old moss-covered -fence rail on her shoulder, and the other end upon Tavia’s, the two -girls made their way to the brink of the bog hole. - -It took but a few minutes to get the rail over the swamp-like pit, -where a spring sluggishly bubbled. - -“There,” called Dorothy, “now see if it will hold you, Amy.” - -But there was no need to direct Amy. Her rescue was too welcome to wait -for orders. Throwing her arms firmly over the rail she dragged herself -out of the mud until she was sitting on the long piece of wood. - -“Be careful,” called Tavia. “Hold tight, and we will all pull the rail -over to this side.” - -In spite of the peril the situation was almost comical, and the girls -lost no opportunity of cheering and otherwise dispelling the fast -settling gloam. - -“We ought to carry you to the road this way,” suggested Nita Brant, -“you are so soaking wet, and horribly muddy----” - -“Thank you, but I am too anxious to walk. I doubt if I shall get the -use of my ankles for a month,” replied Amy. “My! but that was awful! I -was saying my prayers, I tell you.” - -“But what shall we do now?” inquired Ned, who, on account of her -injured arm, could not help in the rail ride. - -“Go directly back to the train,” said Dorothy. “Listen! That was a -train whistle! Oh, if it should start----” - -“A train sure enough!” declared Jean, who had held back. “That’s what -we get for following--a leader.” - -Her tone was full of contempt, and everyone noticed it. - -“Too bad you came,” replied Tavia, who never cared for good manners, -when there was a chance for sarcasm, “for that is the wrecking train, I -think, and they might have taken you on the hand car. Wouldn’t it have -been fun?” - -The idea of that fashionably dressed girl riding on a hand car with -train men! - -“Now let me down,” insisted Amy. “I’m going to run after that whistle -even if it proves to be a fog horn!” - -“Oh, don’t--go near--the water!” shouted Tavia, and, as she spoke, a -big touring automobile dashed by. - -“Another life-saver lost!” declared Dorothy. “If only we could have -made them see us!” - -“Oh, mercy!” gasped Nita, “There come two men with guns on their -shoulders!” - -“Just snipe hunters, likely,” said Dorothy, but she was noticed to -hurry toward the road. - -It was not a great distance back to the standing train, and, as the -girls came within hearing of some passengers on the rear platform, -someone called: - -“Oh you Glenwood girls! You have missed it. The touring car came from -your school to get you, and is now driving all over the country -looking for strayed, lost or stolen girls.” - -“The Glenwood machine! Oh, do let me cry!” begged Tavia. “If I don’t -cry within the next three minutes, I’ll die of internal deluge.” - -She stepped to the platform. Dorothy was the next to mount, but she -paused to help Edna. - -“Back safely?” asked the man who had bandaged the strained arm. “We -were greatly worried. I could scarcely keep mother from going after -you,” and the handsome elderly lady who had been standing aside with -him, came forward and extended her hand to Dorothy. - -“My baseball player!” groaned Tavia into Molly’s ear. “Lost again, but -I think he’s an artist. I’ll get him to paint me.” - -By this time the young ladies were passing into the car. When the other -passengers heard of the accident, and beheld Amy’s almost solidly -bog-cemented garments, there was no end to the excitement. - -“I think,” said the young man, “that I can arrange to get this car, or -half of it, for you young ladies for the night. As there are no chairs -nor sleepers to be had it may be well to make sure of something.” - -“Oh, thank you so much,” said Dorothy, who was still acting as leader, -although she hardly knew what to do or say. “This is awful! And to -think that we missed the car! The school principal, Mrs. Pangborn, will -be ill of anxiety.” - -“There is no possible way of getting a message away from here,” replied -the other. “But at least they know the train is safe.” - -“But they also know that we were not in it,” objected Dorothy. “Mrs. -Pangborn probably heard of the delay caused by the broken bridge, and -sent for us.” - -“There’s just one way, and perhaps I can make it. May I leave mother -with you?” and the young man quickly picked up his cap, leaving the car -before anyone had time to know what he was going to do. - -“I’ll be back in about an hour,” he called, and then the girls were -once more conscious of the loneliness of being “just girls.” Men know -so much better what ought to be done in emergencies. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -RIVAL RUNS - - -“Now young ladies,” began the elderly woman with the wonderful snowy -hair. “Of course you know I am David’s mother. I am Mrs. Armstrong, -and David is my only child. I wanted to come out here to a convention -and he insisted on accompanying me. Though it did take him from his -business.” - -“His business?” Tavia repeated as nicely as she could, handing to Mrs. -Armstrong the little lace cape that had just fallen from her shoulders. - -“Oh, yes indeed, his business,” repeated the lady, while Dorothy and -Edna smiled wisely at Tavia, who had not even yet found out what that -young man’s “business” might be. “And,” said the lady, “I never depend -upon dining cars when I travel, so if you can manage to put up some -sort of table here between the seats, we may have a little meal, for my -bag is pretty well stocked, I can well guess. Mabel put it up for me.” - -“Splendid!” exclaimed Molly, not realizing that her remark was prompt -to greediness. - -“I am sure you must all be starved, for it is past tea-time,” said Mrs. -Armstrong, getting from under the seat a good sized, matting traveling -bag. “We use this when we go auto riding, it opens up so nicely.” - -Again Tavia nudged the girl nearest her, for the lady with the bag of -refreshments was becoming more interesting at every new remark she made. - -“Do you suppose your son will be back in time to eat with us?” asked -Dorothy, as the girls were spreading out newspapers on the seats, and -arranging a sort of place to eat. - -“I don’t know,” and the elderly lady looked very thoughtful for a -moment. Then she removed her glasses, put them on again and whispered -to Dorothy. “My son is always doing queer things--that is they are -queer from my view point. Where did he say he was going?” - -“He did not say, as I understood. But it seemed as if it was something -about getting a message to town,” replied Dorothy. - -The lady shook her head. “Now here are the refreshments,” she told -the girls. Tavia had procured water in an old earthen pitcher, that -she declared was perfectly clean, and that for the use of it she was -personally indebted to the brakeman, who turned on the lights. Molly -had “raided” a store-room somewhere, and from it had actually gotten -out such a splendid piece of white cardboard that with the aid of -Edna’s case knife square “dishes” were cut and served nicely for the -chicken sandwiches. Then the pickles! - -“We call them School Girls’ Delight,” explained Mrs. Armstrong, -“although I had no idea I was going to fall in with such a happy crowd -of young ladies.” - -“We are the ones to be grateful,” declared Dorothy. “But where is Miss -Faval!” - -“Where is she?” asked more than one girl, jumping up, and glancing -about the car. - -“She certainly got on the train with us,” declared Edna. - -“She should have remained with us,” said Dorothy, showing some anxiety. -“That was the rule--always when we traveled this way.” - -“And there are so many people about, with nothing to do,” Mrs. -Armstrong remarked. “It is not like regular traveling, when everybody -and everything is in place. We had better inquire at once.” - -Dorothy had finished her sandwich, but objected to Mrs. Armstrong -leaving her lunch untouched. - -“It doesn’t make a bit of difference, child,” said that lady. “David -will likely come back with more things to eat than would provide a -dinner.” She brushed the crumbs from her skirt. “I am for finding the -lost sheep.” - -It must be said that those who remained to finish the feast did not -look a bit worried about Jean Faval; in fact there was something of a -scramble directly Dorothy and Mrs. Armstrong were safely out of sight. - -“Where do you suppose----” began Molly. - -“Don’t suppose,” interrupted Edna. “I don’t like that girl, and I hope -she got on a train that--backed up.” - -“Hope she tried to walk the bridge,” put in Tavia, between a pickle and -a lady finger. - -“You’re mean,” spoke Nita Brant. “She’s got lots of money, and will be -splendid at school. She even has a check book of her own.” - -“We prefer cash,” said Molly, “it’s lots handier.” - -“What would we have done if it had not been for what ‘Mabel’ put in the -bag?” asked Cologne, who was in a seat back of the four girls, who were -just now threatening to eat the crumbs from the cracks in the newspaper -table-cloth. “This meal has been my salvation.” - -“But where do you suppose David has gone?” inquired Tavia. “I am -worried about him. I like David!” - -“Here come Dorothy and Mrs. Armstrong. They evidently have not found -Lady Jean.” It was Edna who spoke. - -Dorothy was very pale. Even in the uncertain light that flickered from -the gas lamp in the car center, it was plain to everyone looking at her -that Dorothy had received a shock. - -“Such a girl!” said Mrs. Armstrong. “Actually refused to come with us. -Sitting in a car talking to--well, of course, I couldn’t just say who -they might be, but they looked like a small part of a big circus.” - -Her eyes flashed, and she fanned herself nervously. - -Dorothy quietly sat down beside Cologne. - -“What has happened, Doro?” asked her friend--for next to Tavia, Cologne -ranked first in favor with the little leader. - -“Nothing much. But I was so surprised. I suppose I should not have -shown how I felt,” replied Dorothy, biting her lip. - -“She was positively rude,” went on Mrs. Armstrong, “and if I get a -chance to find your Glenwood school I shall report her conduct.” - -“What did she say?” demanded Tavia. - -“She said--that she would not tag around with a parcel of kindergarten -babies,” responded the indignant lady, “and I felt that it was I who -had exposed Miss Dale to that insult.” - -“Oh, she was not insulting,” interposed Dorothy. “Of course, I was -surprised, because I usually have----” - -“Been our policeman,” finished Tavia. “Well don’t you worry. I’ll be a -whole police force when I get there--meaning to Glen.” She swung around -to Dorothy. “What is it, dear?” she demanded. “You have that same -worried look you wore when we left home. Can’t I help you?” - -“Perhaps you can, Tavia,” replied Dorothy, “and I promise to tell you -all about it when we get to school. It was really not what the girl -said to me that--made me feel so. It was what I overheard her saying -to someone else. There, don’t let them see us talking. I thought I -heard----” - -“Why, David!” exclaimed Mrs. Armstrong, “Wherever have you been?” - -David had just entered the car, with all the bags and bundles that his -mother had promised he would fetch. - -“Had the time of my life,” he exclaimed quite breathlessly, “riding on -a hand car into town. But I came back _de luxe a la auto_. I got the -message to Glenwood School, and the big car is here again.” - -“Oh, glorious!” declared Tavia, but she was interrupted in her effusion -by the conductor’s cry: - -“Special car for Glenwood School!” - -Then the grand scramble commenced. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -SCHOOL AT LAST - - -“We just should have left her there,” growled Edna. “I can’t understand -why any girl would prefer staying up all night in a stuffy car, to -getting this grand ride, and a night’s sleep in bed to boot. Dorothy is -too--conscientious.” - -“That’s just what I say,” chimed in Tavia, who was next to Edna in the -rear of the big three-seated closed touring car, that flaunted the -Glenwood flag. “And that she would deliberately refuse to come until -the conductor read the list; like a funeral!” - -“I was so sorry Mrs. Armstrong couldn’t come with us,” continued Edna. -“But her son had the little runabout for her, of course.” - -“I should not have minded so much if the son could have come,” teased -Tavia. “This is a lovely ride, but fancy talking to Jacob! He’s been -the Glenwood runner ever since cars came in, and he thinks he just -knows all there is about machines.” - -“Glad he does, for it’s some dark,” reflected Molly. “I suppose that -Jean girl took the outside seat, thinking she could make Jake talk.” - -“Or that she would avoid talking to us,” Edna moved her injured arm -carefully. “Well, I can see that Nita and Lena, and some of the others -are talking to Jean. We’ll have some trouble keeping our club up even. -But Tavia, what is the matter with Dorothy? She is not a bit like -herself.” - -“No, she isn’t. But I think her father is not well, and he is getting -old--prematurely old, for his hair is white as snow. You see, it must -worry Dorothy to leave him and the two boys alone. Seems to me that -veterans always get old--young,” said Tavia evasively. - -“Do you really think that is all that is the matter with her?” went on -Edna. “It seems to me that it is something more serious.” - -“Well, maybe it is,” replied Tavia. “But I’m sure I hope not. Dear Doro -does so much for every one else that it would be almost a shame to have -her have troubles.” - -“It surely would,” came from the other. “Do you suppose she would mind -if I asked her?” and Edna looked back to where Dorothy was talking to -Cologne. “Or perhaps you had better do it, Tavia. You know her so much -better than the rest of us, and she won’t mind it--coming from you.” - -“That’s right!” cried Tavia with a little laugh. “Blame it all on me! -No one minds what I do. I’m the goat, of course. If there’s something -unpleasant to be done, let Tavia do it.” - -“Oh, I didn’t mean it that way at all!” exclaimed Edna. “You took me up -so short----” - -“Better be short than long!” went on Tavia, laughing. They could talk -rather louder now, as the machine, chugging along, made so much noise -that there was no danger of Dorothy hearing. - -“No, but seriously,” proceeded Edna. “I do think Doro has some secret -trouble. She isn’t at all like her jolly self, and though she has been -just as nice as she could be in this trouble, still----” - -“Still waters run deep!” interrupted Tavia. “I’m sure I can’t say what -it is.” - -“Then why don’t you ask?” - -“Simply because if Dorothy wanted me to know she’d tell me.” - -“She might not. She might be too sensitive. It would be just like her -to hold back and not want to tell anyone. Oh, Tavia, I’m almost going -to ask her myself if you won’t.” - -“Well, I won’t, that’s all there is to it. Let’s start a song. I’m -getting dry and lonesome.” - -“Oh, Tavia, there’s no use trying to do anything with you,” sighed her -companion. “Why can’t you be serious for once?” - -“I just can’t--that’s all. It isn’t in me. I’m a hopeless case, I’m -afraid. But don’t worry so much. Let Doro alone and if she wants help -she’ll ask for it. Then we’ll all pitch in, and do all we can for her.” - -“Indeed yes,” agreed Edna heartily. “Dear Doro does so much for others -that it would be a pity if we could not aid her in some way. Oh dear!” - -“What is it now?” asked Tavia, glancing out into the gathering -darkness. “Something hurt you? Is it the arm?” - -“Yes, a little. I wish Jake wouldn’t drive so fast. It makes me -nervous. I’m all unstrung, anyhow, I guess, over what has happened. He -seems quite reckless, I think.” - -“Nonsense,” retorted Tavia. “This is great, I say! I like to go fast. -The faster the better.” - -“You always did,” commented Edna, “but I think----” - -She did not finish the sentence, for the auto gave a sudden jolt, and -came to a quick stop, while Jake, the driver, uttered an exclamation of -annoyance. - -“What is it?” called out Dorothy. “Has anything happened?” - -“Something surely has,” voiced Tavia. “This trip is a hoodoo from the -start.” - -There were a few half-suppressed screams, many alarmed inquiries, and -any numbers of “Ohs!” - -“What is it, Jake?” asked Dorothy again. - -“Tire’s gone back on me,” replied the driver with characteristic -brevity. “I was afraid it would play out, and I wanted to stop and put -on a new one, but Mrs. Pangborn told me to hurry, and I did. Now I’ve -got to go slow. Hum! No fun, either, putting on one of these tires.” - -“More haste the less speed,” commented Tavia. “Pile out, girls, and -we’ll walk in the woods while Jake puts a new rubber shoe on this duck -of an auto. It can’t go out without rubbers you know, or it might catch -cold in its gasolene tank!” - -“What talk!” cried Molly Richards, with pretended horror to Dorothy. - -“Yes, I’m afraid she’ll never get over it,” agreed our heroine. “Still, -it’s like most of what Tavia does--harmless, for she really has a kind -heart.” - -“Which is more than a coronet or even a violin,” commented Molly with a -laugh. “But she is getting out.” - -“Come on!” cried Tavia again. “No use sitting still and waiting for -Jake. Besides, we’ll make the machine lighter if we get out; won’t we -Jake?” - -“Oh, well, I’ve got to jack the wheel up anyhow,” spoke the driver, -“and one or more young ladies like you, Miss Travers, won’t make much -difference. Stay in if you like.” - -“Thank you! Glad to know I’m light!” cried the irrepressible Tavia. -“Hope it wasn’t my head you referred to.” - -“No--er--not exactly--that is--Oh, well, get out if you like, miss,” -said the puzzled Jake, who did not exactly understand Tavia’s -chattering. - -“I’m going to,” she retorted, “come on, girls.” - -“In those dark woods, with horrid, creepy, crawling things!” cried -Edna. “Never. I can almost see a snake now! Oh!” - -“Silly!” snapped Tavia, as she made her way out of the car. She stood -watching Jake make his preparations for replacing the damaged tire, and -even offered to help him work the lifting jack. - -“I wonder why she likes to do that?” asked Nita of Dorothy. - -“I don’t know, I’m sure,” was the answer, while Tavia actually did work -the handle of the implement that raised the auto wheel clear from the -ground. - -“I guess it’s because ‘Jake’ is a boy’s name, and Tavia is so fond of -the boys--in a nice way, of course,” Nita made haste to add. “You know -what I mean, Doro.” - -“Yes, of course,” laughed Dorothy. “You needn’t have explained. Tavia -is such a--problem.” - -“I fancy we all are--in different ways,” came the remark. “I know my -people say I am. But Tavia!” - -“There is only one!” laughed Dorothy softly. - -“And a good thing there are no more,” spoke Nita, as she looked closely -at her chum, wondering, as others had done that day, what was troubling -Dorothy. - -For that something was troubling our heroine was evident. It plainly -showed on her face, though she tried to hide it and be her usually -jolly self--jolly, however, in a way different from Tavia. - -“Want me to hold the jack?” came from Tavia, in business-like tones, as -she watched Jake deftly go about the work. - -“No, thank you, miss. It’s a self-regulating one,” he replied. “It’ll -hold itself. But you might hold one of the oil lanterns so I can see to -unscrew these lugs.” - -“I knew there was something queer about this auto,” came from Tavia -with a laugh. “It’s been putting on ‘lugs,’ as the boys say. It got too -gay, and had a puncture. Isn’t that it, Jake?” - -“Yes, miss, I guess so, but if you wouldn’t mind, please, holding that -light a little more over this way, I could see better.” - -“That’s the time Tavia got a ‘call-down,’ to use some of her own -slang,” commented Molly. “But, Doro, what are ‘lugs,’ pray tell?” - -“I guess Tavia used it meaning ‘airs,’ or something like that,” was the -reply. “Will you be much longer, Jake?” - -“No, I’ll soon have it on,” the man said, and he was as good as his -word. Then Tavia scrambled up to her seat, after insisting on helping -Jake to put away his tools, and the car started off again, amid -heart-felt murmurs of thanks from the rather tired young ladies. - -The machine was gliding over the hills through the moonlight, and soon -the towers of Glenwood would be seen. The “Light House,” the girls -always called the big light in the tower that gleamed until the village -bell struck midnight. - -Cologne was in the rear seat with Dorothy. Molly Richards made the -trio, while next came Nita, Lena, and a little frightened girl, all the -way from Georgia. It was her first term, and all the escapades did not -help to make her impression of school life in the North any the less -mystifying. - -“What’s up now?” asked Molly, as the big machine came to another sudden -stop. - -“Jake sees something,” replied Dorothy. “He has the queerest habit of -seeing things that no one else can see.” - -“Yes, there he is getting out. A chicken likely,” put in Nita. - -For a few moments the girls waited rather anxiously. Then the chauffeur -came back to the car. - -“What is it?” called a chorus. - -“Can’t just say yet,” answered Jacob, “but I think it’s one of them -velvet poodles that someone has dropped out of a car.” - -“Oh, do let me have it,” begged Jean, who, being with Jake naturally -felt the best right to his find. - -“I’ve got to look him over, and see as he isn’t hurt,” replied the -driver. “A little fluff of a thing like this doesn’t lie in the road, -when he’s got the use of his legs.” - -“Let us see him, Jake,” implored Tavia. “You know I always take good -care of the Glen dogs--when there are any.” - -“So you do--so you do. Well, here it is, as I must be getting on. But -be careful he doesn’t snap. Can’t tell about toy dogs. They’re not -hounds, you know,” and he handed first to Dorothy and she in turn -handed back to Tavia, the little, silken animal that Jake had picked up -on the lonely road. - -Jean was piqued. She intended to conquer even Jake, and she really did -like a white toy dog. First she had been obliged to go to Glenwood in -the motor, when she had been all settled for the night, and wanted to -wait for the morning train. Next, she sat outside with the driver and -he refused her simplest request. - -“It’s all because of that Dale girl,” she muttered to herself, while -she smiled at Jake. “Won’t you let me drive the car a little way, -please?” she asked. “I am used to motors, and I love to drive on these -hard clean roads.” - -Jake looked at her keenly. “I’ve no doubt but you can drive,” he -replied, “but you see I’m responsible to Mrs. Pangborn, and it would be -a queer story for me to tell, if anything happened, that I had let a -school-girl run the big car at this hour of the night.” - -Of course the front windows being down, and Jake speaking with -unmistakable distinctness, everyone in the car heard the reply to Jean. - -Tavia was too busy with the poor little white dog to notice. She had -made a bed for him, and indeed the little thing unmistakably needed -rest. He sighed and panted, then he licked the girl’s hands. - -“Poor, little thing,” said Edna, “do you suppose some chauffeur dropped -him, and never missed him?” - -“They go so fast, over country roads at night that there is no telling -what happens,” replied Tavia. “But he’s mine, or Doro’s. She has a dog -so much like him at home that he may help to cheer her.” - -“But won’t Jake want him?” whispered Edna. - -“Jake would eat out of Doro’s hands,” answered Tavia in low tones. -“Don’t you remember, last Winter, how she saved his children from that -fire in the auto house? How she went up the ladder----” - -“Oh, of course, but we all helped,” objected Edna. - -“We helped when Dorothy showed us how. Now look here Edna. I don’t want -you to think that I believe Dorothy Dale to be perfect, but the fact -is--I have my first flaw to discover.” - -“Hurrah! Hurray! Horroo!” Edna said quietly. “Tavia, you have, after -all, something tangible. It’s love!” - -“If you wake my dog it will not be love for you,” threatened the other. - -“Say, look at Jean! I think she’s asleep on Jake’s shoulder. Won’t that -be a leader for our--hazing!” - -“There’s the lights!” called a quartette, for indeed the tower light of -Glenwood shone brightly at the next turn. - -Suddenly all the balcony lights were flashed on! - -Then such cheers! Jake clung to the wheel as if the car might shy at -the noise. - - “Glenwood! Glenwood! Rah! Rah! Rah! - Back again, back again, Margery Daw! - Left the boys behind us! Hah! Hah! Hah!” - -It was a school cry. - -“Careful, careful!” cautioned Jake. But Mrs. Pangborn was there to -welcome one and all. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -CHOCOLATES AND SANDWICHES - - -It was past nine o’clock when the Glenwood girls reached the hall, -and was, therefore, too late to go in for any of the pranks usually -indulged in on the first night. To be sure there was some fun. Cologne -managed to lay hold of some small boxes, that looked surprisingly like -confections. They were placed on a table, waiting to be claimed, and it -seemed no harm for her to claim them. Dorothy refused to take part in -the “raid,” but Tavia and Edna did not have to be coaxed. - -“They’re Jean’s, I’ll wager,” whispered Tavia, “but the wrapper is off, -and we can easily prove an _alibi_. Let’s see where they’re from, any -way.” - -“Oh, there’s a note,” declared Cologne. “I’m going to put them back. -I’ll have nothing to do with robbing the mails.” - -A piece of paper fell from between two of the boxes, as Tavia cut a -pink cord that held them together. - -“All the more fun,” said Tavia hiding the ill-gotten goods in the fold -of her blouse as a teacher passed, and said good-night. - -“Better get it hid in some place,” suggested Edna. “If Dick comes along -she’ll smell the stuff.” - -“Put it back! Put it back,” begged Cologne. “Somehow I feel we had -better not try to have fun on Jean’s account. She might make trouble -for us.” - -“Who cares about her trouble,” snapped Tavia. “Besides, we don’t know -to whom the stuff belongs. There, I’ll put the note on the table, I -guess that’ll be sweet enough for her.” - -Scarcely had this speech been finished when a gliding figure, in a -gorgeous red kimono, turned into the corridor where the three girls -stood. It was Jean Faval. She came directly up to the table, smiled -pleasantly, said something about being tired, picked up the note and -turned away, with a most surprisingly pleasant and affable good night. - -The girls were speechless! - -“What do you think of that?” exclaimed Edna, as soon as she could -command her tongue. - -Tavia carefully took the boxes out of her blouse, and very gingerly set -them down again on the table. - -“There,” she said, “Miss Jean Faval there’s your candy! I believe it’s -poisoned!” - -“Why Tavia----” - -“Yes, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if she had fixed up those boxes -herself, with the idea that we, or my little dog might bite. But we -won’t. Let them stay there,” and the three sauntered off to room -nineteen--the one occupied by Dorothy and Tavia. - -They found Dorothy ready for bed, but Tavia insisted on telling the -story of the “poisoned candy.” - -“What utter nonsense!” declared Dorothy. “Perhaps it did not belong to -Jean Faval at all.” - -“But the note,” insisted Cologne. “That seemed to belong to her, and it -was in the boxes.” - -“At any rate,” spoke Dorothy, “I want to go to bed, and I’ll be glad to -excuse the invaders. Tavia, if you so much as drop a handkerchief, I -shall report you, for I am not only tired, but have a headache.” - -Edna and Cologne got up from the rug they had been sitting on. Cologne -had allowed her heavy brown hair to fall to her waist, and Edna had -likewise made that same preparation for retiring. - -Tavia stifled a yawn. “I’m not a bit sleepy,” she declared. “And I -think, after all, I’ll just take a chance at those chocolates. I’m -starved for sweets.” - -“Oh, Tavia! Don’t!” implored Edna. “I think we got off well enough to -leave well enough alone.” - -But Tavia was already poking her head out of the door. - -“There she goes,” she whispered, “I just caught a flash of that -fire-alarm kimono. Now wait till we hear her shut her door, and then -for the sweets.” - -Cologne made a move to grasp Tavia’s skirt but failed. Dorothy sat up -and shook her head helplessly. “I may as well give up sleep until that -girl knows all about those plagued chocolates,” she said with a sigh. -“I can’t see why she is so interested.” - -Tavia was back almost instantly. - -“They’re gone!” she gasped. “They’re haunted I think--unless the Jean -changed her mind and is now howling in throes of suicide. There I heard -a howl. You two better not be caught in the corridors, or you may be -implicated,” and with this, she, in her careless way, almost brushed -the two girls out and locked the door. - -But over in her own corner, under her own lamp, Tavia read a name on a -slip of paper. Then she put it in her letter box, and turned out the -lights. - -Two more days and school would formally open. That which followed the -arrival of some belated girls from the West dawned as perfect as a -September day could blaze, and Dorothy was at her window, looking over -the hills before Tavia had so much as given a first yawning signal of -waking. - -A soft, misty atmosphere made the world wonderful under the iridescent -blades of light that fell from the sunrise. - -“It seems a shame to stay indoors,” reflected Dorothy, “and it will be -two hours before breakfast. I’ll just slip into a gingham, and take a -walk over to the barns. Jacob will be out with the horses and dogs.” - -Few of the girls were awake as she passed lightly through the halls. -Maids were already busy with sweepers and brushes. - -Dorothy knew many of the help, and bade them a pleasant good morning. -From the broad veranda she stopped to look at the growing day. - -“I think I won’t go to the stables,” she decided. “I’ll go out and get -a bunch of late flowers. Mrs. Pangborn is so fond of them.” - -Down the roadway she ran. The whistle of an engine attracted her -attention. - -“Why,” she mused, “there is the new station, and a train stopping! What -an innovation for Glenwood! I must go over and see what the station -looks like.” - -A narrow path led through the elders and birches. Bluejays were -out-doing one another with their screeching, while birds that could -sing kept a scornful silence. Everything was so heavy with nature. -Dorothy almost forgot that it was to-day she had promised to tell Tavia -of her troubles! - -Passing through the lane brought her out into an open roadway, newly -made. A pretty little stone station, the rural and artistic kind, -filled in the space beyond, and a high terrace, unfinished, showed that -Glenwood station was to be carefully kept. - -The train that Dorothy had heard whistling was just coming in. The -new station was not yet opened, but a short distance from it was an -improvised lunch room, a sort of shack made of unpainted boards, -and thin awnings. The train stopped, and the conductor hurried to -the little lunch room. Dorothy saw that a girl, alone, stood behind -the queer, long, board table, and that beside her was a telegraph -instrument. Seeing Dorothy she called to her. - -“Could you come here for a few minutes?” she asked. “I have an -important train message and no one to leave the shop to.” - -“Of course,” replied Dorothy, not comprehending just what was wanted, -but hurrying across the tracks to the shanty. - -“You see,” began the girl, “father is sick, but we have to keep our -contract with the road, or lose the privilege in the new station. -We have to have a lunch room, and a newspaper stand and also attend -to messages. This I just received. I will have to deliver it on my -bicycle. I am so glad you came along. No one is apt to be out so early. -If any one wants coffee could you serve it?” - -Dorothy was taken by surprise. To be left in charge of a country -railroad lunch counter! - -“I’ll do the best I can,” she answered, noticing that the black-haired -girl had a deep line across her brow. “But I’m afraid----” - -“Oh, don’t be afraid of anything,” interrupted the girl, who was -already mounting her wheel, and handing a bunch of keys to Dorothy. -“There’s another train due soon, but I’ll try to be back. In the shed, -at the rear, is our dog. He will know you all right when he sees you -behind the counter, but he won’t let any one else in. Good-bye for a -few minutes, and I can’t tell you how glad I am you came along. I just -feel that you have saved the depot for us,” and with one strong stroke -her wheel glided down the hill, and a bit of yellow paper, the train -message, showed in the small pocket of her red jacket. The first train -had already pulled out. - -Then Dorothy was alone in the lunch house at 6:15 A. M. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -RUNNING A LUNCH COUNTER - - -For some minutes the absurdity of the situation scarcely dawned upon -Dorothy. But the screeching of an approaching train promptly reminded -her of her newly-acquired duties. - -“Suppose the passengers should want papers,” she thought. “I had better -look at the bundles.” - -An old man thrust his face in under the wooden flap that was up in the -day time, and put down at night. - -“A good cup of coffee, and quick there!” he demanded. “I have got to -get away ahead of that train.” - -Dorothy turned to the big coffee urn, and for the first time noticed -that there was a fire under it. - -The next thing Dorothy did was to look at the man who had given her -the first order at the improvised restaurant. He was smiling at her--a -frank, pleasant smile, that had in it not the least suggestion of -familiarity. - -“Well?” he asked questioningly. “Did I startle you?” - -“Not exactly,” was her answer. “That is--well, I’m not really used to -this sort of work, and----” - -“You don’t know how to run that machine--isn’t that it?” he asked, -nodding brightly. “Confess now, that you don’t know how to get coffee -out of it.” - -“That’s it,” said Dorothy with an air of relief that he had divined her -trouble. “There are so many attachments to it that I really don’t know -which one to turn to get the coffee out.” - -“In the first place,” spoke the man, “is there coffee in it?” - -“I think so.” - -“I mean coffee with water on it--coffee to drink?” - -“Yes, the young lady who runs it, and who had to get off in a hurry to -deliver a message, said so.” - -“Good! That’s one point solved. Now then, there is no question but what -the coffee is hot. I can see the alcohol flame under it. The next thing -is how to get it out.” - -“I believe so,” agreed Dorothy with a smile. “Suppose I turn this -faucet.” - -“No, don’t!” cried the man suddenly. “It may not be the right one, and -you might scald yourself. Let me come in and maybe I can find the right -thing to twist.” - -“No! Don’t!” exclaimed Dorothy. - -“Why not? ’Fraid I might get burned? I don’t mind.” - -“No, it isn’t that,” and she was conscious of a movement under the -counter. - -“Well, then, is it because you think I don’t know how to run that -machine? I confess that I haven’t a working knowledge of it. A planing -mill is more in my line. Now if you were to ask me to get you out so -many feet of inch pine, tongue and groove, or something like that, I -could do it in no time, but I will admit that getting coffee out of a -contraption like that is a little beyond me. An old fashioned pot is -simpler. Still, if I came behind, I might help you.” - -He made a motion as if he were coming in. - -“Don’t!” cried Dorothy again, and the dog growled. - -“Oh, I see,” said the man. “He doesn’t like strangers. Well, maybe -I can help you from outside here. I’ve no desire to be made into -mincemeat so early in the morning.” - -“What shall I do?” asked Dorothy, rather helplessly. - -“About the dog?” - -“No, about this coffee urn. What shall I turn first?” - -“Try that faucet there,” suggested the man, pointing to the largest -one, of a number that adorned the shining bit of machinery. - -Dorothy did so, forgetting to hold a cup under it. A stream of cold -water spurted out. - -“Wrong guess!” exclaimed the man. “I might have known, too. There’s a -glass gage there, and I can see water in it now. I should have looked -at that first. You might have been wet.” - -“I’m not salt,” returned Dorothy, laughingly. - -“More like sugar, I should say,” spoke the man. “Tut! Tut!” he -exclaimed, as he saw a frown pass over Dorothy’s face. “No harm -intended. Besides, I’m nearly old enough to be your father. Now about -the coffee. I really need some and I haven’t much time to spare.” - -“Suppose I try this faucet?” suggested Dorothy, and she put her hand on -a second shining handle. - -“Do,” begged the hungry man. - -With a menacing hiss some hot water spurted out. - -“Look out!” the hungry one called. “You’ll be burned!” - -Dorothy got back out of the way just in time. - -“There’s the right one!” the first customer exclaimed, as he pointed -to the lowest faucet of all. “If I had kept my wits about me I’d have -seen. The coffee shows in the gage glass. Besides, it’s the lowest one -down, and, naturally, the coffee goes to the bottom of the urn. Try -that one.” - -Dorothy did, but there was no welcoming stream of the juice of the -aromatic berry. She was beginning to get nervous. - -“The other way,” directed the man. “It’s one of those patent faucets, I -guess. Turn it the other way.” - -She did so, and a brown stream, hot and fragrant, trickled out. It -splashed on the board counter. - -“I guess you’d better take a cup,” said the man with a smile. “We’ve -found the right place this time, and there’s no use wasting the coffee. -Sorry I’ve been such a bother, but I really would use a cup.” Dorothy -laughed frankly. Her nervousness was passing away. - -On a side shelf of the queer little restaurant she saw that the -iron-china cups were piled up. She reached for one, filled it with the -smoking coffee, and handed it to the man outside the flap. - -“Sandwich!” he demanded. “This coffee makes a fellow want to eat, -instead of quenching his appetite.” - -Dorothy looked around and smelled ham. The bread was in a box, and -almost fell at her feet as she searched for it. - -“Plenty of mustard,” demanded the customer, and this time the strange -waitress began to think she would fail to fill the order. - -“I can’t seem to find the mustard,” she said lamely. - -“You’re a stranger here then? I thought the other one had a different -head on her,” replied the man, who was now helping himself to the loaf -of bread that Dorothy had laid down preparing to cut it. “Well, I think -I can find that mustard,” and he turned to the little side door. As he -did so the big black dog growled again and barred his way inside the -shanty. - -“He’s tied,” said Dorothy, “but I think it will be best for me to look -on the shelf there, where the canned goods are. Yes, it’s here,” and -she brought down a big yellow bottle of sandwich-flavoring stuff. - -“Here, I’ll cut the ham. I’ve got to get away. I’m late now,” and he -proceeded to “cut the ham” after the manner in which he had attacked -the bread. Dorothy was afraid she had made a great mistake. There would -be nothing left for the train people if he kept on. - -Finally he managed to get another cup of coffee, he poured the -condensed milk into it thick and fast, then he asked; - -“How much?” - -“I really don’t know,” Dorothy replied, “but if you have been in the -habit of eating here just whatever you always pay will do.” - -“Guess you had better charge it then,” he said, and before she had -time to reply he was off down the track, wiping his mouth with his red -handkerchief as he went. - -“This is not just my sort of position,” mused Dorothy, cleaning up the -refuse left on the counter. “I hope I won’t have to pay the damages.” - -The incoming train left her no further time for reflection, for, as it -pulled in and stopped at the station, a crowd of men, evidently night -workers, scrambled for the lunch counter. - -“Coffee and rolls!” - -“Coffee and cheese cake!” - -“Coffee and franks for me!” - -“Coffee! coffee! coffee!” - -Dorothy was actually frightened. These men wanted breakfast, and had -only a few minutes in which to get it. How could she wait on them? - -Long arms were reached inside the open window, and cups and saucers -brought down to wait for the coffee. - -“I’m not the girl who--who--runs this place,” Dorothy said, timidly, -as one very rough-looking man shouted again his order. “I only stepped -in to--watch the place, until the other girl gets back. I do wish she -would come,” and, filling a big pitcher with the coffee from the urn -she placed it before the hungry men. - -“But we can’t eat again until noon,” declared a big fellow, who spoke -with the unmistakable Maine tang, “and this joint is run special for -car men. I’ll have them folks reported,” and he brought his hand down -on the counter so that the heavy cups danced. - -“Oh, please don’t do that!” begged Dorothy, “for the young lady said -her father was ill, and I am sure something important has detained her. -I will do the very best I can.” - -The train blew a warning whistle. Dorothy put everything she could -find on the counter. “I’ll pay for it if I have to,” she was thinking. -“Certainly I must avoid--a panic.” - -A young man, well dressed, was coming along now. Her heart gave a great -bound. What would he want? - -She turned to put more water in the coffee urn. - -“Have you the morning papers?” asked the newcomer. - -His voice made her start. She turned and faced--Mr. Armstrong! - -“I’m afraid I won’t be able to unwrap the papers,” she said, blushing -furiously. “Isn’t this dreadful, Mr. Armstrong?” - -“Surprising, I’m sure,” he replied, smiling. “You have more than your -hands full.” - -Dorothy tried to explain, but her confusion was now more than -excitement--it was akin to collapse. - -“Perhaps I could help you,” suggested her friend of the bridge-bound -train. “I am not in a hurry. Mother is on ahead, and I can wait for the -next accommodation.” - -“Oh, if you only would! I cannot find anything more to eat,” and she -brushed back her hair, in lieu of rolling up her sleeves. - -“You can’t go in there,” growled one of the train men. “There’s a dog -that don’t like dudes.” - -Another toot, and the men rushed off, half emptied cups in hand, -sandwiches in pocket, and the rack of pastry left empty, inside the -counter, where it had fallen as the last pie was grabbed from its wires. - -“The cups,” called Dorothy. “They are taking them away!” - -“Don’t worry about that,” Mr. Armstrong told her. “Likely they will -toss them out the car windows. They’re that sort that never breaks. But -I’m glad they’re gone. You look quite done out.” - -“And just think! I have been away from the hall for the past hour. They -will think I’m drowned, or lost or----” - -“Eloped,” finished the young man. “Well, I’m sure you did this to help -someone, and if your success as a lunch counter manager is doubtful, -no one could criticise your courage. Now, you had better shut this -place up, before another avalanche swoops down, and, if you don’t mind, -I’ll walk along with you. I can get the seven-ten easily, and have the -pleasure of an early walk. To be honest, travelling on that train was -not altogether pleasant.” - -“I certainly must get back,” Dorothy replied. “But how am I to lock -this place up? I do wish that girl would come back.” - -She looked anxiously over the hills. There was a wheel coming. Yes, and -that was the girl, with the blue suit. - -“Oh, there she comes!” went on Dorothy. “Whatever will she think of -this wreck and ruin?” - -“From remarks I heard among the trainmen she may be glad they got -coffee,” said Mr. Armstrong. - -The bicycle had stopped now. The girl jumped off, and hurried to -Dorothy. - -“Oh,” she sighed, “I am so sorry I kept you so long, but father is so -ill!” and they noticed that, in spite of the exertion of riding, she -was very pale. - -“I’m afraid I didn’t do very well,” ventured Dorothy. - -“That train was the track foreman’s. It was all right; no matter what -you did as long as you kept the window open,” said the girl gratefully. -“But I am afraid I have gotten you into trouble. Do you go to Glenwood?” - -“Yes,” replied Dorothy. - -“I thought so. Well, the young ladies are looking for you. I heard one -say----” - -She stopped suddenly, looking at Mr. Armstrong. - -“What?” asked Dorothy, but no direct answer was given, for school girls -were seen coming over the hill, and it was Jean Faval who was first to -hail the finding of Dorothy, and she, also, who first reported that she -was in the company of a young man! - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -DOROTHY’S WORRIES - - -It did look strange. Dorothy had gone out before any of her companions -were about, and now, after being away two hours she was found returning -in the company of a young man. - -It might have been different if Tavia, and the girls who had met Mr. -Armstrong on the train, had chosen to go toward the depot instead of -seeking Dorothy in the opposite direction; but when Jean Faval met -her, there were with Jean three of the new girls, and of course, they -neither knew Dorothy nor her companion. - -Small things grow quickly when they have plenty of room, and Dorothy’s -escapade, being the one thing worth talking of at Glenwood, soon -amounted to a sensational story, fanned by the gossips and nurtured by -her rival in the school. - -What girl has gone through school without some such similar experience? -And does it not always occur at the most unexpected times? - -Are there always, and everywhere, “school rivals?” - -Mr. Armstrong said good-bye to Dorothy at the tanbark path that led -to Glenwood Hall. Excited over her strange experience, Dorothy had no -thought of what others might wonder! Where had she been? Why did she -leave the grounds so early? What was Dorothy worrying about? - -“See here, Doro,” Tavia confronted her, as together they prepared -for breakfast--late at that. “What ails you? You promised to tell me -to-day.” - -“What ailed me, Tavia, does not exactly ail me now. I have just learned -how some girls have to make a living.” - -Saying this Dorothy sank back, rather unlike herself, for the morning -had been warm, and her duties anything but refreshing. - -“Dorothy, tell me, what is it?” demanded Tavia. - -“You look at me as if I were a criminal,” replied the blonde Dalton -girl. “I can never be coerced,” she finished. - -“Dorothy, you are so unlike yourself. And you have no idea how much -trouble that Jean Faval can make,” insisted Tavia, with more spirit -than she usually showed. - -Dorothy stopped in her hair-fixing. “Tavia,” she said, emphatically, -“I have friends enough here,” and she glanced at the school-girl -picture-lined wall, “and I am not afraid of Jean Faval.” - -Dorothy was always pretty, sometimes splendid, and again tragic--Tavia -decided she was one in all at that moment. - -“Good!” declared her champion. “Don’t worry, Dorothy, but if you could -just tell me----” - -Dorothy stopped and looked into the glass without seeing anything. - -She was worried, but since she had tried to run a lunch room, and had -discovered how hard some girls, as young as herself, had to work, the -thought that some day she too, might have to do something to earn -money, did not seem so appalling. Should she tell Tavia? - -“I am waiting, Doro,” Tavia said. “Now confess.” - -“It’s really nothing so very serious, dear,” she replied, “but you -know father is getting old and--he has put all his money into the -Marsall Investment Company, of New York. Just before I left home father -heard--that the money may be--lost!” - -“All your money?” - -“Yes, isn’t that dreadful? Of course, if it is lost we could never live -with Aunt Winnie. We would be too proud, although she and the boys have -always been so lovely to us. Yet to have no home makes it different.” - -“But, Dorothy, I can’t believe that will happen. Your father has always -been so wise,” and Tavia smoothed the ribbon on Dorothy’s light hair. -“If it should happen----” - -“If it should, I would certainly go to work,” Dorothy declared, -firmly. “I should never let Joe leave school, and stay on here myself. -Besides, Joe could not do very much,” she sighed. “I am so afraid for -father--afraid the crash would----” - -“Now, Doro, it is not like you to plan trouble,” Tavia interrupted, “so -let us forget it. I am afraid you will have some queer eyes made at you -when you go down to breakfast,” Tavia finished. - -“It certainly was rather an unfortunate start for the first morning,” -Dorothy agreed. “But, Tavia, I wish you could have seen me. If Mr. -Armstrong had not just come along then, I would have run away, and left -the whole place to those greedy men. I could not have stood it five -minutes longer.” - -“It must have been funny. I’ll have to take my lunch down there some -early morning. Maybe another nice Mr. Armstrong might come along. But -say, Doro, did you hear about the hall table candy?” - -“No; what happened to it?” - -“It seems that Jean got it mixed up in her satchel with some hair -tonic that leaked from a bottle. She says she left it on the table, -because there was no scrap basket there--in the hall, and she didn’t -know where to put it. When I took the hair tonic-soaked candy away Jean -declares she thought one of the maids had thrown it out, as you could -easily smell the hair tonic. I didn’t smell it, neither did Ned, but -there was quite a time about it, as Jean got worried when she thought -it over. That was why she came out the second time. But then they were -gone--perhaps some of the girls took them. You never heard so much talk -over a little spill of hair tonic.” - -“Did Jean ask Mrs. Pangborn about it?” - -“Of course, and Mrs. Pangborn was more frightened than Jean, for she -said the stuff might have a poison in it. Now everyone is waiting to -see who will drop dead,” and Tavia laughed as if such an occurrence -would be very funny. - -“Let’s hurry. We will get the second table now, and it’s such a -beautiful day to be out,” Dorothy said. “I feel better, really, for -having told you about my worries. Perhaps I will get a letter with good -news.” - -“I hope so. But let me tell you something. If we really need money I’ll -advertise the little dog. Jake says he’s a thoroughbred.” - -“He may be some child’s pet, and you ought to advertise him, anyhow,” -Dorothy said. “There are Cologne and Edna. They have finished.” - -They stopped at the door of the breakfast room. - -“Oh you little runaway!” exclaimed Cologne to Dorothy. “We thought you -were on your honeymoon by this time.” - -“That was a neat trick,” Edna added jokingly, “to go out before -daylight, and come back with such a yarn! You ought to hear what the -girls are saying about you!” - -“Let’s eat, at any rate,” Tavia suggested. “I’m starved!” - -“Didn’t happen to see anyone taken sick yet; did you?” asked Edna. “I -hope the medicine fell into the other camp. You know Jean is already -organizing.” - -As Tavia and Dorothy entered the room Jean Faval and several girls -passed out. Some of them said good morning, and some of them did not. -But Jean was heard to remark something about “cooks and classes.” - -“She means the lunch wagon,” Dorothy whispered to Tavia. - -“She’s mean enough to mean anything,” replied Tavia. “I can’t see why -she has such a grudge against you, Doro.” - -“Never mind. We can get our club together and then our rivals may club -by themselves,” said Dorothy. - -As they finished breakfast, a waitress handed Dorothy a note. - -“Mrs. Pangborn wants to see me,” said Dorothy, rising. - -Then Tavia’s hope, that the morning’s gossip had escaped the ears of -the school principal, vanished. - -“Don’t mind if she asks queer questions,” Tavia remarked, as Dorothy -left. “You know those new girls have to be kept busy.” - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -THE INTERVIEW - - -Mrs. Pangborn was sitting in her pretty little office when Dorothy -entered. On her desk were some late, purple daisies, or iron-weed, and -their purple seemed to make the white-haired lady look regal, Dorothy -thought. - -After exchanging greetings the principal began with her rather painful -discourse. - -“I have sent for you, Dorothy,” she said, “on account of some rather -surprising stories that have come to my ears. I can scarcely credit -them. At the same time I must make sure that these rumors are -groundless. Did you--take charge of that lunch counter at the new -depot, this morning?” - -“Why, yes; I did,” replied Dorothy, coloring to the eyes, “but I only -did so to help the young girl who has charge of it. She had to leave, -and called to me to go over there for a few minutes.” - -“It seems incredible that a Glenwood young lady should do such a -thing,” Mrs. Pangborn said. “But I have no doubt your motive was -innocent enough. Then about the young gentleman with whom you were seen -walking?” - -Dorothy felt like crying. Who could have tattled these stories? And -what a construction to put on her actions! - -“He merely walked this way because----” - -She hesitated. What was his reason? And how would it sound? - -“Was he a personal acquaintance?” asked the inquisitor. - -Again Dorothy hesitated. “I know his mother,” she said finally, “and he -has been very kind. It was he who sent you the message from the train -when we could not get here.” - -“Oh, the young man who ’phoned from the station for our car? He -certainly was kind, and I can’t see----” - -It was then Mrs. Pangborn’s time to hesitate. She had no idea of -letting Dorothy know that some one had notified her that Dorothy Dale -was out walking with a young man whom she had met on the train--a -perfect stranger! - -“It is a pity,” the principal went on, “that these first days must -be marred with such tattle, but you can readily understand that I am -responsible, not only for the reputation of my pupils, but also for my -school. I must warn you against doing rash things. One’s motives will -not always excuse public criticism.” - -Dorothy was too choked to make an answer. She turned to the door. - -“One word more,” spoke Mrs. Pangborn, “you know we have a number of new -girls this term, and I would ask you and your friends, as you are so -well acquainted with Glenwood, to do all you can to make them happy and -contented. I don’t like seeing the strangers gathered in little knots -alone. It is not friendly, to say the least.” - -“But, Mrs. Pangborn, those girls seem to want to keep by themselves. -They have refused every effort we have made to be friendly,” Dorothy -answered. - -“They may be shy. That little one from the South is the daughter of a -friend of mine. Her name is Zada Hillis, and I am most anxious that she -shall not get homesick,” insisted Mrs. Pangborn. - -“I will do all I can to make her contented,” Dorothy replied, “but she -seems on such friendly terms with some of the other girls--in fact -Jean Faval has taken her up quite exclusively, and Jean refuses to be -friends with me.” - -Dorothy was glad she had said that much, for, somehow, she traced her -unpleasant interview to the sly work of Jean and her chums. - -Mrs. Pangborn turned to her books, indicating that was all she wished -to say, and Dorothy left the room. - -Tavia was outside waiting for her. - -“All right, sis?” she asked, noting that Dorothy was trembling with -suppressed emotion. - -Dorothy merely pressed Tavia’s arm. She could not just then trust -herself to speak. - -“Come on,” Tavia said. “We’ll go back to our room. Perhaps I can make -you feel better by telling how that thing happened.” - -The other girls all seemed to be out of doors--the morning was too -delightful to spend time unpacking and hanging up clothes. - -Once in her room Dorothy buried her face in the couch cushions. The -previous excitement had been enough--this new phase of the trouble was -too much. - -“Now see here,” began Tavia, “don’t you mind one thing which that crowd -says or does. Jean Faval, of course, is at the bottom of the whole -thing, and she has organized a club they call the ‘T’s.’ It’s secret, -of course, and no one knows what the ‘T’ is for, except the members. -She met you this morning with Mr. Armstrong, and that was just pie for -her. They’re out under the buttonball tree now, planning and plotting. -I’ll wager they are after my scalp,” and she shook her head of bronze -hair significantly. “Failing with the hair tonic, they want the whole -head.” - -“But to be accused of--why, Tavia! I cannot see how the little incident -could be made into such a story,” sobbed Dorothy. - -“Little incident! You running a lunch cart! Why it’s the very biggest -thing that ever happened in Glen. I am going to apply for the position -permanently.” - -Tavia went over to her dresser, and “slicked” things up some. She -missed something, but did not at once speak of it, thinking it had been -mislaid. - -“I feel as if my reputation had been run over with a big six cylinder -car,” Dorothy said, trying to cheer up. “It hurts all over.” - -“Say,” Tavia broke out, “did you take your picture from here? Now own -up. Did you give it to David Armstrong?” - -“Tavia, don’t be a goose,” Dorothy said. “What would I want with my own -picture, after I had given it to you?” - -“Well, it’s gone, and I could have sworn I put it right here,” -indicating a spot on the dresser. “If I don’t find it----” - -Tavia made a more frantic search among the things on the dresser. She -opened and shut drawers rapidly. Dorothy watched her chum curiously. - -Suddenly, as Tavia paused, rather disheveled and warm, there sounded a -footstep out in the corridor. It seemed to pause at the door. - -“Listen!” whispered Dorothy. - -Tavia tiptoed to the portal. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -AN UPSET CANOE - - -After a moment of silence--a tense moment--the footsteps passed on -again. The two chums looked at each other. - -“Who could it have been?” whispered Dorothy. - -“Give it up,” replied Tavia, recklessly. “None of our friends, or they -would have come in.” - -Softly she opened the door and peered out. - -“Whoever it was, they’re out of sight, and I don’t mean that for slang, -either,” she announced. “But say, Doro, dear, I don’t see why I can’t -find that picture. It’s disappeared most mysteriously. I don’t like it.” - -“But you will find it. Perhaps it blew out of the window,” Dorothy -suggested. - -“Maybe,” Tavia replied, “but I have lost something else.” - -“What?” - -“A slip of paper I took out of the candy box. It had an address on it, -and I wanted it.” - -“But it was not yours, if you took it from Jean’s box.” - -“That’s the very reason I wanted it. Well, never mind. Wash up and -we’ll go out in the woods. Maybe we’ll dig up some more lunch carts.” - -“I don’t believe I care to,” Dorothy answered. “I want to wait for the -mail. Besides, my eyes would betray me,” and she glanced in the mirror -to confirm her suspicion. - -“All right. I’ll go out, hunt up the news, and fetch it back to you. In -the meantime you might be hunting up your photo for me. I feel lonely -without it,” and Tavia, without making any other preparation than -picking up a parasol, was gone. - -Dorothy did not sit down and cry, although she felt gloomy indeed, but, -as her trunk had arrived, she buried her “blues” in the work of getting -things in order. - -Tavia met her “cronies” in the cedar clump. They were planning for the -“rumpus,” and as the two factions were rivals, each would, of course, -try to “perpetrate” the greatest surprise. - -Cologne and Ned asked about Dorothy, but Tavia managed to reply without -really answering. - -“The rumpus this year must be classic,” declared Molly Richards. “We -are growing up, and Mrs. Pangborn won’t allow any tom-boying.” - -“Then count me out,” announced Tavia, “for I couldn’t have a smitch of -fun classicing.” - -“You don’t know how much fun it is to try to look in a pool like -Psyche, and have a real frog jump out at you. However, if you have no -suggestions to make there is no use in telling all ours,” and Molly, or -Dick, as they called her, put up her note book. - -“I suggest refreshments,” Tavia volunteered, “but I will have to -calendar my fee. I am, as usual, penniless.” - -“And we are to re-name our club,” said Edna. “What do you think of the -Tarts--meaning tarters, of course.” - -“I’ll just wager that’s what the ‘T’s’ stand for! Fancy us hitting the -same name. Wouldn’t it be a joke,” and, in anticipation, Tavia tossed a -ball of grass in Nita Brant’s ear. - -“I wouldn’t have that,” declared Ned. “They would call us copy cats!” - -“There’s nothing better than the Glens,” Cologne proclaimed. “And, -since we are the seniors, I believe we ought to keep to that.” - -“Let’s vote then,” Nita suggested. “We are sure to be satisfied if we -all have our say.” - -“Being chairman of the executive committee,” said Cologne, “I call for -a vote.” - -“Make it a straw vote,” Tavia said. “I’ll get the straws. Long will be -_for_, and short _against_.” - -When the straws were counted the decision was for Glens; and so that -matter was disposed of. - -It took a full hour to make all the plans, and Dorothy’s ready -originality was greatly missed. It was the first time in her days at -Glenwood that she had not helped plan the “rumpus.” - -Finally the group scattered, most of the girls taking to the pretty -lake for either canoeing or rowing. Ned and Tavia went in the canoe -with the closed ends, or air compartments, while Dick took a party of -the newcomers out in the big, red rowboat, with the golden “G’s” on -either side. - -In the narrows, a part of the stream so called because the trees leaned -over there, Tavia’s canoe passed Jean Faval’s. - -“She ought to learn to paddle,” Tavia remarked. “See how she digs.” - -“But she looks pretty--I guess that’s the main point--with Jean,” -replied Ned. - -“She’s going to turn,” Tavia said. Scarcely were the words uttered than -Jean did turn--right out of her canoe into the waters of Sunshine Lake. - -“Oh, it’s deep there!” called Ned. “Let’s get to her.” - -Tavia paddled quickly, and soon reached the spot where Jean was holding -on to the upturned canoe. - -“Don’t be afraid,” Tavia called to the one in the water. “It can’t -sink.” - -“But I can,” came the frightened reply. “Oh, do help me in!” - -“We couldn’t get the water out of it,” answered Tavia. “It isn’t far to -shore. Can you swim any?” - -“A little!” gasped Jean. - -“Then just get a hold of our canoe and keep exactly in line with us. In -that way we can tow you to shore.” - -Frightened as Jean was, she was still more afraid to be trailed through -the water. But when both girls assured her that there was no other way, -as she could not get her canoe righted, neither could she get in with -them, she finally consented to the plan. - -It took some skill to guide the canoe just right, but Ned balanced the -craft while Tavia paddled straight and directly for shore. - -Indeed, the proud girl was a sorry sight when she was landed, and -scarcely thanking the rescuers, she dashed across the fields for her -room in Glenwood Hall. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -THINGS THAT HAPPENED - - -“Rumpus night” came at last. Little time was taken for the dining room -ceremonies, for everyone had her share to get ready for the initiation -of new members of the school, and for merry-making for those who had -gone through the same ordeals, two or three years before. - -The corridors seemed alive with whispers, the rooms fairly quaked with -secrets, and if there was one girl not on a committee, she must have -been the manager of one. - -The “T’s” were all new members, and Jean Faval was their leader. The -“Glens” depended upon Cologne, or more properly speaking for this -important occasion, she was Miss Rose-Mary Markin. - -Dorothy had overcome her embarrassment and was, as usual, helping -Tavia, who, instead of remaining in during the afternoon, to arrange -her things, had found more pleasure and mischief in training for the -boat race in her canoe. - -At seven o’clock the big gong sounded in the hall, and the lights were -turned on in the recreation room. Everybody got in there, although -just how, it would have been hard to tell, for there seemed to be no -confusion, nor excitement. - -Mrs. Pangborn opened the ceremonies with a greeting to her pupils, and -her kindest wishes for a happy and successful term at Glenwood. - -Then came the school chorus. Somewhere there were mandolins, banjos, -and other stringed instruments, and their chords came sweetly from -various corners and nooks, while the girls sang the tribute to their -school. After that two new teachers were introduced, Miss Cummings and -Miss Denton. - -“Now, young ladies,” said Mrs. Pangborn, “we leave you to your -merry-making, and we trust you will be as discreet and thoughtful to -one another’s feelings as you have always been. Remember, we have some -young strangers with us, and there may be a great difference in their -ideas of fun, and ours.” - -When the applause died out the lights went with it. Only a flickering -gas jet over the “throne” gave the location of the room, so that while -figures moved around, and voices buzzed, the programme could not be -guessed at. - -Five minutes of suspense passed, then the lights were flashed on again. - -The “throne,” a big couch covered with umbrellas and parasols -supporting all sorts of colored divan covers, gave the effect of an -ancient chair of state, or royal seat. - -Cologne reclined there as if she had been wafted from Greece, all the -way through these common centuries. She seemed made to be a queen. Her -costume was as wonderful as it was gorgeous, the most prominent feature -being the beaded portiers from Edna’s room, and they fell so gracefully -over the robe of cheese cloth, donated by Molly Richards. Her crown was -golden, real, good paper-of-gold, and this was studded with as many gem -hatpins as could be purloined, or borrowed. - -It was at once suspected that the very dark “slave,” who waved a -feather duster over the queen’s head was Tavia, because there were no -sleeves in her wrappings, and she wore on her feet a pair of grass -slippers, taken from the wall of a stranger. This costume, indicating -comfort, betrayed Tavia, while, on the other side of the royal seat, -Ned could be discerned, because her brown grease paint, or salve, was -carelessly left off over one eye. - -The chief slave was tall and masterful. In “his” hands he held the -numbers of the “victims,” written on slips of paper, ready to call them -off to the queen. “His” costume was another of those draperies, the -absence of which from windows and doors, left rooms drafty that night, -and “his” helmet was a rubber hat, of the rain order, that went down -under the chin, and covered the ears and which, incidentally, belonged -to the bell boy. - -To describe all the “get-ups” and “make-ups” would bring the affairs -far into the night, whereas the fun should be over by ten sharp, -according to school rules, so we proceed. - -“Enter!” called the slave, and then the vestal virgins trouped in, -doing their best not to trip up in the bed sheets they trailed. - -The waving feather dusters rested. The queen lolled effectively. - -A “classic” speech was made that didn’t mean anything, then “number -one” was called. The first vestal stepped up to the throne. - -“Prostrate thyself!” ordered she, who did not dare to turn, lest the -beaded portiers should scatter. - -The aspirant did as she was commanded, but alas! she was heard to -giggle. - -This was a real offense, and it is a wonder she did not at once turn -into a cyclops, or a goat, for the queen was really displeased. - -“Take thyself to the rocks, and join the maids there who sing forever. -See that thy song shall bring riches to my kingdom or----” - -The queen paused, but was taken up by one of the feather duster girls. -“Make it crabs,” she said. “Crabs are getting scarce, and the other -fishermen wear smelly clothes. Our Lorelei always go for the crabbers, -or lobster men.” - -The absurd comparison brought forth applause. But the stage folks did -not smile. - -The next called was plainly little Zada Hillis, for even the long -trailing sheet could not disguise her. She was nervous, and tripped as -she stepped on the platform. - -“Child of the sea,” spoke the queen, “we shall show you the wonders of -our land-home. Tell me what lights the depths?” - -Zada hesitated. Then she ventured. “The gleam of our mermaids’ -eyes--the light of purity, and the glow cleanliness.” - -This was applauded, for indeed it was not a bad speech for a frightened -novice. - -“Thou shalt sit near my throne,” spoke the queen, “and thou shalt be my -handmaid!” - -This was an honor, and was interpreted to mean that the little stranger -would be taken into the “Glens” with open arms. Some of the others -awaiting their sentence moved uneasily, but one slave (Tavia of course) -asked if the handmaid knew where the spring was, as she would like a -good drink of real water. - -Truly the brown coffee on her face was running down, looking for cups, -and sugar, and the evening was not so cool but that the hangings over -the throne caused air congestion. - -There was no mistaking the next number called. Only Jean Faval walked -that way--with the fashionable stride--and only Jean held her head so -high. - -“Circe,” called the queen, “mix thy cup.” - -The slave fetched a bowl, with a whole bunch of lighted Chinese “punks” -smoldering into incense. - -Jean looked at it disdainfully. Evidently she did not enjoy this form -of initiation, and made no move to comply. Her manner caused surprise, -as the “haze” was most innocent, and in no way stronger than that given -the others. - -“Dost not comply?” called the queen. - -Jean put a whistle to her lips and blew it. Immediately all her club, -some ten or twelve, rushed to the throne, tore down the hangings, and -paraded off with the paraphernalia, singing something about “T’s and -turn-outs, the real Glenwood scouts!” - -For some moments a panic threatened. The senior “Glens,” who by rule -and right, had always conducted this little affair, were indignant to -the point of battle. - -A teacher on guard in the outer hall heard the confusion and entered. -She called to the “mutineers” to stop, but they sang and yelled, as if -it were a victory to break up the night’s entertainment. - -Suddenly one of the raised paper parasols touched an open gas light. It -was carried by a stranger, named Cecilia Reynolds. Seeing it blaze she -frantically tossed it away, and it fell on the prompter’s chair where -Dorothy still sat waiting for the trouble to be over. - -Everyone screamed! Dorothy jumped up, and grasping the blazing thing, -threw it out of an open window. - -In her costume, of prompter, Dorothy affected the pure white robes of -Clio, and in her hand she held the scroll of history. It was this open -paper that caught a spark, and in stamping it out Dorothy knew the risk -to her thin white dress. - -Tavia and Edna, besides the teacher and Cologne, rushed to her, while -the others, filled with terror at the thought of fire, fled from the -room. - -It all happened so quickly--Dorothy’s skirt was torn from her and that, -with the piece of parchment, were soon on the ground below the open -window, where the burning paper umbrella still smoldered. - -“Are you burned, Dorothy?” Tavia asked, anxiously. - -“Oh, no. I don’t think so, but my head--feels queer. I guess I -was--frightened,” Dorothy said, haltingly. - -“You must go to your room at once,” advised the teacher, who happened -to be Miss Cummings. “If you keep very quiet you may not feel the shock -so much. It was most unfortunate,” and she, in leading Dorothy away, -motioned to her companions that they were not to follow. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -TROUBLE UPON TROUBLE - - -Nine days had passed since our friends arrived at Glenwood Hall, and -the first week of school days had been covered. - -Dorothy’s troubles seemed most unusual, even for an active girl, who -is sure to find more worries than her friends from the reason that her -interests, being more widely scattered, cause more dangers and more -gossip. - -For a whole day after the initiation night she had been obliged to stay -in her room, the shock affecting her nerves, and the slight scorching -of her hands requiring bandages. - -Tavia brought her all the news of the investigation, punctuating it -appropriately with “slings” at Jean Faval. Warning had been given by -Mrs. Pangborn that the next mistake would not be so easily condoned, -but Tavia put it that the next time Jean Faval made any trouble for -Dorothy she would be dipped in the lake, and held down for a while to -“cool her off.” Tavia even expressed regret that she had not allowed -the black eyed Jean to stay in the lake, when the chance was so handy -to punish her, and when, out of sheer good will, she and Ned had -dragged her out. - -It was Saturday morning, and Dorothy was going out, with a half dozen -girls, to take a long walk into town to buy such little articles as -were always needed during the first week of school. - -“I have simply got to get some letter paper,” Tavia remarked. “You -know, Doro, I never write to Nat on anything but nice paper.” - -Nat White was one of Dorothy’s two splendid boy cousins, and was a firm -friend of Tavia’s. It was at their home, that of Mrs. White, Dorothy’s -Aunt Winnie, that both girls had passed such delightful vacations, and -spent such jolly holidays. - -“Well, I must write to Ned to-night,” Dorothy said, following Tavia’s -remark. “He has promised to let me know about father’s troubles.” - -The other girls were somewhat in advance of Tavia and Dorothy, so that -their remarks could not be overheard. - -“Haven’t you had any good news yet?” asked Tavia. - -“They say no news is good news, and I have had but one letter since -I came away. That was from Joe, and of course he did not mention the -matter. But I am sure father is very busy, and that is why I have -not heard from him directly. Here is our stationery store,” finished -Dorothy. - -Inside the store some of the girls had already made purchases. Tavia -and Dorothy joined in their conversation, and agreed upon the “long -monogram” letter paper as being the most dainty. - -Zada Hillis wanted to buy some pretty birthday cards to send to her -home in the South, and in the selection Dorothy took pleasure in -getting the cards that showed the Glenwood School, and the pretty lake -at the foot of the highest hill. - -“Mother will be delighted to really see a picture of the hall,” Zada -told Dorothy, “and the verses are descriptive, too.” - -It took Tavia quite a while to get just what she wanted, and before -they had left the store Jean Faval came in with the Glenwood _Gleaner_ -in her hand--the little weekly paper that gave the news of the town, -and a lot of other reading matter that had no particular bearing on any -particular place. - -With Jean were Cecilia Reynolds, Maude Townley and Grace Fowler. They -were all very much engaged in reading something in the _Gleaner_, so -much so that they scarcely noticed the other Glenwood girls at the card -counter. - -“Isn’t that awful!” exclaimed Grace. - -“Serves one right for liking notoriety,” replied Jean. - -“What will ever happen when the faculty see it?” put in Cecilia. - -“Mrs. Pangborn will be furious,” declared Grace. - -Then they saw Dorothy and Tavia. Quickly the paper was thrust into the -pocket of Jean’s jacket, and with a rather doubtful “good morning,” the -different factions passed in and out, as those who had finished buying, -and those who had not yet begun. - -On her way out Tavia got near enough to Cologne to speak to her -privately. - -“Say,” she began, “did you see that paper that Jean had?” - -“Yes,” replied Cologne, in the same important tone. - -“Well, I think there was something in that about--school matters.” - -“Yes, I heard one of the remarks about Mrs. Pangborn.” - -“We must get a paper on our way, but let us be careful not to have -Dorothy see it. It--might--concern her.” - -“Why?” asked Cologne, in surprise. - -“Oh, I don’t exactly know, but I do know that those girls are bitter -rivals of hers, lands knows one could never guess why.” - -“Jealous I guess,” replied Cologne. “But I do hope Dorothy will not -be pestered any more--for a while at least. She has had her share of -trouble lately.” - -“Her share and then some of the others’,” replied Tavia. “I have made -trouble for Dorothy myself, but I never meant to do so. And just now -when----” - -She checked herself. The fact that Dorothy came up made an excuse for -the halt in her conversation. - -“What are you two plotting now?” asked Dorothy pleasantly. - -“A little roller skating bout,” replied Tavia lightly. “Want to join? -It’s just the weather for the boulevard.” - -“It would be pleasant after lunch,” Dorothy agreed. “But about our -walk?” - -“We can turn it into a skate,” insisted Cologne. “I think we get enough -walking, anyhow.” - -“All right,” returned Dorothy, “but, Tavia, please see that your skates -are all right, and that you won’t have to stop every one you meet to -fix a clamp or a strap.” - -They were nearing the paper stand, and Cologne was giving a signal -to Tavia. Tavia shook her head. They would not risk getting a paper -much as they wanted to see it, if there was any chance of it upsetting -Dorothy. Tavia was deciding she could run out again, directly after -lunch, while the skating club was getting ready for their “bout.” - -“We ought to get a paper,” said Dorothy, unexpectedly. “The girls in -the book store seemed to find something very interesting in it.” - -“The Sunday School convention programme,” replied Tavia, with a smile. -“I beg of you, Dorothy, not to get it, for it gives me what they call -qualms of conscience, and any dictionary will tell you that the disease -is sometimes fatal. Please, Doro, for my sake, forego that sheet,” and -twining her arms about Dorothy, she and Cologne had the unsuspecting -one past the stand before she had time to think the attack intentional. - -But things always will turn awry when it’s just girls. Somehow boys -have a way of diverting trouble, but according to the Glens, girls are -sticklers for disturbances. - -Before the trio had entered the Glenwood gate, another bevy of girls -ran along, _Gleaner_ in hand, almost flaunting it under Dorothy’s nose. - -Tavia saw it, and recognized something else. Quick as a flash she -grasped the sheet, tossed it high in the air and it landed in the lake. - -Then it was lunch time. - -All during the meal Dorothy was conscious of some unpleasant attention -for which she could not account. At her table were her friends, Tavia, -Cologne and the others, and, as they tried to divert her, she became -more and more suspicious. - -That weekly paper was also in evidence, although the girls, who were -trying to get a glimpse at it, had to do so covertly. Finally the meal -was ended, and the roller skating match arranged. The rival teams, of -course, picked their best skaters for leaders, and the run was to be -two miles in length. Molly Richards was to “make the pace” for the -Glens, while Cecilia Reynolds qualified for the “T’s.” - -It was a delightful afternoon, just cool enough to make the sport -enjoyable, and the fine stretch of firm macadam road from Glenwood to -Little Valley could not be better had it been city asphalt. - -There were ten girls in each team, while as many others as cared to -skate, and watch the match, were allowed to do so. They all wore the -Glenwood costume, the uniform of garnet and black, and as they started -off they made a pretty sight--something like what one might expect -to see in Holland--with ice, instead of road, and coats instead of -sweaters. - -Zada Hillis was timid, and confessed to being a novice at the sport, -but Tavia guaranteed to protect her, and she finally consented to risk -going. - -Finally, when Mrs. Pangborn had cautioned every one to be careful, and -to be back at the hall at five o’clock, the merry party started off, -three in line. - -But the line was soon broken, for this one and that one would dash -ahead, out-pacing those who were expected to do the best skating. When -Tavia got the lead she made such a fuss over it, that, in raising her -arms triumphantly in the air, she just gave one of her opponents the -chance to pass her. - -Dorothy did not care to try for the finals, and only rolled along in an -easy way, allowing herself a chance to talk with Zada, whom Tavia had -deserted as soon as she saw an opportunity to break the line. - -On the outgoing run there was practically no mishaps, beyond a couple -of “spills” that were quickly picked up, without damage, other than the -loss of some gorgeous red hair ribbons, that were left in the dust. - -Then at the bridge, the entrance to Little Valley, a rest of half an -hour was taken, but there was not much rest involved, for not a girl in -all the party but found something to do with skates and straps. - -Dorothy could not cheer up. That suspicious whispering at lunch time -kept her mind occupied, and although her friends did all they could to -make her take a more active part in the race, she declined. - -“Tavia,” she whispered, when she had an opportunity, “won’t you tell -me what it is all about? You know perfectly well there is something on -that concerns me, and I am being kept in ignorance of it.” - -“Doro, there is always so much going on about you that if I should tell -you it would turn your buttercup head away. You know the strangers, -and also our rivals of other years, lie awake at night plotting our -destruction.” - -“But this particular instance? It is certainly aimed at me,” she -insisted. - -“Then their aim is not true,” said Tavia, “for I haven’t heard as much -as a buzz come your way. There, they are going back. My! I won’t be -able to kick for a week, I’m that lame now.” - -Going back was not as uneventful as the run out. Feet not used to -skating, were tired and sore, girls who laughed loudest were now bent -on making the line first, and altogether it had by this time developed -into a real, lively race. - -Molly Richards and Edna Black were first for the Glens, and they stuck -the run out faithfully. Cecilia Reynolds gave way to Jean Faval, who on -the out-run had gained first place, which entitled her to the lead for -final. - -Suddenly Molly’s ankle turned, and she called to Tavia to take her -place. Tavia said she couldn’t win that race if her future happiness -depended upon it. At this Dorothy forgot every thing but the glory of -her team, and she dashed ahead in line with Jean. - -For some time they raced like human greyhounds, then suddenly something -happened and Jean lay in a heap in the dust. - -“You tripped me,” she shouted angrily at Dorothy, “and the race is -ours. It’s a foul!” - -“I never went near you,” declared Dorothy, hotly, “why there are my -tracks. Any one can see them.” - -But the “T’s” of course sided with their leader, and there was more -than a mere discussion there in the road. - -No one could doubt, in justice that, whatever had happened to Jean, it -was purely accidental, and that, as Dorothy said, the traces of her -skates could plainly be seen far away from the spot where the girl had -fallen. - -At last the race was abandoned, but, as Jean left, and went ahead with -her contingent, she slurred back at Dorothy: - -“Perhaps when you look over the Glenwood _Gleaner_ you won’t carry your -head so high!” - -Then she hurried on with her particular chums. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -NEWS AND A NEWSPAPER - - -“Tavia!” gasped Dorothy, “I knew it! We must get a paper.” - -“We shall,” assented Tavia. “I must see one, myself. But please, -Dorothy, do not distress yourself so. It may only be some idle gossip, -among the school notes.” - -“Did you see the reporter, when he came up for the opening notices?” -asked Dorothy. - -“No,” was the slow reply, “I guess we were out. We can stop at the -paper store now. The others are on ahead.” - -Tavia and Dorothy were skating slowly back to Glenwood. Jean Faval’s -cutting remark had exactly the effect she intended it should--it had -shocked Dorothy. - -Her first thought was of her father. Had he lost all? Would she have to -leave Glenwood, and go to work? - -But Tavia’s suspicions were of a different character. She feared some -blow had been aimed at Dorothy, directly through the public prints. - -“Here’s the stand,” Tavia said, “but it’s closed!” - -“Is there no other place?” asked Dorothy in distress. - -“The one at the depot, but that, too, may be closed between trains,” -replied Tavia. “Had we better try it?” - -“Oh, yes; we must. I can never go in the school building, until I know -what it all means.” - -“We cannot skate over there. Let us call to Ned that we will be back -presently. Better not excite any more suspicion.” - -Tavia funnelled her hands to her lips, and gave the message to those on -ahead, and, with the order to “fetch them some good things” the ways -parted. - -Skates over their arms the two girls hurried along. Neither spoke for -some moments. Then Dorothy broke the silence. - -“Of course you have not heard yet from Nat, Tavia?” - -“Only that first letter that I showed you. Surely if anything were -wrong he wouldn’t have written in that monkey-strain.” - -“And I have not heard from father. Well, if it is only money, it cannot -be such a great disgrace,” and Dorothy’s sigh belied her words. - -They were within sight of the depot newsstand now. - -“Closed!” exclaimed Dorothy. “The shutter is down!” - -“Well, then,” said Tavia desperately; “I’ll get a _Gleaner_ from -Cecilia Reynolds. I saw her have one at lunch.” - -Dorothy was getting more and more nervous as they neared the hall. -She slipped her arm in Tavia’s, and the latter gave her a reassuring -press. Truly these two, who all their girlhood days had shared each -others’ joys, and sorrows, were best fitted now to face the new trouble -together, whatever it might be. - -The afternoon was shading, but the air was delightful and the red -maples were already losing their leaves. - -“Suppose you sit here on the bench, Doro,” suggested Tavia, “while I go -get the paper.” - -Only too glad Dorothy assented, and Tavia ran off. - -The time seemed hours to Dorothy before Tavia returned, and, when -she did so, the color, that very rarely left her healthy cheeks, was -missing. - -“What is it?” asked Dorothy. - -“A meeting of the entire school has been called--suddenly,” replied -Tavia, “and I have been asked to have you come up at once. There is -nothing but excitement. Even the new teachers are in the assembly room. -I could not get a word from anyone, but was met at the door with the -order to go and get you. We had better go.” - -Then as Tavia’s color faded Dorothy’s rushed to her cheeks. There must -be something very serious, indeed, when a school meeting was called for -that hour in the afternoon. - -In the assembly room Mrs. Pangborn sat at her desk, and, as Tavia and -Dorothy entered, there was a subdued murmur of surprise. - -“Be seated,” said the principal, “and Miss Cummings will please read -that--article.” - -It was the Glenwood _Gleaner_! - -The teacher began. The heading was enough: - - “PLUCKY GLENWOOD GIRL SAVES THE - DAY FOR TRAINMEN.” - -Dorothy shrank as if she had been struck! - -Then the teacher continued: - - “RUSH AT THE LUNCH WAGON, DUE - TO PRETTY GIRL’S ATTRACTIONS--DO - YOU BLAME THEM--SEE - HER PICTURE.” - -“Picture!” exclaimed Tavia without waiting to ask permission to speak. -“That is _my_ picture of Dorothy! It was stolen from my dresser!” - -“Be silent,” commanded the principal. “Miss Dale, if this ordeal is too -much for you--you may leave the room!” - -Dorothy was shaking and sobbing. Even permission to leave the room -sounded to her like her expulsion in disgrace from Glenwood. - -Miss Higley, one of the teachers, saw Dorothy’s plight, and took her -arm as she left the room. Then the investigation was continued. The -article was read through, and at each new paragraph Tavia gasped -audibly. Who could have written, or said such things about dear, quiet, -kind Dorothy? The article fairly reeked with flashy insinuations. - -When the teacher finished Mrs. Pangborn arose from her chair. Her face -was paler than ever. - -“I feel,” she began, “that the honor of Glenwood has been besmirched, -and I demand to know at once who is responsible in any way for the -publication of such libelous nonsense!” - -There was no answer made to the peremptory order. - -“Octavia Travers, as you are Dorothy’s most intimate friend, I will -call upon you first to ask if you know anything of this?” - -“All I know,” replied Tavia in a trembling voice, “is that when I -unpacked, I had a picture of Dorothy. I placed it directly back of a -cushion on my bureau. When I went out of the room it was there; when I -came back half an hour later it was gone.” - -“And you think this,” showing Tavia the likeness in the paper, “is -taken from that?” asked Mrs. Pangborn. - -“I am sure of it, for it is the only picture in that pose that Dorothy -had. She had three taken and two were sent to relatives at a distance.” - -“You heard no one ask questions about it that morning at the station?” - -“No, Mrs. Pangborn,” said Tavia bravely. “Had I any suspicion that such -a thing as this could have happened I should have gone to you at once, -both to save my best friend, who is now all but prostrate, and to save -you this great annoyance.” - -The ring in her voice was unmistakable. Not one who heard her doubted -the sincerity of her remarks. - -“Thank you,” said Mrs. Pangborn, thus dismissing her questions. - -“Now I must call upon those who are known to oppose the club known as -the Glens,” she said further. “I believe Miss Faval is their leader?” - -Jean Faval stood up. - -“I know nothing about it,” she declared, “and the first time I ever saw -a picture of Miss Dale was in the paper you have there. I can prove to -anyone that the morning Miss Travers claimed that picture was taken -from her room I was not in the hall from dressing time until luncheon.” - -There was a murmur as she sat down. Evidently something else was -expected when the rival leader underwent her questioning. - -“This need go no further,” said Mrs. Pangborn, “unless anyone will -volunteer information.” - -She waited, but no one spoke. - -“The meeting is dismissed,” she said wearily, and in five minutes the -big room was emptied. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -A TURN IN THE TIDE - - -For two weeks after this excitement, things ran rather steadily at -Glenwood. The pupils had been given their work to do, and after -vacation it was not so easy to get minds back to study and to -discipline. - -The Glenwood _Gleaner_ apologized in its next issue for the trashy -report of Dorothy’s lunch-counter experience, and attributed the error -to a new reporter, who had gotten in conversation with some of the “new -pupils,” the combination resulting in what seemed to the reporter to be -a “good story.” But he was not acquainted with the exclusiveness of the -territory where the paper circulated. - -One matter remained unexplained. How did the paper get Dorothy’s -picture off Tavia’s dresser? On this question the paper and its editor -had nothing to say. - -In spite of the shock that the reading of the article caused Dorothy, -when she recovered her poise she was almost relieved that it was all -about herself, and had nothing to do with her father’s business. It -was this last which caused her the most severe anxiety. - -But now two letters had come from home. Each was from Major Dale, -Dorothy’s father, and each was in a cheerful strain, one even inclosing -a five dollar note for “some extras she might need.” So that Dorothy -was now comparatively happy. Her old-time smile had come back to her, -and she was willing, and ready, to take part in all the school affairs, -whether in the regular, or improvised course. - -To-day there was only half the usual amount of study to be finished, -and, of course, in the other part of the day, there were to be so many -things done that each girl planned about what would normally fit into a -week’s time. Tavia, Cologne and Ned had much whispering to do, and they -did not seem to want Dorothy to guess its purport. - -The village post-office was not far from the school, but, as the mail -was always delivered at the hall, the girls only went over there for -recreation and post cards. On this half-holiday, however, it seemed -that Tavia had much business at the post-office. She had been down -twice, once for each mail, and besides this she made a trip somewhere -else to parts unknown to Dorothy. - -“I got it,” Dorothy heard her tell Ned. “Now if we can manage the -rest.” - -After that the two girls disappeared in the direction of the stables, -where Jacob was busy with the bus and horses. - -Dorothy felt very much like following them, for she knew, of old, -Tavia’s proclivities for mischief, but the way Ned looked at her as -they said: “We’ll be back directly, Dorothy,” debarred that attempt. - -Perhaps an hour passed, and the girls did not return. Then Dorothy -walked to the stable. - -“Good afternoon, Jacob,” she said pleasantly, to the man who was -polishing harness. “I thought some of the girls came up this way.” - -“They did, miss, but it was them two that I can’t watch, so I told them -I was busy in a way that meant they were not welcome,” replied Jacob. -“Them two are always up to some mischief. Not but they’re jolly enough, -and good company, but sometimes I’m afraid they’ll steal out after dark -and hitch up a team. I believe they would!” - -“Oh hardly that,” said Dorothy, laughing, “but I can’t imagine where -they have gone, for I have been at the other path, and they could not -have gotten out through the big gate.” - -“Likely they would find a hole in the fence somewhere,” he said. -“But that they are gone is all I care about. Would you like to see -the little white dog? The one we picked up on the road? I call him -Ravelings, for he is just like a spool of white silk unraveled.” - -“Yes, I would like to see him,” Dorothy replied. “I suppose you are so -careful of him you don’t let him run too far from your sight.” - -“I don’t dare to, for he’s a valuable dog. I may get him in at the show -in November,” and the man led the way to the corner that was fixed up -for Ravelings. - -There was a box, with the side cut down, and in this was a bed of -perfectly fresh straw. Then, beside the bed, was a white dish of milk, -and some crackers; in fact the dog had quite a little home of his own -in Jake’s stable. - -“He’s in hiding, I suppose,” said Jacob, searching about under the -straw. “But he’s a rascal--I ought to call him Rascal, instead of -Ravelings, I guess.” - -He whistled, pulled all the straw out, looked in every corner, but no -little white dog appeared. A sudden fear overcame Dorothy. What if the -girls had taken the dog? - -“Do you ever let anyone take him out?” she asked timidly. - -“Never, but once I let that Tavia girl. Of course, I did sort of half -give him to her, but I claim him now, as I’ve brought him up, and no -little time I had curing the lame leg that some car went over, too.” - -“He does not seem to be here,” Dorothy said finally. “It might be -that Tavia and Edna took him out just for fun. I am sure if they did, -however, they will bring him back all right.” - -Jacob shook his head, and refused to talk. His pet, his chum, really, -was gone. “Could he have been stolen?” he was thinking. - -“The grain man was in here to-day,” he said finally, “but I’ve known -him for years.” - -“I’ll just run along, and see if I can find the girls,” Dorothy -offered. “If I find Ravelings I’ll let you know at once, Jacob.” - -The hostler shook his head. Evidently he feared he had lost his pet. - -Dorothy turned to the roadway. She must find Edna and Tavia, and learn -if they had taken that little dog. - -Along the leaf-strewn roads she met numbers of the other students. She -feared to ask them if they had seen Tavia, for it was now not easy to -tell friend from foe, and the least hint of suspicion might lead to -unpleasant gossip. - -Once she stopped and called, for she was almost sure she had heard -Edna’s bubbling laugh, but no answer was sent back. On towards the -village she hurried. Yes, there they were, coming along, heads very -close together, but there was no Ravelings in sight. - -Dorothy drew a breath of relief. She was glad they had played no -trick on poor Jacob, for he was a good friend to the girls, and always -willing to take a message to town, or to do any little service that -often meant much to them. - -“Where have you been?” Dorothy confronted Tavia and Edna. - -“To the post-office,” replied Tavia innocently. - -Edna was laughing. This made Dorothy suspicious. - -“One would think it was Valentine’s day,” she said. “Whose birthday is -it, Tavia?” - -“Nobody’s. But you know, Doro, I did owe a lot of letters, and I’ve -now gotten them off my mind--my poor, over-burdened mind!” she sighed, -mockingly. - -“Do you girls know anything about the little white dog?” Dorothy asked -bluntly. - -“Not a thing,” replied Tavia, before Edna could speak. - -“Well, _did_ you know anything about him an hour ago?” persisted -Dorothy, realizing that Tavia might be “hanging” on what she termed a -technical truth. - -“Oh, that’s different. Yes, we did see him about that time,” replied -Tavia calmly. - -“Now Tavia,” said Dorothy severely, “if you have done anything with -that little dog there will be trouble. You know how much Jacob thought -of him.” - -“Dost not remember, Dorothy Dale, that thou didst suggest that I -advertise that ‘dorg,’ and find the weeping and wailing kid who dropped -him out of the auto?” and Tavia stepped up on a big stone to make her -remarks more impressive. “Well, I have done so, and behold the chink!” - -She held in her hand a five dollar bill! - -“Tavia! Is it possible?” - -“Not only, but probable. I asked Jake if I could do so and he -absolutely refused. Now that dog was mine temporarily, and the owner’s -permanently. He’s off our hands now and if you give us away to Jake, -Doro, woe unto you!” - -“Tavia, I cannot believe it! And you helped her, Edna?” - -“We found the real owner, and I do not see why she shouldn’t have her -dog,” replied Edna, without raising her eyes. - -“How do you know she was the real owner?” continued Dorothy. - -“You should have seen the dog fly to her,” replied Tavia. “Say, Doro, -if you are worried I’ll buy Jake a new pipe, and give it to him for -conscience money. But he must never know about Ravelings. What do you -suppose his mistress called him? ‘Cyrus,’ because, she told us, he was -the sun of her life. Likely she would have died without the sun if I -had not restored him to her.” - -Dorothy looked troubled. She fully realized what a time there would be -when it was found out that the dog was gone. - -“Did you advertise it?” she asked, as they now walked back toward the -school. - -“It’s such a pretty story, Doro, that I want to give it to you whole. -Besides,” and Tavia lowered her voice, “echoes have ears.” - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -THE STORY OF RAVELINGS - - -“This was how it was,” began Tavia, when, as she said, she and Dorothy -were behind closed doors that were locked. “I heard a little lady with -glasses on a stick, ask the postman if he had ever heard of a dog. I -knew at once it was our dog, because she said she had come all the way -from some place, because she fancied her pet had been lost out of her -car, in a place on the road near here somewhere. Then I knew the whole -story, and I waited until I got her outside. I told her I _might_ be -able to find the pup, but the person who had him loved him dearly. -Then she fell on my neck, and it was all over. Of course I had to take -Ned in on the kidnapping part, to help decide where the money would be -left, and where and how the lady would get her Cyrus back. That’s how -Ned happened. It all has gone off so splendidly, I feel quite qualified -to go into the dog-snatching business,” and Tavia helped herself to one -of Dorothy’s wafers. - -“But Jake will surely find it out,” Dorothy insisted, “besides, it -seems a shame to have him posting notices all over, when----” - -“The best thing that ever happened to Jake,” interrupted Tavia. “I have -heard it is the first time in ten years that he tried to write his -name.” - -“Tavia, you know poor Jake has always been kind to us, and I feel this -is a shame.” - -“Then I’ll write him an anonymous letter, and tell him his dog has gone -home, and is much obliged for his attention, etc,” Tavia went on. - -“You should have done it openly--told the lady where her dog was, and -let her come and claim him----” - -“And lose the five? Dorothy, you have no more business tact than a -kitten. Now do let us change the subject. Be assured if I am hauled up -for dog-kidnapping I’ll get out of it as gracefully as I got into it. -Will you help me select Jake’s pipe? He’s quite particular I know, for -he left his on the fence one night, and I heard--of course I cannot be -sure of it--but I just _heard_, that he put a cross of red paint on the -fence, to mark the spot where he found it.” - -A knock at the door interrupted them. Dorothy opened the portal and -faced one of the maids. - -“Miss Dale,” she said timidly, “Jake’s outside, and wants to speak with -you. He would not ask at the office, but got me to come in for him.” - -“All right, Ellen, and thank you,” Dorothy said. “I’ll be out directly.” - -“He’s on the west porch,” went on the maid. “Jake’s not himself since -he lost that dog,” and with that remark echoing she went down the red -carpeted halls. - -“Now, Tavia,” demanded Dorothy, “I know it’s about the dog, and I feel -I should tell him the truth.” - -“You dare!” snapped Tavia. “Doro, let me tell him the truth,” she -added, in a pleasanter tone. - -“Oh, will you? Then do come along with me! You can wait off a little -way, and I’ll let you know if you can help any. Really, of all our -difficulties, I feel worse about this. It is so hard to deceive a good, -honest man,” and Dorothy went out after the maid. - -“Thanks,” said Tavia following. “I suppose it’s fun to fool foolish -girls. Now let me show you the difference. I choose the good, honest -men.” - -It was plain that the girls would not agree. Tavia stopped in the -wisteria corner, and Dorothy went on to the man standing near the steps. - -“What is it, Jake?” she asked kindly. - -He lifted his cap, and ran his fingers through his hair. - -“I don’t know as I should trouble you, miss,” he said hesitatingly, -“but I do feel that them girls know about my dog, and I’ve come to ask -you if you--if you couldn’t get them to tell.” - -This was a difficult situation for Dorothy. Why did those girls do the -absurd thing? - -“Jacob,” she began seriously, “if you knew that the real owner of the -dog had him, would you be satisfied?” - -He did not answer. His long brown fingers went over the balcony rail -nervously. - -“If I saw the owner have him, I would,” he said with a choke. “But -there’s owners, and--thieves.” - -“I am quite sure he was not stolen,” Dorothy ventured. “And I do feel -that he is with his real owner. Here comes one of the teachers. If you -like I’ll run over to the stable to-morrow morning, and see what I can -find out in the mean time.” - -With a bow of his head he went off, knowing that the teacher -approaching would criticize his presence there. - -Tavia was laughing when Dorothy joined her. “Well, he didn’t eat you -did he, dear?” she asked. “I rather thought he enjoyed talking to you”; -this with a teasing toss of her head. - -“Now Tavia, Jake has simply got to know that story. I cannot see how we -are to go about it, and save the--honor of--our clan, but we have got -to think it up. We have got until to-morrow morning, and you and Ned -must help. Personally I am ashamed of the whole proceedings.” - -Dorothy went inside without waiting for her companion. She was in no -mood for laughing over the matter, and it seemed impossible to get -Tavia to realize how serious it had turned out to be. If Jacob went to -Mrs. Pangborn with the story, after all the other annoyances that had -occurred, in so short a time of the school term, Dorothy feared that -even that mild and sweet-tempered lady might find the girls from Dalton -too troublesome. - -Tavia hurried to look for Edna. She found her with Molly Richards and -Nita Brant, trying to solve the problem of making a slipper bag out of -a raffia hat. - -“See here, Ned,” began Tavia, “I have got to speak to you alone at -once.” - -“The sheriff this time?” asked Molly, laughing, and pricking her finger -with the long needle she was trying to use. - -“Worse, I’m afraid it will be the undertaker, if we are not -miraculously careful and clever. Come along, Ned,” dragging her from -her chair, “you are in on this autopsy.” - -But the clever plans hoped for did not develop. All Edna did was to -blame Tavia for getting into the scrape, and Tavia’s arguments ran -along the same line. After study hour Dorothy called the girls to her -room. - -“Well,” she said, “what are you going to tell Jake? Don’t you think it -will be best to tell it all, and have it over? If you don’t you will be -in constant dread of it popping out, and spoiling something better than -can be hurt just now.” - -“Well, we have been in so much trouble,” sighed Ned, “it does not seem -that another stroke would be much worse. All I care about is that we -took the money.” - -“Why not hand that over to Jake?” suggested the wise little Dorothy, -who was really assuming more sense than she felt she rightfully knew -how to handle. The other girls were so devoid of anything like sense -that she appeared almost like the proverbial Minerva, and her aviary, -besides Tavia and Edna. - -“Oh, I never could stand Jake’s scorn on that,” declared Tavia. “It -would be worse than owning up to dog-snatching.” - -“Did you find out where the lady lives? She who claimed the dog?” -Dorothy questioned. - -“Nope,” said Tavia, “I was so scared when I took the five dollars that -I almost ran. Ned stood just twenty feet away. She feared the usual -bomb.” - -“Then all we can do is to go to bed early, and think it over,” decided -Dorothy. “Sometimes an inspiration comes in the dark you know.” - -“Yes, that’s how I got the inspiration to get Ravelings out through a -hole in the fence back of the stables,” said Tavia. “And I think the -ghost that got me into the trouble can do no less than help me out. -Besides I’m that tired,” and she yawned. “I feel if I do not soon get -sleep I shall turn somnambulist.” - -“And that’s how you are going to think it out,” finished Dorothy. -“Well, I am going to see Jake early in the morning. See that you are -ready to go with me.” - -“I’ll do all I can,” volunteered Edna. “But I never imagined it would -be as bad as this. Mercy, dog-snatching!” and she went off with the -words sissing on her lips. - -“Say, Doro,” said Tavia between yawns, “I got your picture back to-day.” - -“You did!” - -“Yep, it came by mail, and was in the envelope of the _Gleaner_. I’ve -got that to clear up, and I like it better than Jake’s little fuzzy -dog.” - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -THE RESCUE - - -“Tavia, get up! It’s seven o’clock, and I must go up to the stables!” - -So Dorothy called the next morning, but whether Tavia was too much -awake to do anything so “foolish” as to get up, and interview Jake, -or whether she was still sleeping, Dorothy took no further time to -inquire, for if she did so her own time would go with the effort. -Instead, she dressed hastily, and, slipping a coat on, for the morning -was heavy with dew, she quietly went up the gravel path toward the -stable. There was a wind and a turn in the road, and from this spot, -where big white stone marked “danger” for auto or carriage, the public -road opened in a short, sharp “V.” - -On either side was heavy shrubbery, the pride of the gardener, and the -pleasure of the girls who loved late or early blossoms, for the hedge -was composed of such shrubs as sent forth both. - -The soft, lavender, feather-blossom was plentiful now, and as Dorothy -passed along she stopped to gather a spray. As she did so she heard -something like a whine. - -She listened! It could not be a cat. There was Jake waiting at the -stable door. What should she say to him? She did not hurry off, for -that cry certainly came from the bush. - -Carefully she pushed back the brambles. Then she called softly, as to -some animal. - -The answer came. It was a faint bark! A dog surely. She glanced up to -the stable, to see if Jake was still there so that she might call him; -but he had gone. - -Then she whistled the call for a dog, but could see nothing but a -movement of the briars. - -“He must be in there,” she told herself, “and I will have to crawl in -and get him. Something must have him fast.” - -Tucking her skirts about her as best she could, she raised bush after -bush, until she was well within the hedge. Then she could see where the -sound came from. - -It was under a hawthorn! - -She raised that, and there beheld little Ravelings! - -“Oh, you poor little thing!” she said aloud. “How ever did you get -there?” - -In spite of her anxiety that the precious animal might be injured, it -must be admitted that Dorothy was glad to see him. - -Now she would have to tell nothing to Jacob. She would just hand him -his dog. - -“Come, Ravelings,” she coaxed, and the white fuzzy head moved but the -legs refused to do so. - -“Not a trap, I hope,” she murmured. - -One more perilous forward motion, for at every move she was being -scratched and torn with the briars, then she had her hand on Ravelings. - -His long shaggy fur was completely wound up in a wiry bramble, and the -little creature could no more move than if he had been in a trap. - -My, how dirty and bedraggled he was! However could he have gotten back -to Glenwood? - -“Wait,” she said as if he might understand, “I’ll get you out without -hurting you.” - -Making her way clear of the shrubs, through the path she had made -crawling in, Dorothy ran back to the hall, and up the outside stairs to -her room. - -“Tavia! Quick!” she called. “Give me the scissors!” - -“Mercy sakes! What’s this? Suicide!” exclaimed the lazy one, not yet -dressing. “Wait. I’ll get you something easier.” - -Too impatient to talk with her, Dorothy got to her own work basket -and procured the scissors. Then back she went to the damp nest where -Ravelings waited. - -“It’s a shame to cut your pretty fur so,” she talked as she snipped -and snipped each knot of curly silk--the pride of Jake. “But you have -got to get out. I just hope it is only your fur, and that there are no -bones broken.” - -It took some time to get him entirely free, but as Dorothy worked the -grateful animal licked her hand and tried to “kiss” her, so that she -felt quite as happy to release him as he must have been to be free. At -last she had him in her arms. - -She must not let him run, and it was not easy to hold him, and get out -herself. - -“There,” she exclaimed, when on the path, “now we will go to Jake.” - -She could scarcely hold him when he saw the barn. And what a big, muddy -blue bow of ribbon was around his neck! Wait until she told the girls! -They would be afraid to go up to the stable to make certain, and they -would surely not believe her. - -Dorothy was flushed with pleasure and excitement. - -“Jake!” she called at the barn door. - -The man came out. - -“Here he is! Here is Ravelings!” - -“Where on earth----” - -But the dog had leaped from her, and was “kissing” Jake so eagerly that -he could not say another word. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -DEEPENING GLOOM - - -After the rescue of Ravelings, Dorothy hurried back to the hall. As she -was met at the door by Tavia and Edna she was too excited and exhausted -to proffer any information. In fact she considered it was due the girls -that they look around, and hunt up things on their own account. Why -should she be their mediator? They should learn a lesson, and it might -be just as well to learn it at this time. - -“Where on earth have you been? Crawling through a knot hole?” asked -Tavia, noting Dorothy’s disheveled appearance. - -“No, I crawled under a knot hole,” she replied, going toward the door. - -“But what did you tell Jake? You are not going away that way--leaving -us in suspense; are you?” asked Edna. - -“Oh, if you want to see the dog you can just go up to the stables,” -replied Dorothy easily. “Jake is giving him his bath.” - -“What? Dorothy Dale! You to tell such a fib!” exclaimed Tavia. - -“No, I am telling no fib. I have just left Ravelings in Jake’s arms!” - -The two girls were dumbfounded. Dorothy really meant what she was -saying, and however could that dog have been found? Edna looked at -Tavia, and Tavia glared at Edna. - -“And,” gasped Tavia, “the five dollars are all spent! Do you suppose -the lady with the sticked-glasses will come up to the hall? Ned, we had -better flee!” - -“I can’t believe it, and I’m afraid to go up to find out,” said Edna. -“Dorothy, please tell us about it, or we shall die of--a new disease. -We might call it rabies junior.” - -“I can’t tell you anything more,” insisted Dorothy, “but I am sure Jake -would be glad to tell you all about it,” this last with a meaning not -to be misunderstood. - -So Dorothy left them, and proceeded to get ready for her school day. - -“What!” asked Edna, all but speechless. - -“Which?” gasped Tavia, the one word taking all her breath. - -“Could we go up, and peek through the hole in the fence?” - -“We could, but it would be very unwise from my view point,” answered -the other. “A better way would be to crawl around when Jake goes out -for the train stuff. He won’t likely take Ravelings with him now. Might -lose him again.” - -“I don’t feel as if I could live all day, and not know,” Edna insisted. -“Couldn’t we bribe someone else to go up? Dick is safe.” - -“No one is safe with such a secret,” objected Tavia, “though Dick is -nearest to it, she loves news, and just fancy that story getting out. -Talk about a _Gleaner_ story! This would get in the big city papers. -But, though I am a good guesser, I cannot guess how the dog got back. -Of course Dorothy had to do with it. I shouldn’t wonder if she went -down to the post-office, laid in wait for our benefactress, and told -her Jake was dying, and wanted to see the animal just once more. -Something like that, you will find.” - -“Well, we have got to get to business,” said Edna with a sigh. “Jean -beat me in algebra yesterday, and I can’t let it happen again. By the -way, I wonder where she gets all her money?” - -“A rich uncle. I heard her tell of him. I don’t believe her own folks -are any better off than mine, and land knows where we would have been, -if my foreign grandmother did not die, and make it a point to find out -where we were before doing so. I cannot never thank her enough,” and -Tavia looked heavenward. - -“Jean is certainly well off with small change,” went on Edna. “I am -afraid if some one does not check her, she will turn chocolate color. -She just wallows in them.” - -“And doesn’t she hate Dorothy? I can’t see why, unless it is she sees -herself in the mirror of Dorothy’s goodness. There! Wasn’t that lovely? -And from me! I hate to see Jean toting that baby Zada around. She is so -innocent she would do anything Jean might suggest--when Jean would be -too cute to do it herself. She keeps fixing her up with sweets all the -time, and Zada thinks she loves her.” - -“And Cecilia Reynolds is another who would not cry if anything -unpleasant should happen to Dorothy. Well, we have got to keep our team -close, and stick together,” declared Edna, “and I do hope this dog -business will not spoil us again.” - -“‘Let sleeping dogs lie,’” quoted Tavia. “And, speaking of dogs, there -come the Jean set now. They have been to the woods, ostensibly, but -really have been down to the lunch cart. Jean never could get along -till noon on a Glen breakfast.” - -“Did you see her white tennis suit?” asked Edna. “Isn’t it a startler? -She’s going to wear it at the match. That’s like her. I suppose she -will not even have a ‘G’ on her arm. Well, white or black, we can beat -them. Did you see how Dick played yesterday?” - -“Oh, we’re not afraid of them at tennis,” replied Tavia. “They might do -us at the lunch cart, but tennis? Never!” - -A few hours later even the returned dog was forgotten in the depths -of school work. Dorothy kept her eyes on her books more intently than -was necessary, for in doing so she avoided the glances that Tavia was -covertly turning on her. She was determined that the two culprits -should make their own discoveries, and she was quite correct in her -ideas of what Jake would say if they (the girls) happened around the -stable again while he was on duty. - -The morning went quickly, and at lunch hour Cologne tried to rally -the Glen forces to prepare for the tennis match. There would be -visitors, and as it was the first big match of the season every one was -interested. Some of the new girls proved excellent players, and there -was considerable rivalry in the “pick.” - -The short session of afternoon study was hardly given the attention -that the teachers wanted, for the girls were anxious to get out to -practice. - -But Dorothy did not seem inclined to take her place. Tavia, always -anxious to know her friend’s troubles, asked if there had been any news -from home. - -“Yes,” replied Dorothy slowly, “and if you don’t mind walking to the -post-office with me, I would like to mail a reply at once.” - -“No sickness? Nothing really serious?” again questioned Tavia. - -“Serious it may be, but fortunately not sickness. The girls will have -such a time to-day at the practice, making arrangements (most of which -will be the others made over), I thought we could get off. You know I -don’t like to walk through the woods alone.” - -“But the trouble?” - -“Joe--has gone to work,” replied Dorothy choking. - -“Perhaps he wanted to?” - -“Oh, no; I know it is that trouble,” and she sighed deeply. “I have -written to say that I--shall----” - -“You shall not. It is much easier for a boy to go in an office, even in -an emergency, than for you to leave this year,” declared Tavia. “Could -I see your letter?” - -“Of course,” and Dorothy took a slip of paper from her pocket. “Of -course you know dad. He would not tell me more than he had to.” - -Tavia glanced over the note. “Why,” she exclaimed, “that’s nothing. Joe -had a good chance to get in the bank, and he wanted to try it. I can’t -see the need of you taking _that_ so seriously.” - -“Oh, I know I may be too anxious, but, at the same time, I feel, being -the oldest, that I should be there to help in some way,” finished -Dorothy dolefully. - -“Yes, you might pose as a beauty. I believe there is a great demand for -the sylph,” Tavia said facetiously. - -Dorothy did not reply. She stood there in her pretty white linen dress, -with her unruly hair getting into ringlets in spite of the braids that -tried to restrain it. - -“Don’t mail your letter,” begged Tavia. “Come over to the court. I -expect trouble between Cologne and Cecilia, and if there is anyone in a -scrap, I would hate to miss it.” - -“All right, you run along. I’ll join you later,” Dorothy conceded, and -Tavia left her. - -“She may be right,” thought Dorothy, “but I must tell the folks that I -am willing to do all I can. I _have_ to mail the letter.” - -The girls on the tennis court were all too busy to notice her as she -walked out of the grounds, and made her way to the post-office. Through -the woods, she was so occupied with the thoughts of home, that she -reached the office before she realized the lonely part of her walk had -been covered. - -At the window, waiting for stamps were a number of persons, and taking -her place Dorothy looked about at the written notices, such as usually -decorate the walls of a country post-office. - -One, written differently from the others, attracted her. It was this: - - “REWARD. One hundred dollars, for the return of a small, white - dog, answers to the name of Cyrus. Lost from an automobile on - the main road, some time yesterday. The dog is a thoroughbred - St. Charles, and the only companion of a lonely woman. When he - left the car he wore a bow of Paris blue ribbon. Leave word with - postmaster.” - -Dorothy read in wonderment! That was surely Ravelings! And Jake would -get that reward! - -She dropped her letter in the box, and hurried away never stopping to -speak to the girls, who were now well on in their tennis game, but -going straight up to the stables to tell Jake. - -“One hundred dollars!” he gasped. “If I get that miss, I’ll go halves -with you, for it was you who found him.” - -“Oh, I don’t want any share,” said Dorothy. “But you had better take -the dog right down to the post-office, for as soon as people read of -that reward they will fetch all sorts of dogs to make claims. Likely -the woman will come to enquire just about mail time.” - -Jake was a man of few words, and he turned with a pull at his cap as a -salute to Dorothy, and was soon getting himself and the dog ready for -the trip to the post-office. - -Dorothy called “good luck,” as she left him, and said she hoped her -news would not be disappointing. But even the excitement of this did -not cause her to forget her worries of home, and when Tavia came in -from the tennis court, she found Dorothy sitting dejectedly in her room. - -“I knew there would be trouble,” cried Tavia. “Dick and Cecilia almost -came to blows. Sissy declared the ball had not bounded, and every one -could see that it had, and it was our score----” - -She stopped suddenly. Edna was calling her. “I have to go I suppose,” -she said finally. “Dear me. I am all ashake,” and without any further -explanation she ran off again. - -A half hour later she returned, with a very broad smile on her flushed -face. - -“Dorothy Dale!” she exclaimed. “How ever could you have played such a -trick on us. There is no more white dog in the barn than there is in -this room!” - -“Isn’t there?” asked Dorothy, realizing that Jake had taken Ravelings -off before the girls had a chance to see him. “Then he must have been -spirited away. That dog has had a great time of it.” - -“Spirited away, indeed!” said Tavia indignantly. “I have almost gone -gray over the thing, and it was all a----” - -“Mistake,” finished Dorothy for her. “Well, then you feel better I -suppose,” and she determined not to tell the story of the dog’s second -return to its owner. It was too good a joke to spoil now. - -“Well, at any rate, I’ll sleep to-night,” Tavia went on. “I have been -expecting to go to jail for that five dollars.” - -“And you won’t be afraid to go to the post-office?” Dorothy asked. “I -am glad of that, for I hate to go alone.” - -“And I’m going to the _Gleaner_ office first chance I get, and see if I -can’t clear up the picture mystery. I have a faint suspicion, now, how -that got off my dresser. But don’t ask me about it, for it is the very -merest suspicion.” - -“Just as you like, but I would love to know,” Dorothy said. “If I go -away----” - -“You are _not_ going away! I’d do the whole of Glenwood darning to save -you that.” - -“Thank you, my dear,” Dorothy said, “but I am afraid I will have to -do _your_ darning. I noticed quite a bunch of something very like -stockings in your bag.” - -“Say, Doro, you have got to cheer up. Really, everything in the club is -going to pieces, and Cologne says she will resign if someone does not -help her keep the place,” Tavia declared. - -“Oh, I’ll do all I can,” Dorothy agreed, “but don’t ask me just yet.” - -“And Jean Faval is flaunting around, as if she owned the earth and -Mars. Even some of her own friends are getting too much of it. Zada -won’t look at her.” - -“Poor little Zada! She is such a baby. I have noticed her eyes very -red, lately,” Dorothy remarked. - -“Yes, but I don’t believe it’s homesickness altogether,” Tavia said. “I -think it’s something on her mind.” - -“What could she be worrying about?” Dorothy questioned. - -“Why don’t you ask her? She thinks a lot of you,” suggested Tavia. - -“I will,” replied the other, “the first chance I get. Mrs. Pangborn -wants her to be happy. She’s a friend of her family’s, you know.” - -Tavia pulled out her dresser drawer in search of something, and there -dropped to the floor a torn envelope. She picked it up quickly. - -“There!” she exclaimed, “that’s the piece of paper I lost the day my -picture went. Do you want to see it?” handing it to Dorothy. - -“The Marsall Investment Company!” Dorothy gasped. “Where ever did that -come from?” - -“That’s the company your father has his money in; isn’t it?” Tavia -questioned. - -“Yes,” Dorothy replied, her eyes still on the envelope. - -“Well, my dear I found that in the memorable box of poisoned -chocolates, that Jean Faval wasted her hair tonic on the day we -arrived,” Tavia said. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -LETTERS - - -What could Jean Faval have to do with that investment company? - -Dorothy wondered, bewildered at the sudden discovery. Perhaps this was -why Jean showed such hatred for her. Perhaps--but Major Dale could -never do anything to defraud one--he could have nothing to do with the -possibility of a Faval’s loss, if the family did lose. - -Tavia bounded around the room as if in high glee. “Now Doro, we’ve got -it,” she declared. “Jean knows about the company, and, my word for it -if there is anything wrong it’s among her folks, not with your father. -Makes me feel more positive than ever that it will come right for the -Major, for they have got to come to light. I am just waiting for Jean -to be lighted up here. Wait!” and Tavia gave Dorothy a hug, “wait until -her uncle stops sending money. Then we will see where the haughty Jean -will be!” - -But Dorothy was stunned. “She knows my position,” she said dolefully. -“Perhaps she has already begun to shun me as one too poor to be in her -set.” - -“Doro!” Tavia was determined to turn the matter into hope instead of -anxiety. “You know perfectly well that she never had a set. Also you -know that she--couldn’t even use the single letter ‘D’ that belongs to -a Dale.” - -Dorothy smiled. “You are improving, Tavia. By essay day you will be -able to do something surprising. But I cannot sit moping. There’s study -to do.” - -Turning to her little table, Dorothy got out her books and note book. -Her head was not very clear for her work, but it would work when she -wanted it to, and she set about her task willingly. Not so with Tavia. -Anything but to do a thing on time. Always that just one minute more, -for Tavia. - -“I’ll run out for a few minutes,” she said. “I am afraid Ned has gone -into joyful hysterics over the doggie.” - -Closing the door, Tavia noticed a bit of paper in plain sight on the -floor outside. She never could resist reading another person’s letters. -Picking it up she saw it was a torn envelope addressed to Jean Faval. - -“Whew!” she breathed. “More news!” and she crushed it in her hand. - -In a safe spot she looked at the contents of the torn envelope. What -she read caused her to gasp. - -There was no beginning, neither was there an end, for the -superscription as well as the signature had been torn off. - -But the few sentences were legible! - -She read. - -“Everything’s gone, but we’ll have Dale----” Then there was a break, -and another bit could be read. - -“In court within a few days!” - -“In court! Major Dale!” gasped Tavia. “It’s an outrage!” and she -breathed hard, as if to control the emotion she felt. - -“I won’t tell Dorothy,” she concluded. “Talk about school rivals! Ugh! -That Jean!” - -Dorothy had helped Tavia through many a hard problem in her life. In -fact whatever was reasonable in the girl had been developed through -Dorothy’s efforts, or Tavia’s love for Dorothy, since it is said -nothing new can be put into a character, but the good or bad there -simply developed. Now it was Tavia’s turn. She knew exactly what -Dorothy would do had she been in the other’s place. - -“I’ll look this up,” decided Tavia, in true detective fashion. “That -Jean might be writing letters to herself.” - -Then it occurred to her that Dorothy’s mail might bring the same news. -Could she intercept that? - -Quick as a flash she thought of the evening post. She could get Ned to -go with her, and reach the office before the carrier started out. Ned -would have to go, or Tavia would tell all about the dog. Tavia didn’t -care, but Ned did. - -Without any explanation, she physically dragged the other girl from the -porch and started her along the path. - -“Come on! You have got to go. Why? Because you must!” was the way she -accomplished the feat, all but the dragging. That she did with a strong -and determined arm. - -“What on earth----” began Edna, as soon as they were out of hearing -distance of the others. - -“No, it isn’t the dog. He’s gone, and good riddance! But it’s Jean. -She is not gone, and _bad_ riddance,” said Tavia. “I’m not afraid to -go to the post-office now for I know the woman won’t be there with the -sheriff. All the same, Ned,” and she lowered her voice appropriately, -“I do think there is some mystery in that miniature hound. Dorothy -never jokes that far.” - -“No,” said Ned, in her economical way. - -“I’d love to tell you, Neddie,” said Tavia excitedly, “but you are such -a dunce.” - -“Thanks,” said Ned. “I’m a dunce, surely, for getting into your -scrapes. Now I’m going back. I know it’s another hold-up, or -kidnapping, and I refuse----” - -“Oh, Ned dear, you know I did not mean that. But one does get so tired -of using good language in school, that’s it’s a positive comfort to -‘slang’ once in a while, and nobody appreciates my mental efforts in -that direction as you do.” She slipped her hand into that of Edna with -a meaning pressure. - -“All right Tave, but mind you keep your word! My folks would never go -my bail. That is a family motto. ‘Right for right and----’” - -“‘Bad for bad,’” finished the facetious one. “What would have happened -to me if that had been our coat of arms? But here we are. Just peek, so -as we don’t run into the woman of the doggie!” - -In spite of her protests, Edna was sure to do exactly as Tavia asked -her to, and she did peek through the dingy window of the post-office. - -“Clear coast,” she announced, and, lest anything should obstruct the -coast, Tavia instantly darted in. The Glenwood box was private, of -course, and Tavia did not have the key. The old post-master looked at -her keenly before he handed her one letter for herself, and two for -Dorothy. - -Neither of Dorothy’s was from home, and as Tavia saw this she gave a -skip of relief. It may be noticed that when a school girl is happy she -gives a little skip--that was Tavia’s way. - -“What was so important?” demanded Edna. “I hope you got it, Tavia.” - -“I did. This is an invitation, I am sure,” and she opened her mail. -“No, it’s a bill. Well, it will have to wait a day or two.” - -“Tell me, what did you expect?” asked Edna. “Dragging me off this way, -and then keeping all the news to yourself,” and she pouted prettily. - -“Hush! There’s Jake. Let’s wait till he is past. I’m afraid of him. -Aren’t you?” - -“A little,” admitted Edna. “But see. He is coming right for us.” - -“Say there,” Jake called, almost forgetting he was addressing two -Glenwood young ladies. “Wait a minute! I have something to say to you.” - -Tavia wanted to run, and so did Edna, but there was no escape. - -“Well, what is it?” asked the latter. - -“Did you take that little dog?” he asked. - -Neither girl answered. - -“If you did, don’t be afraid to own up, for it’s all right now. Look at -that.” - -The man held out a slip of paper. It was the check he had just received -in reward for the return of Ravelings! - -“One hundred dollars!” exclaimed both girls. - -“Yes, and never was it more needed. The woman who owned the dog told -me all about his pranks. It seems he always wants to jump out of the -automobile, and this is his third try at it. She says he jumped when he -got on the hill.” - -“And that was the secret!” Tavia exclaimed. “Dorothy didn’t tell us!” - -“It was she who fetched him back though. I never knew what happened to -the creature, but I suspected you two,” and he shook his head. “Then, -when I saw her come up to the stable, with him in her arms----” - -“And now we have a joke on her,” Edna put in. “We know about the -reward, and she doesn’t.” - -“She doesn’t? Why she saw the sign in the post-office, and told me -about it. This is a great tangle anyway,” and Jake laughed heartily. - -“I should say it was,” Tavia remarked. “But since it ended so well, we -won’t complain.” - -“Not me,” finished Jake, just as they entered the school grounds. “But -it seems to me your friend Dorothy does not look as she did. Is she -sick?” - -“No,” Tavia replied, “just too busy with books, I guess.” - -The thought of Jean’s letter, that one found at Dorothy’s door, took -the smile from Tavia’s face. - -“Seems as if all the girls are losing interest in sports just now,” -said Edna. “Even our tennis game ended in a frizzle.” - -“It’ll all come back to you,” Jake assured them. “Young girls don’t -hold to troubles long. Tell Miss Dorothy to run up to see me when she -can. I want to show her this check before it gets soiled.” - -“Oh, we’ll tell her,” Tavia answered, glad to think that she would -really have the good news for her. - -“But I don’t think we should,” said Edna. “She wouldn’t tell us.” - -Tavia wondered how she could find out the truth about the torn letter. -Could it be possible that Major Dale was really in danger of being -arrested? If so perhaps she ought to tell Dorothy. - -But, somehow, it did seem like a trick--to find the letter directly at -their door. - -“I’ll wait, at any rate,” she concluded, and then she left Edna to give -Dorothy the mail that she hoped would bring her chum cheering news. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -ZADA - - -When Tavia reached Dorothy in her room she found her chum in a state of -excitement. - -“Whatever is the matter?” Tavia asked in surprise. - -“Why, Zada has been in here, and you never saw such a time,” replied -Dorothy. “I cannot imagine what ails the child. She came to the door, -looked in, and finally came in. Then she burst into tears, and declared -she had done something dreadfully wrong. As if that baby could do -wrong,” and Dorothy closed her books that had been lying on her table -evidently not much used within this study hour. - -“Why didn’t you ask her what was the matter?” Tavia inquired. “I know -that something has been worrying her, and she thinks so much of you she -surely would have told you.” - -“She wanted to do so. Then, when I saw how much it was going to cost -her, I determined to quiet her nerves by showing her I did not believe -she had done anything wrong. She said if she did tell me she would -leave school, and I am sure I don’t want her to do that.” - -“Perhaps you are right,” Tavia answered. “Here is your mail. I was at -the office and brought it up.” - -Dorothy glanced over the two missives. “One is from Nellie Burke, in -Dalton, and the other is from Aunt Winnie. I did hope to hear from -father,” she said. “Aunt Winnie says all are well, and the boys send -regards to you. Strange she does not mention the financial trouble,” -Dorothy said folding up the papers. - -“‘No news is good news,’” quoted Tavia. “I got a bill from the paper -store for that old crepe paper we used on ‘rumpus night’. I had almost -forgotten it.” - -The crumpled piece of paper that held tidings of Dorothy’s trouble -Tavia thrust deeper into her pocket. Surely, she concluded, if -Dorothy’s own aunt, the Major’s sister, did not wish to tell her about -the investment company Tavia would not do so. At least not just then. - -“Let’s go hunt up some of the girls,” Tavia suggested. “Cologne says -you have almost given her up, and Dick is so hurt about our neglect of -the Glens, that she refused my fudge this noon. That dog business--Oh, -my Dorothy Dale!” she broke in suddenly, “sit right down there, and -tell me that dog story. Jake got the reward!” - -“I’m glad of it----” - -“And I only had five dollars!” - -“But I warned you to do that openly, and not steal the little thing, -as you did. I think five dollars was quite a good sum for that sort of -thing.” - -“But if you had only told me I might have shared the big one hundred,” -persisted Tavia. - -“Tavia,” said Dorothy quite severely, “when you do things that -seriously concern people, as that did Jake, I can’t see why you expect -anything but trouble to come from it. I tell you, it gave _me_ a lot -of worry. Suppose Jean, or Cecilia, or some of the other girls, heard -about it? You know what they would do, and say.” - -“Oh, yes. I would surely have _my_ picture in the _Gleaner_,” Tavia -admitted. “Well, Doro, you got Ned and me out of the scrape, and I -thank you for it. I never want to see a small, white silky dog again -as long as I live. But will you come over to room ten, and break in? -I know Cologne and Annette are conspiring. Jean has her crowd in the -music room, no less. She has an idea she can play the banjo. But it -sounds to me like one of the things you might hear in a laundry--I mean -the tink--tink--tink that the chink--chink--chink plays.” - -“Well, they are determined to do something at any rate, and it occurs -to me that you might pick up your piano work a little closer. We have -to take part in the musicale as well as they.” - -“No, indeed,” Tavia answered, shaking her already tossed head. “I read -the other day that more children become deaf from piano work than from -any other cause, and I’ll take no chance. Besides that, I knew a man in -Dalton who was almost stone deaf from working in a boiler factory, and -if that music room isn’t worse than a boiler factory I’d like to know -it. Well, if you won’t go, I must. I know I’m missing something now,” -and she flitted off as if there was but one thing for a girl to do, and -that was to enjoy herself. - -When there was no danger of her being discovered Dorothy made her way -to Zada’s room, and listened at the door. Yes, she was still sobbing -bitterly, and with a whisper, and a slight knock, Dorothy asked to be -admitted. - -There was the little one--the smallest girl in the school--packing up -her things! - -“What are you doing, Zada?” asked Dorothy in surprise. “You must not -think of leaving school!” - -“But I can’t stay,” she sobbed. “I am going to write a letter to Mrs. -Pangborn and--I--am going--to run away!” - -“Zada! Run away!” - -“Yes. I know how to get home if it is away down South. And I never -would have believed,” she rubbed her eyes, “that there could be such -treacherous school girls! If only I had known you better, first.” - -It flashed before Dorothy’s mind that the Jean Faval club had perhaps -made a tool of this child. But how to remedy it now? How to convince -her that even at Glenwood all things might be made right? Had not -Dorothy studied to save Tavia from serious trouble through a number -of terms? Now Tavia was able, or ought to be able, to take care of -herself, and here was poor little Zada rubbing her eyes out! - -“I’ll tell you, dear,” Dorothy began, “I have found that some girls -cannot get along away from home without keeping up trouble for other -girls. They do not mean to have things go so wrong. It’s almost a -habit--this plotting and scheming against those of the other sets. Do -be sensible, and just rest your head down there, while I hang up your -things again. You will feel entirely different in the morning.” - -The small, dark head did fall back on the pillow, and Dorothy talked -cheerily as she put the things in the closet, and closed the trunk. - -“Perhaps if I told you,” began Zada, starting to sob again. - -“No, you are not to tell me,” insisted Dorothy. “You have worried -enough. If necessary I will ask to have you excused from class -to-morrow, so don’t think about your lessons.” - -[Illustration: - - “WHAT ARE YOU DOING, ZADA?” ASKED DOROTHY IN SURPRISE. - _Dorothy Dale’s School Rivals Page_ 147] - -There was something so comforting about Dorothy. Perhaps a great deal -of charm came from her pretty personality, for Dorothy was not the sort -of girl to “peach,” in the usual sense of the word, and, in spite of -that, she did help so much. - -“Oh, I do feel better,” admitted Zada. “I guess I was lonely. I can’t -bear to go with the other girls, and since I started in with them, I -feel I have no right to be with the Glens.” - -“Indeed you have, and I am going to see that you join at the very next -meeting. The Glens are the originals--the others ‘break out’ every -year, as Tavia would say.” - -The eyes that were red from tears now looked weary, and Dorothy knew -that in a little while perhaps even dreams of her trouble would not -disturb Zada. She waited until the Southern girl was ready to retire, -and then left her, wondering what could be the worry that would work -such havoc in her friend’s mind. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -A SCHEME THAT FAILED - - -A whole week had passed, when, one evening, there was noticeably a -great hurry among the girls to finish supper. Whispering was more -popular than dessert, and glances were being shot like hot fire from -one to another of those near enough to interpret them. - -“Oh, she won’t go,” Tavia told Ned. “Better not tell her anything about -it, or we won’t get there either.” - -“But she has been so blue----” - -“Ned,” interrupted Tavia, “if you are going to be on my staff do not -argue. I cannot stand insubordination.” - -“That means that you are going to get me into more trouble, Tavia,” -Edna got a chance to say. “Really I don’t like the thing at all.” - -“Miss it then,” replied Tavia tersely. “But it’s a chance of a -lifetime.” - -“And Dorothy not to know----” - -“I tell you that would spoil it all. You know Dorothy’s idea of a -thing like that. Now I’m going upstairs. The ‘T’s’ are making eyes at -one another, until there is danger of eye-lock and that’s as bad as -lock-jaw. Be sure to leave as soon as you seen Jean look at her watch. -I’ll be there.” - -It was almost dark, and against the rules for the girls to leave the -grounds at that time, but, in spite of that, a shuffling of feet down -the outside stairway told of a venture unusual. - -Not a word was spoken until some of the girls had safely passed outside -the gate. - -“Oh, I’m just scared to death,” breathed one. - -“Nothing to be afraid of,” came in Jean’s voice. “If you don’t want the -fun you may go back.” - -“Oh! what was that?” exclaimed another. “I saw something dart across -the street!” - -“Rabbits,” replied the girl in the raincoat. - -“Don’t you suppose she will ever tell?” asked Cecilia Reynolds. - -“And lose her trade? It isn’t likely,” and they scurried along. - -“How do you know she’s good?” asked one as she stumbled over a string -of bushes. - -“She has a crystal ball,” said Jean. “_They_ are all good!” - -“We’ll be good if we get back before study hour is over. It’s all right -though, when Dorothy Dale did not get to hear of it. I’m just crazy to -know something.” - -“We all are--you goose. That’s why we are risking our reports.” - -A few minutes later the girls were crowded into a dingy little room -where Madame Shebad had arranged to tell their fortunes. - -It was, of course, Jean’s idea, for Glenwood was rather dull for a -girl who had been accustomed to the city life that Jean Faval left to -“finish up” at a fashionable school. Only a musty curtain divided the -parts of the fortune teller’s cabin, and, one at a time of course, the -girls were to go behind this and get dizzy, gazing into the big, glass -ball, made in an Ohio glass factory, but supposed to come from some -other mysterious place, not on the maps of this good government. - -“You go first,” begged a girl who was really first in line. - -“Come in proper turns, please,” said a voice from inside the curtain, -and the timid one started. - -“Let me have your hand,” commanded the same, lazy voice. - -The hand trembled visibly, and the fortune teller was clever enough to -say that the girl had a very nervous temperament! - -“But you are talented,” she added shrewdly, “and you will get on in -life. I see you on a ship--you are going on a long journey, and when -you return you will be strong and well.” - -So she went on, while Tillie (for it was she) shook more every moment, -not alone because of the strained position she sat in, with her hand in -that of the woman’s, and her eyes glued to the ball, but because she -was worrying about getting back to school. - -Several other girls went through the same sing-song fortune telling -with the slight variations of letters coming, and light and dark -friends of different grades and different shades. - -Then it was Cecilia Reynolds’ turn. - -“You are a leader,” the fortune teller told Cissy, noting that she -carried a small purse, “but beware of a very light and pretty girl -(Dorothy, of course). She has a way of making people think she is fond -of them, but this is all for her own ends. I see----” and she paused -significantly, “a child--a little dark girl. She cries! What is the -matter with her? What has she done?” - -Zada! Those who listened back of the curtains were dumbfounded. - -“She has done something she regrets very much, and she wants to tell -this light girl. Her home is far away, and she will soon return to it. -Who told her to do that thing?” - -The woman gave this chance to take effect, and, while doing so, took a -fresh stick of gum. Cecilia looked on the glass. The woman came back -to it, and almost kissed it, as she pretended to look deeper into its -depths. - -“Yes, and there is trouble,” she rumbled, “much trouble. But it isn’t -well to foresee trouble,” and she sighed as if that “trouble” would -break her own heart. - -Cecilia was very restless. It would get late in spite of all -calculations. - -It was now Jean Faval’s turn. She walked in as if used to such scenes, -had her glove off in advance, and handed out her hand as mechanically -as if offering it to a manicurist. - -The woman looked at her very sharply, and it was some moments before -she spoke. - -“The lines are crossed,” she said finally, “and so is your life to -be. You have a great will, but you do not allow it to have its proper -control. Your ambition is--money, and what about a letter? Who wrote -the torn letter?” - -She looked from the glass ball straight into Jean’s eyes, but the -latter never flinched. - -“Have you any questions to ask?” the woman inquired. - -Jean hesitated. Then she said: “When will I get my answer to that -letter? Is there anything in it?” - -“No,” said the teller sharply. “The answer will surprise you very much. -Don’t be too sure (common advice). But this very night you will dream. -That dream is the answer to your letter.” - -There was a perceptible titter from some place. - -Then the seance was over! - -Such a prattle, and such confusion as reigned among that party of girls -as they hurried back to Glenwood! - -Jean alone was silent. How did that woman guess about her letter? And -she had warned her to be careful. Well, she would wait for a time at -least. She would say nothing at school about Major Dale! - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -A MISHAP - - -“For once we did something without being found out,” one of the “T’s” -remarked, trying to get her breath as they reached the hall. - -“Humph!” sniffed Jean. “It’s easy enough to have a little fun once in a -while. Boys always manage it.” - -“And to think that not one of the Glens knew about it! That’s what -makes me feel good,” said Tillie. - -“They don’t know everything,” again retorted Jean. “If they did----” -she stopped short. The words on her lips she felt she should not speak. -The influence of the crafty fortune teller was too strong for her. - -Recreation hour, as well as study hour, had passed, and some of the -more timid truants began to fear for the next day’s work. What happened -when they reached their own rooms was that lights were kept burning -very late, and the fun of running away began to dwindle. - -Dorothy had been writing letters when suddenly Edna almost burst into -her room. - -“Oh, Dorothy!” she gasped, “the awfulest thing has happened. Tavia is -hurt!” - -“Hurt! How? Where?” and Dorothy turned pale. - -“She is out on the road and I cannot get her in. If we are found to -have been off the grounds, and it’s so dark now----” - -She stopped, panting and frightened. - -“Why were you off the grounds?” demanded Dorothy, while she hastily got -into a sweater to go to the rescue of Tavia. - -“Oh, I can’t tell you! It’s a real secret, not a foolish one. If only -we could get Jake to carry her in! But I couldn’t go to the barn alone.” - -“Come and show me where she is,” commanded Dorothy, “and I do hope you -girls will get a little sense soon,” she added. There was no anger in -her voice, but it shook with apprehension. - -It was not easy to get through the hall unnoticed, and, when at last -the grounds were reached, both girls drew a breath of relief. - -“What happened?” Dorothy asked. - -“We were hurrying back, and she tripped over something. Maybe she only -turned her ankle, but she cannot move.” - -It was just outside the gate that they found the suffering girl. She -seemed to be in great pain, and begged to be taken to her room quickly, -“even if she had to be expelled for going out.” - -“If you will stay two minutes here with Edna,” said Dorothy, “I’ll get -Jake. I saw a light in the stable a moment ago.” - -“But you won’t go up that path alone!” cried Edna. “Through all those -bushes!” - -“I’m not afraid of bushes,” replied Dorothy. “I am only afraid that you -will both be found out. There’s a faculty meeting to-night. That’s one -blessing.” - -Edna took Tavia’s hand in hers, and tried to soothe her while Dorothy -was away. Presently the latter returned with Jake. - -“You won’t tell on us, Jake, will you?” Dorothy asked before the man -had a chance to see what he could do for Tavia. - -“Tell on you? No, young ones must have a lark once in a while, and as -long as you were not stealing any more dogs----” - -“Can you carry her?” Dorothy interrupted, more practically. - -“As easy as a bundle of hay,” replied he. “Only show me what’s hurt, so -I can keep away from it.” - -“It’s my ankle,” groaned Tavia. “Oh my, what luck! And just when I -wanted to be spry!” - -Why she wanted to be spry was not apparent, but it was taken for -granted that Tavia always wanted to be that way. Jake picked her up in -the dark, for a lantern was out of the question in keeping secrecy. - -Dorothy and Edna led the way, and kept watch that no one appeared along -the path. Finally they got safely to the side stairway. As Dorothy -said, the teachers were at a meeting, and Edna knew, but did not tell, -that the girls to be feared were too busy making up lost time to be -outside. - -“Here we are,” Dorothy whispered, as, at last, Room Nineteen was -reached. - -Jake laid Tavia down carefully on the couch, and with his finger on his -lips to indicate the good-night he feared to express, he took himself -off. - -Tavia suppressed her groans with difficulty. That foot did hurt! - -“Let me see,” said Dorothy. “Edna, get out the witch-hazel. And you -will find a bandage in the little box at the side of the closet.” - -Edna obeyed, while Dorothy undertook to make the necessary examination. - -“I think you just turned on it,” she said, “but that’s bad enough. I’ll -bind it up tight, and perhaps it will be all right, or nearly so, in -the morning. But what took you out? I heard a lot of the girls coming -in late.” - -“That was what took us out,” answered Tavia evasively. “We didn’t care -to be in all alone.” - -She might have winked at Edna, but Dorothy had just turned to get the -bandage and so the wink was safe if it was there. - -“Ned, you had better clear out,” Tavia suggested, as the ankle was done -up like a bobbin. “We might be discovered yet. I heard Cummings cough, -and that always means trouble.” - -“All right. I’m glad enough to do so,” said Edna, “I may have nervous -prostration as a result of this, but that’s more respectable than -an ankle hurt, and does not have to be hidden,” and with a word to -Dorothy, to call her if Tavia went into any more trouble, Edna was -stepping through the hall as lightly as a professional nurse. - -“You seem to have a great many secrets lately,” Dorothy said to Tavia -when they were alone. “Is Edna so much more than I?” - -“Now, Doro,” and Tavia turned her brown eyes full upon the blue ones. -“You know better. But Ned is a sport, and you are too careful. I just -have to watch the ‘T’s’ or they would swoop down on us in the night, -and at least carry _you_ off.” - -“If I do not hear from father in the morning,” said Dorothy, turning -the subject abruptly, “I am going to telegraph. I can’t rest thinking -what may be happening. And little Joe in an office!” - -“Am I not trouble enough for to-night?” asked Tavia. “Surely you can -let the Investment company go, in the sight of my agony. But wasn’t -Jake good, after all the dog business?” - -“Yes, Jake _is_ good, and I tell you he saved you a lot of trouble. -Only to-day Mrs. Pangborn had new notices put up in the hall warning -the girls not to leave the grounds after dark, as there are many -strangers in the village. But I suppose you never took the trouble to -notice them.” - -“I know better than to do so. If I read the rules I’d be gray. They are -purely ornamental to me.” - -“And you won’t tell me where you went? This may come up, you know,” -Dorothy cautioned, “and, like a lawyer, if you expect help from me, I -have to understand the case.” - -“I’ll tell you some day--not far off Doro,” replied the other, “but I -don’t mind saying I never had a better hour’s fun in my life.” - -“Glad you enjoyed yourself,” Dorothy retorted. “I had to write to the -Dalton folks, and, of course, make my letter both yours and mine. I -can’t bear them to think that you never remember them.” - -“But I do! I am worried to death about answering their letters. Did you -tell them to cease corresponding with me?” - -“Not in so many words,” said Dorothy, “but I _did_ say you were awfully -busy trying to have a good time, getting into mischief. Well, if you -want me to pour some more witch-hazel on that ankle I will do so. Then -I would like to go to bed.” - -“Pour away; only be careful not to have it go through the mattress. I -hid a red box under it and the color might rub off.” - -“A red box?” - -“Yes, I just took it from Cologne because she wouldn’t share. I’m going -to give it back in the morning, so you needn’t look so shocked. It was -almost empty, and I guess she wanted the box. I took the few scraps of -mints that were in it,” and Tavia pulled off her hair ribbon, which -sign meant she intended to go to sleep. - -Tavia was soon sleeping, and Dorothy gently took the box from under the -mattress, and opening it she found a note, with the name “Madam Shebad” -scrawled across the corner. - -Dorothy was perplexed, but carefully returned the box to its hiding -place, sorry she had touched it. - -The witch-hazel would not go through--and she had supposed the box -empty as Tavia had said. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -THE THREAT OF THE “T’S” - - -A very early morning caller at Room Nineteen was Cologne, the president -of the Glens. She carried a note for Dorothy to read. It was from the -“T’s.” - -Cologne was surprised at seeing Tavia not able to be up, for the hope -of recovery was not fulfilled. - -“Why!” she exclaimed, “whatever is the matter, Tavia?” Tavia stuck out -the bandaged foot. “How did it happen?” - -“It occurred,” said Tavia, “and you are never to think of it again. -The trouble is limited to me, and I am bound to see it through without -worrying others.” - -“Noble sentiments,” said Cologne, “but involved. If that foot could but -speak----” - -“I would choke it,” said Tavia. “_I_ do the talking for this concern. -But what is your note about? The letter?” - -“Yes. It was slipped under my door, sometime between night and -morning,” said Cologne. “Let me read it.” - -Dorothy sat down to listen. She had been busy tidying up--doing the -“upstairs work” as Tavia said. - -“It is signed like a threat,” began Cologne, “for there is some sort of -foolish mark, with a lot of others tagged on. It says: - - “You are hereby warned to make no reports to the teachers - about the members of the ‘T’s.’ We have in our possession such - knowledge as would send the pet of the Glens home sick, but are - willing to withhold it if you will promise us immunity.” - -“Now what do you think of that?” burst out Tavia. “Immunity! Aren’t -they deep-dyed!” - -“But send--the pet home----” and Dorothy turned pale. “They call _me_ -that in sarcasm!” - -“As if they could know anything against you,” said Cologne loyally. “I -will answer that, and tell them we will promise them nothing, but will -add the threat to our report if they make any further insinuations.” - -Dorothy looked very serious. She said--thinking of Jean Faval’s letter -in a Marsall Investment Company envelope: “Perhaps it would be best -not to antagonize them. It won’t cost us anything to wait.” - -“It costs us this slur at you,” said Cologne defiantly. “And not one of -the committee will have it so.” - -“If you say I wish it?” pleaded Dorothy. And something in her voice -told Cologne that all was not right. - -“Why, Dorothy, is there really anything wrong? Tell me?” she begged, -and she took up the trembling hand that lay on the chair arm. - -“Not wrong?” she answered, “but we--have some financial dangers at -home. Here, it seems, _that_--is wrong!” - -Tavia was winking and blinking at Cologne, but could not get her -attention. Finally, under pretense of stretching her well foot, she -managed to reach Cologne with it. - -“Let them alone, and they’ll come home,” she whispered. “They have -troubles enough, poor lambs. But what’s to be done about this hoof? I -can’t get to class?” - -Dorothy seemed to have lost interest in the sore ankle. She was looking -blankly at the rug. - -“Why, you have a good excuse,” Cologne said to Tavia. “You can’t get to -class.” - -“If you know of a good excuse, will you please produce it? Remember I -am a member of the Glens in good standing,” said Tavia. - -“Your foot,” replied Cologne. - -“But what happened to my foot?” went on Tavia. - -“Oh, I see. Something happened that did not happen. Well, there’s a -hole in the rug just at your door. How’s that?” - -“The cream!” exclaimed Tavia, “if you will pardon the slang. Dorothy, I -did trip in that hole, when I went out.” - -“Send your own excuse,” replied Dorothy. “I am busy with my personal -worries to-day.” - -This was very unlike Dorothy, but Tavia understood it. - -“Well, I must go,” said Cologne. “And I am sorry, Doro, that you -refuse to sanction our terms of war. Cecilia Reynolds has been simply -unbearable these last few days, and Jean Faval is getting wrinkled from -spite. However, I’ll report, and let you know. By the way, will you -fetch Zada to-night? She has been nominated?” - -“If I go,” said Dorothy, “but I--may not. It depends.” - -“And Cologne,” said Tavia, “will you send Ned to me at noon? I have -some instructions for her.” - -“Of course,” said the president of the Glens. “But don’t be too hard -on Ned. She is not as reckless as you,” with a sharp glance at the girl -on the bed. - -When she had gone Dorothy turned to Tavia. - -“I am sure,” she said, “that threat from the ‘T’s’ means father’s -trouble. I will have to leave you to take care of yourself, while I go -to the station. I must know.” - -“Why don’t you wait for the mail?” suggested Tavia. “You may get word -that everything is all right.” - -“I have been waiting for mail after mail, and I feel now that Jean -Faval knows more of the affair than I do. I cannot stand this suspense -longer.” - -“Well, if you run across Ned, be sure to send her to me. I am scared -to death that Cummings will come in and find me. I have got to get my -excuse ready, and you know what a beauty I am at fixing a clear story. -I am going to make Ned do it for me, since you won’t.” - -“If you told me how it happened, I might be able to do so, but, since -you and Edna wish to keep the secret, of course I won’t interfere,” -said Dorothy. - -“Just as you like, but----” - -Tavia was interrupted by a slight knock at the door, and the next -moment Edna was in the room. - -“Oh, there is a dreadful time downstairs!” she began, without a good -morning. “An investigation! Every girl who left the grounds last night -has been called to the court room!” - -“I knew something was going on last night,” Dorothy said. “I do hope -none of our girls are to blame.” - -“They are not,” said Tavia, in a most positive way, “and I hope the -‘T’s’ get all that’s coming to them.” - -“But you were out,” said Dorothy. - -“We can prove an _alibi_,” went on Tavia. “I hurt my foot in the -hall--that hole that Cologne spoke of.” - -“Tavia!” Dorothy reproved. - -“Oh, if it will make you feel better, Ned will drag me to the hole and -I will fall over it now, but really I cannot see the necessity. Do they -miss me, Ned?” - -“If you would give me a chance to speak I’d be glad to tell you that -Mrs. Pangborn sent me up here to summon you at once with the others. -She does seem to suspect us, somehow.” - -“That’s her wicked mind,” said Tavia jokingly. “But, Ned, you have got -to go and tell her about my accident. Dorothy refuses.” - -“Tavia, I have told you I would do all I could for you, if I really -understood what to do.” - -“Then listen. This is the real truth. Edna--note I only say Edna when -I am deadly in earnest--she and I went off the grounds last night, on -an errand of mercy. Honest, Dorothy, we were not with the others, and -we went out to help a girl who needed our help. Now will you make my -excuse?” - -“I believe you, girls, complicated as the matter is,” declared Dorothy. -“And I will go to Mrs. Pangborn. But I insist on telling her how your -foot was hurt. If she wants to know more of it you will have to tell it -all, I suppose,” she finished desperately. - -Edna sat there trembling with excitement. She would be all right if -only Tavia were able to lead her, but alone, Edna was very timid. - -“Oh, I can trust you to fix it, Doro,” Tavia said, with relief in her -voice, “Ned would be sure to spoil it.” - -“Thanks,” said Edna, “and I have to get back. What shall I say?” - -“Don’t say a word until you are quizzed,” Tavia advised. “They might -get tired, or sick, or something, before they get to you.” - -With the new perplexities Dorothy again felt obliged to put off the -message to her father. “Perhaps,” she thought, “it is as well. I might -only alarm them. But that threat to our club----” - -Edna went with her to the office, where the investigation was to be -conducted. - -“Isn’t it awful!” she said. “But really, Dorothy, we are _not_ in the -scrape with the others, although we seem to be in a scrape of our own!” - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -THE INVESTIGATION - - -Mrs. Pangborn, stately and handsome, occupied the chair at her desk in -front of which were assembled her pupils. Her secretary was with her, -as were the teachers of the higher grades. Everyone felt the solemn -moment when Miss Eastbrook was asked to call the roll. - -Of the two higher grades every girl responded to her name except Tavia. - -Then the principal said: - -“I have been notified that a number of you young ladles visited a -fortune teller last evening for the purpose of having your fortunes -told. Now, let everyone who was off these grounds after tea time stand -up.” - -Poor Edna was with the “standers.” - -“Please, Miss Eastbrook, mark these names as I put the question,” said -Mrs. Pangborn. - -Then came the examination. Ten of the girls answered to the question: -“Did you go to that place to have your fortune told?” - -When this query was put to Edna, of course, she answered in the -negative. Dorothy was greatly relieved, for, in spite of Tavia’s -affirmation, she feared the girls had been up to some trick. - -The affair was one of the most serious of escapades that had ever -occurred at Glenwood, and, when Jean Faval and her crowd owned to the -offence, the face of Mrs. Pangborn might easily be read as suppressing -deep indignation. - -“The young ladies will go to their rooms,” she said, “and positively -remain there until this matter is settled.” - -That of course meant the culprits--all others were exonerated. - -It took but a short time for the girls to leave, and when the room was -practically cleared Dorothy approached the much-troubled principal. - -“I must speak for Tavia Travers, Mrs. Pangborn,” she said. “She was -off the grounds, too, but did not have her fortune told. She turned -her ankle, and is not able to stand on it. The accident kept her from -getting in on time.” - -“Very well, Dorothy,” replied the lady. “I am really glad that none -of the older pupils--those who have been here longest--have been so -unruly. Tell Tavia she may have a doctor if she needs one, and I will -send a teacher to attend to her, as soon as it is possible for me to -collect my thoughts. I cannot tolerate such an unruly element. And -only yesterday I had special notices posted in the corridors,” and the -principal pressed her hand to her head. - -“I am very sorry,” Dorothy said, “but perhaps these new girls did not -realize the discipline of our school.” - -“That is the difficulty--to _make_ them realize it. By the way, how -is my little friend, Zada? I have not had a chance to talk with her -lately.” - -Dorothy hesitated. Then she said: “Zada is happier now than she has -been for some time. She is so sensitive--and the new girls seemed to -claim her.” - -“Well, dear,” Mrs. Pangborn replied, “I would rather she would -associate with those who know the school better. But if she is happy -I am satisfied. Her mother is very ill, and it is important that Zada -shall be away from home for a while.” - -It was quite like the old days for Dorothy to be alone, talking with -Mrs. Pangborn, for many a time she had before approached her in some -one’s behalf. For the moment Dorothy’s fears of leaving Glenwood were -forgotten. The school was a second home to her, and to finish its -course one of the hopes of her young life. - -“Tell Tavia not to worry,” said the principal in finishing the -interview. “Also say to her, that I am glad she was not with those -silly girls who went to have their fortunes told,” this last with a -scornful smile at the idea of “fortune telling.” - -Dorothy went back to Tavia, and found Edna with her. The two were so -happy over their escape, and likely a little happy that the others did -not escape, that Tavia had ventured to stand on the strained foot, and -make her way to the box where the sweets were kept. - -“Doro, you are a brick,” she said with more meaning than English. “I -never could have gotten out of it. You ought to take up law. You are a -born Portia.” - -“Thank you,” said Dorothy quietly. “Mrs. Pangborn said she will send up -some one to see how much you are hurt. She also said----” - -“Back to bed,” Tavia interrupted quickly. “I am so ill I shall not -be able to go to class for days. And that will cover the first exam -nicely. Now, Ned, why didn’t you break your neck, so you could be laid -up?” - -“What do you suppose will happen to the others?” asked Edna, not -noticing Tavia’s remark. “Do you suppose they will be suspended?” - -“I am sure I don’t know,” Dorothy said, “but Mrs. Pangborn feels -dreadfully. That fortune teller is a woman of very low character.” - -“She certainly is,” said Tavia, with a pronounced wink at Edna. “I -would not let her tell _my_ fortune.” - -“And the girls are all so excited over the things she did tell them,” -Dorothy continued. “Why, some of them say she told the positive truth.” - -“Good for her!” exclaimed Tavia. “She really ought to tell the truth, -once in a while. I find it that way myself. But I wish I could have -seen Jean, when the court-martial was in progress. I shouldn’t wonder -but she will suggest that the girls jump out of their windows. She -can’t stand Glenwood. I wonder where she was brought up, anyhow? I -can’t say anything about woods, but our woods were--green, I fancy -she used to ride a bronco in Arizona. Not that I wouldn’t like that, -either.” - -“There’s the mail,” said Dorothy anxiously, “I hope I have a letter.” - -“Oh, you will--you always do. I am the one neglected,” Tavia said as -Dorothy left the room. “Now, Ned, be careful. Doro is not to know. -Didn’t fate favor us? That’s because, I suppose, that for once we were -on the right side. And the others in chains! And me with a limp! Ned, -couldn’t you pour some of that stuff on my foot? It gets very hot when -I get gay.” - -“You will have to have the doctor,” Edna declared, “and I shouldn’t be -surprised if a committee of the Glens came to wait on you at recess. -They simply cannot get over the fact that you and I were not in the -scrape.” - -“Don’t blame them, but we were not. Where we were is not for them to -know. Can I trust you, Ned, when I am not along?” - -“Indeed I am only too glad to get off this far, but I keep thinking it -will all come out. If it does----” - -“We’ll load it on poor Doro. She’ll get us out of it, as she always -does. With my brain, if I only had a trace of Doro’s character, I would -make the world stand up and ignore the sun,” said Tavia. - -By this time Dorothy had returned with her mail. Her pretty face was -clouded, and she avoided the gaze of Tavia and Edna. - -“What’s the news?” asked Tavia. - -“Nothing very special,” she replied, putting her letter away. “There’s -the bell. Edna, you and I, and the other good ones, are expected to -answer questions as usual,” she said, whereat Edna jumped up and left -the room. - -“Father wrote,” said Dorothy to Tavia, when they were alone, “that I -was not to worry, that things would surely straighten themselves out. -Now is that not the very thing to make one worry?” - -“It would put me fast to sleep,” declared Tavia, “but of course, I have -not your fine instinct to scent danger. You ought to go stealing dogs -with me, or breaking your ankles. That’s the sort of thing that knocks -nerves out of joint. Doro, I am sure I hear Jean jumping out of the -window!” - -“Don’t be absurd,” Dorothy said. “I guess Jean has better sense than to -get further into trouble. Well, I must go to class. Be sure, whoever -comes to look after you, that you are at least civil.” - -“That depends,” sauced Tavia. “If Higley comes I’ll plead smallpox to -scare her off. She would sprain my other ankle.” - -Dorothy went down the hall, and, as she passed Room Ten, Cologne was -just coming out of her door. - -“What do you think?” exclaimed the latter. “That Jean Faval blames -us for telling about last night! Why, we never even knew about it, -Dorothy! Can’t we do something to squelch her? She is ringleader of a -crowd of insurgents, and they are all against us.” - -“Or against me,” said Dorothy with a mock smile. “I think, Cologne, if -we let them go for a while, it will be better for me at least.” - -And her friends wondered what could have come over Dorothy Dale. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -JEAN AGAIN - - -A week passed, and Dorothy heard nothing further about her father’s -business troubles. Tavia’s ankle mended, and she declared that she had -never missed a foot so much in all her life. - -The disgrace of Jean and her friends, in having been disciplined for -their escapade, also vanished, and the ringleader was now as fearless -as ever. - -Occasionally Tavia would pat herself on her back, and say to Dorothy: - -“You can’t imagine our luck! I will never get over it.” - -But Dorothy knew no more than before what Tavia referred to, although -she did suggest that Tavia might go up to the stable, and thank Jake -for his part in her escape. - -It was one rainy morning, when the girls would not reasonably think -of venturing out of doors, that Jean fixed herself for the storm and -started for the post-office. This meant that she had mail which she did -not wish to go in with that of the school. - -She rushed along and in the gully, as she took the shortest cut across -the woods, she saw approaching her a woman--the fortune teller! - -In spite of Jean’s hurry the woman overtook her, and, slouching up to -the narrow path, demanded Jean to stop. - -“I can’t,” Jean replied, “I have only a few minutes in which to get to -the post-office.” - -“But my business is more important than mailing a letter,” said the -woman. “I know you--I know all about you, and if you do not pay me well -with the money which you spend so easily on candy, I will expose you at -your school!” - -For a moment Jean was startled, then, recovering her presence of mind, -she said: - -“There is nothing that anyone can know of me that would injure my -reputation. Let me pass!” - -“No, my fine young lady; I will not let you pass until you give me a -dollar out of that shiny purse,” sneered the woman. “Do you suppose I -do not know enough to have you expelled from Glenwood?” - -“I don’t care what you know,” exclaimed Jean with ill temper. “But if -you detain me longer I will let the town officer know what sort of -place _you_ conduct. How did you know about me and my letter? How did -you tell my fortune?” - -“From my ball, of course,” said the woman. “How else could I tell? And -I remember it. You are to be careful about the girl you hate. If you -say one word against her, you will be the one who will suffer. Give me -my dollar.” - -Jean was now perplexed. Plainly if she did not humor the woman she -would be late for class, and she could not well risk a second offence -after that which had caused her so much indignity. - -“Will you promise to tell me how you knew about that letter if I give -you a dollar?” she asked. - -“Yes, indeed, I will,” the woman answered. - -Jean opened her purse, and handed out a dollar bill. - -“Now tell me,” she demanded. - -The fortune teller fingered the dollar greedily. - -“I knew about it--because I saw it in my ball. Tell the other girls -that and Shebad’s luck will turn.” - -Jean scowled at her, but did not deign to answer. She ran on quickly -to the post-office, but her mind went faster than her steps. Somehow, -the woman held an influence over her. She could tell nothing of Dorothy -Dale’s father’s business! What could it matter? What could happen if -she did? Yet she feared to do so. - -At the post-office she found, as she expected, a registered letter -awaiting her. She signed the book nervously, and without opening the -missive, raced back through the woods. - -If only she could find out where Edna and Tavia were on the night of -the fortune telling! And how had Tavia hurt her foot? Perhaps the -fortune teller knew! - -There she was--across the marsh. Jean would just run over and ask her. -She glanced at her watch. Yes, she had fifteen minutes. Picking her -steps through the damp woods Jean hurried to the woman who was sitting -down, evidently nursing that dollar. - -The old fortune teller glanced up, as she saw the girl coming. - -“What now?” she asked indifferently. - -“I want to ask you a question,” replied Jean nervously. - -“I have not my ball,” demurred the woman. - -“But it is not about myself,” said Jean. “I want to know can you tell -me, how a girl--a brown-haired and brown-eyed girl--hurt her foot on -the night that we--came to your place?” - -This was news to Madam Shebad--news that she might turn into money! - -“What are her initials?” she asked. - -“T. T.,” replied Jean. - -The woman looked serious. “Let me see your hand,” she said. - -“But it has nothing to do with me,” insisted Jean. “And I have to hurry -back, or I shall be late.” - -“Can’t you induce the girl to come to me?” the pretender asked. - -“I am afraid not,” said Jean. “She is not a friend of mine.” - -“Then I will tell you this. If you come to me any time before nightfall -I will look into my ball, and find out what you want to know. It never -fails.” - -Jean ran off without replying. If she should be late! - -So many things seemed to detain her. There was that cripple paper-boy. -She had to take his paper, and wait for change. Then, at the little -bridge, there was the cowboy with his cows, and they were so slow in -crossing. After all it was a very nervous thing to do, to disobey -rules. She would not risk it again. - -The bell rang as she turned into the gate. She was breathless, and -could not hide her confusion. Cologne had been out getting some -berries. She saw Jean, and, Jean thought, looked at her rather -suspiciously. That is the price of wrong-doing--always suspecting -others. - -“Hello! there!” called out Cologne defiantly. “Been out doing -nature-work?” - -It was cruel of Cologne, but she could not resist. - -“Yes, human nature,” replied Jean sarcastically. “And I found a fine -specimen.” - -“Good,” said Cologne. “Be sure to produce it at class for we have gone -stone dry.” - -Jean was getting desperate. Everything went wrong with her, and all -her plans to make a great “splurge” at school were falling flat. Her -secret club could not be depended upon--she suspected everyone. While -never the brightest of scholars, she had lately been so distracted that -her lessons were not only neglected, but seemed to be too much for her -tortured mind. - -One thing only she never failed in, and that was in the matter of -dress. Her pride in her personal appearance was a part of her very -nature, but Jean, to-day, wished heartily that she could go home! - -Home! She rarely thought of that. Her mother--Jean sighed heavily when -the thought pressed itself upon her. Somehow, that fortune teller -always made her gloomy. She would never see her again. With such a -confusion of thoughts she entered the classroom. - -Tavia had gotten back, and could not resist giving her a sharp glance. -Dorothy was busy with her books--she was pale, but the sun shone -through her hair, and cast a beautiful glow about her. - -Little Zada was so bent over that she seemed a part of her desk. She -had to work hard now to make up for the time lost in worry. - -All the girls were in their seats when Jean entered the room. Why did -they all seem to question her with looks? - -“Miss Faval,” said Miss Cummings, the English teacher, “you are ten -minutes late. This is a day for hard work, and we cannot afford to lose -a moment. Please get to your lesson at once.” - -Jean looked obediently at the teacher’s desk. Yes, she would get to -work at once. - -But somehow her head did not feel just right. She took out her books, -and bravely tried to conquer her stupid feelings. - -Suddenly the floor moved--her desk moved--and then--Jean Faval fell in -a dead faint! - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -TEACHERS - - -Mrs. Pangborn was not a woman to allow her pupils too much liberty--she -felt the very responsibility of a mother, and, following Jean’s -break-down, she at once started a personal investigation of the girl’s -doings on the morning when she came late into the classroom. - -She found out that Jean had gone to the post-office. One of the -gardeners had seen her cross to where the fortune teller sat in the -woods. Then, someone else remembered that she had seen her run all the -way up the path. Mrs. Pangborn determined that this fortune teller -should be put out of the place, as she was plainly an evil influence. - -Taking the simplest and most reasonable course first, the principal of -Glenwood found her way to the cabin of the alleged fortune teller. - -Her dignity seemed offended, as she stepped into the ill-smelling -room. Madam Shebad was not so stupid as to think that she had, in the -white-haired woman, a customer, but, nevertheless, she was equal to -the occasion. - -“I have come to complain,” began Mrs. Pangborn without preliminaries, -“about your receiving my pupils here for the purpose of telling -fortunes. Those young ladies are in my charge. I am responsible for -them to their parents, and if you again allow them to come here I shall -have to make known your business to the proper officials. I suppose you -know it is against the law.” - -“I never told any fortunes to your girls,” said the woman. “I told them -the truth. If they would tell you the truth, they would bear me out.” - -“I did not come to discuss your methods,” said the principal, “but just -to say to you that I will not allow my girls to visit this place----” - -“But I would like to tell you,” interrupted the woman, “that I only -told those girls what I really knew. I did not tell any fortunes.” - -Mrs. Pangborn stopped to realize what the woman meant. How could -she know, this stranger, such things as she had told those girls, -for, since the happening, bit by bit, information was coming to the -principal that aroused her suspicion. She had heard, for instance, that -the torn letter was mentioned to Jean Faval. Mrs. Pangborn had handled -that letter when it came to Jean, in the regular mail. A maid had -reported that she had seen a letter at Dorothy’s door, but, believing -it to be left there for some one, she had not carried it off in her -cleaning. That was how Tavia came to get it. - -“Will you tell me who informed you of my pupils’ affairs?” Mrs. -Pangborn asked. - -“No, I cannot do that,” replied the woman, “but you may know that some -one did tell me of them.” - -Here was a new problem--some one had come to this woman, and told her -what to tell the girls! Who could it be, and what could have been their -motive in doing so? - -“You see,” said the woman, “you have no charge against me. I did _not -tell any fortunes_!” - -As she understood that this was why the woman had argued simply to -clear herself, Mrs. Pangborn left the place. - -It would not be well, she decided, to make any inquiry just then, -as the girls had been through so many little troubles in the short -term. But she, of course, would have to have them guarded--especially -Jean, Zada and Tavia. She had no fear that Dorothy would do anything -dishonorable. - -Entering the classroom, the greatly respected principal looked about -her. She saw Dorothy busy at her work, she saw Tavia bent over her -books, with one eye on them and the other roaming about. - -The visit of the principal was always regarded as a matter of -importance. Now every pupil sat up straight, and took that opportunity -of resting her eyes from letters. - -“I just want to say, young ladies,” began Mrs. Pangborn, “that I have -been surprised at the liberty some of you have taken, from this school. -I have never felt it necessary before to give out such positive orders. -I do not know who may be to blame, but I will not again excuse any -girl for such lax order and discipline, as might seem to her a fitting -reason for her to visit a common fortune teller! - -“You must all know that there is no such thing as the possibility -of any human being telling of future events. If such a thing were -possible do you not see what a wonderful advantage it would be in the -world’s greatest happenings? I do not think I need go further into -this subject, other than to say that I positively forbid any member of -Glenwood Hall from going to any fortune teller. If I find that any girl -has disobeyed this rule I shall be obliged to dismiss her.” - -A dead silence followed these few words. Tavia’s eyes only might be -seen to show a glow of satisfaction. And yet Tavia had under her -mattress a letter with this Madam Shebad’s name on the corner! - -And no one had yet found out where Tavia and Edna had been when Tavia -sprained her ankle. - -Dorothy’s eyes glowed nervously. Zada looked directly out of the -window, and, as she bit her lips, Mrs. Pangborn wondered why she should -seem so strained. Edna settled all her movements on Tavia, and if the -teachers had called a fire drill, likely Edna would have asked Tavia -what to do before she did anything. - -Jean was still suffering from her collapse, and was not in the -classroom. - -It was a beautiful autumn day, and when she had given her positive -instructions, Mrs. Pangborn thought it might be as well for her classes -to go out into the woods, for the last of the season’s nature work, as -to remain in the room struggling with technicalities. - -Miss Cummings, Miss Hays and Miss Boylan were told to take the classes -to the woods. They were to bring back specimens of the dogwood, the -late flowers of the underbrush, and such varieties of outdoor life as -make the Autumn famous. - -Dorothy was with Zada, Tavia of course was with Edna, and Cologne was -so close to Molly Richards that one could scarcely tell whose sleeves -were blue or whose white. - -“Does any young lady know where to find iron-weed?” asked Miss -Cummings, who was leading the party. - -Iron-weed was as common in Glenwood as the grass itself, and therefore -every girl wanted to go for it in a different direction. Finally it -was agreed that the swamp, near the station, might furnish the best -specimens. - -Cecilia Reynolds and Hazel Mason rushed on ahead, without any regard to -the teacher’s talk, as she tried to instruct the class on varieties of -vegetation, and its relation to humanity. - -Reaching the swamp, all sorts of nature “weeds” were discovered. The -girls, glad to be entirely free from the schoolroom for that beautiful -day, set to digging up roots and bulbs, hunting out frogs and snails, -and doing all the absurd things that students usually do when allowed a -day in the woods. - -“Isn’t it too bad Jean could not be with us,” said Cecilia to Hazel. - -“Yes,” replied Hazel rather doubtfully. “But what makes Jean so bitter -toward the Glens? I think the best girls are in the older club.” - -“Then why don’t you go with them,” replied Cecilia sarcastically. - -“I would if I were eligible. I think Rose,--Mary and Dorothy the very -nicest girls in the school,” said Hazel, just as Molly Richards found a -little red lizard, not more than an inch long, and just cute enough for -a stick pin. - -The lizard was placed upon a flat stone and was, for the time being, -the centre of all attraction. So beautifully red, so small, so -perfect, and just like a pattern for an alligator! - -“It must not be killed,” said Miss Cummings. “We will put it in our -aquarium.” - -“I’ll take it,” offered Tavia, for whom a bug, that could crawl, creep -or fly, had no terrors. - -“Thank you,” said Miss Cummings frigidly, “but I prefer to take care of -it myself.” - -With this she took the tiny terra-cotta crawler on a bit of paper, and -carefully placed it in her handbag. - -Fearful that the insect might die the teacher did not close the bag. - -Have you ever seen a lizard in the woods in Autumn? Do you think you -could keep one in an open handbag? - -The woods were explored to the satisfaction of the teachers, and the -delight of their pupils. Then they all started for the Hall. - -At a little spring house, a shed built over a crystal spring, they -stopped for a drink. Tavia, of course dipped her very nose in the -water; and those who did not intend to do likewise did so without -intending. - -But how beautiful that little strip of woodland road was! No wonder -teachers and pupils lingered. - -Just at the old water-wheel, every one stopped again. Falling leaves -made the spot a painting, and Miss Cummings undertook to explain what -the wheel had been, and what its ruins meant. - -Suddenly she squirmed. Dorothy was nearest her and asked if she could -help her. - -“It’s the lizard!” the instructor declared. “He has gotten out of my -bag and is just now crawling up my arm, inside my sleeve to my collar -bone!” - -“Mercy!” exclaimed Dorothy instinctively! “Do you suppose we can catch -him?” - -“If you do not,” said Miss Cummings, “I shall have a spasm of nerves. I -have heard of fleas, but a lizard----!” - -Her remarks were cut short by the necessity for tracing the progress of -the reptile. He was just under her left arm now. - -“We will have to take your waist off,” said Tavia, overjoyed at the -prospect. - -“Do it quickly,” begged the teacher. “The thing is eating my cuticle.” - -“Which part is that?” asked Tavia, as if she didn’t know. - -They sat the teacher on a tree stump, and it did seem as if more girls -wanted to help get that lizard than could possibly handle just one -woman. - -“Here it is!” shouted Cologne, grabbing something small and soft. - -Miss Cummings was now almost hysterical. - -“It’s worse than a mouse,” muttered Zada. - -“Much worse,” sobbed the afflicted one. - -“Did you get it, Cologne?” asked Dorothy. - -“No, that was a sachet bag. I thought I had it though,” Cologne -answered. - -“Here!” yelled Tavia, as she held out, on the palm of her hand, the -pretty little red lizard. - -“_You_ may bring it back to the aquarium,” said Miss Cummings calmly, -as the three girls tried to hook up her waist. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -A SCRAP OF PAPER - - -“Tavia!” pleaded Dorothy, “Do tell me about that letter father has -written--” she hesitated, “there is grave danger of a great loss to -him. Tell me all you know about it.” - -“All I know about it? Why, Dorothy!” - -“Yes. You did find a letter! It was written to Jean. Tell me Tavia. I -will not wait to know that I must leave school--I am going to-morrow!” - -“Going to-morrow! Then I will go with you,” declared Tavia. “I would -never have seen Glenwood if it had not been for you.” - -The girls were looking over their lessons for the day. Dorothy had just -received a letter from home. Brave as she wished to be, and fearful as -she had been, of that investment company, when her father wrote, in his -careful way, that there might be trouble, Dorothy at once prepared to -go to him, and to her two small brothers. - -“Dorothy, I would have told you but really I felt it was a trick.” - -“A trick! On such a serious matter?” - -“You believe every one to be as noble as yourself,” said Tavia, “but -there are people in this world born without the sense of kindness, or -the instinct of charity. We seem to have a few such girls around here.” - -Dorothy looked fondly at her friend. There was no use trying to use -logic on the subject on which her head and heart were now centered. - -“Tavia, tell me what was in the letter you found at my door! Or I shall -go to Jean, and demand to know.” - -“Never,” said Tavia. “I’ll give you the old letter. It isn’t worth -looking at, and I am sure the writer is a--cheerful--well you would not -let me say fabricator; would you?” - -Tavia went to her desk and soon found the torn script that had so -disturbed her, until she made herself believe that it was some sort of -a forgery. - -“There,” she said, “if Jean did not write that to herself she got -someone else to write it.” - -Dorothy took the paper with trembling hands. Unfortunately Tavia -did not think to cross out the words concerning Major Dale, and the -possibility of his arrest. - -Nerving herself to know all she should know, Dorothy sat down to -decipher the note. Suddenly her eyes fell upon these words: - -“We may have the proud Major in the toils within a short time.” - -Dorothy glanced for a moment at Tavia, and then fled from the room, her -head held high, and her eyes flashing. - -“Goodness!” exclaimed Tavia, “I wonder what she is going to do? I have -always heard that a quiet girl ‘riled’ is worse than I am. But I don’t -believe I will follow her. Dear Doro!” and the frivolous one’s eyes -filled. “I would give anything to save her from all of this.” - -Dorothy, leaving her room, had gone straight to the office of the -principal. Delicate girl that she was, when a question of family honor -arose, she had more courage than some who might boast of power. - -She found Mrs. Pangborn looking over papers. - -“Good morning, Dorothy,” she was kindly greeted. “What’s the trouble -now? For I see trouble in your face.” - -“Yes, Mrs. Pangborn, this is trouble. I fear I shall have to leave -Glenwood.” - -“Leave Glenwood!” exclaimed Mrs. Pangborn. “Why?” - -Then Dorothy told what she could of the tangled affair. Told how the -Major had written that it was now a serious financial question, but for -her to keep up her courage. - -[Illustration: - - DOROTHY TOOK THE PAPER WITH TREMBLING HANDS. - _Dorothy Dale’s School Rivals Page_ 195] - -“It cannot be possible that my old friend Major Dale would do anything -unwise,” said the teacher. “You must have patience child, and not think -of such a thing as leaving school. Why, you are just getting to be one -of our best pupils.” - -In spite of herself Dorothy’s eyes filled. - -“Yes, and I love it here, but I feel it is my duty to be ready to help -father, and I have no idea what I should be able to do in business,” -she replied. - -“Go to business! Your Aunt Winnie would never allow it,” declared the -other. - -“But Aunt Winnie has had a great deal to do lately. She has had to make -a long trip abroad, and then the boys have not finished college yet. I -would insist upon doing my part,” answered the girl very seriously. - -“But if that is all the information you have--that in your father’s -letter----” - -“It is not,” Dorothy admitted. “A letter was found at my door. It was -evidently intended that I should find it. This letter said--father -was--threatened with--arrest!” - -“Arrest! Impossible! What could he have done to deserve such an -indignity?” - -Dorothy drew her hand across her eyes, but did not reply. - -“To whom was the letter addressed?” asked Mrs. Pangborn. - -“To Miss Faval,” replied Dorothy, “and I should not have looked at it -except--I overheard--a remark. Then I knew it contained some serious -news.” - -“Who has that letter now?” - -“I have it. I could not return it to her. I could not risk having it -shown to anyone else.” - -“Will you go and bring it to me? I must see about this. What could Miss -Faval know of your family affairs?” - -“I cannot tell,” replied Dorothy. “But she seems to know a great deal. -Tavia first found an envelope with the name of father’s company on the -corner. Then--this comes.” - -“Well, get me the letter, dear. I shall do all I can, both to help you, -and to help Major Dale. This is certainly a remarkable affair.” - -Dorothy went to her room, and soon returned with the scrap of paper. -She left it with Mrs. Pangborn without further conversation, except -that the principal assured her that there was no need to worry, as -Dorothy had been doing. - -But that word “arrest” would neither leave the heart, head, nor eyes of -the discouraged girl. Tavia did all she could to reassure her, but the -facts were now too apparent to hide, and Dorothy was determined to be -prepared for the worst. - -It took some time for her to feel that she could enter the classroom. -As she took her place, her eyes met those of Jean Faval, and in the -latter’s was a glance so scornful, and so full of meaning that a shiver -ran through Dorothy. - -Little Zada tugged at Dorothy’s skirt, and, with eyes almost pleading, -whispered: - -“I want to see you at recess. Come out by the lake.” - -Cologne and Molly Richards were late, and entered with flushed faces. -They had evidently been running. - -“Young ladies, you must be punctual,” warned the English teacher. -“There is no excuse for this tardiness.” - -Tavia pulled a wry face for the girls to see, but not intended for the -teacher. Miss Cummings, however, noticed it, and asked Tavia to report -to her at recess. - -That almost settled Tavia’s work for the morning, as she, with a number -of others, had planned how they were going to spend the hour of this -beautiful day, when the frost was already in the air, and the leaves -almost all off the trees. - -And there were Tavia, Molly and Cologne to remain in, at least for a -“lecture” which meant that the hour would be passed listening to their -“sins,” as Tavia would have put it. - -Whenever any of the original Glens were under the ban the “T’s” were -jubilant, and Jean could now scarcely repress her smiles. - -The morning had almost passed, when there came a summons for Jean to -report to the office! - -Then the tables were turned. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII - -WHO STOLE THE PICTURE? - - -As Dorothy had promised, she met Zada at the lakeside, when the class -was dismissed. - -The Southern girl seemed so nervous, and so frightened, that Dorothy -took her to the little nook that was sheltered by a rustic, summer -house. - -“The others will not see us here,” Dorothy said, “and I, too, feel as -if I want to get away from all eyes.” - -“You!” repeated Zada, “you have no reason to want to--hide. Oh, -Dorothy, I don’t know how to tell you, but I _must_ do so.” - -“Now, Zada, you are just nervous, and I know perfectly well it is that -old matter that you wanted to tell me of some time ago. Whatever it is -I do not want you to distress yourself about it. It is all past and -gone, I am sure.” - -“No,” sobbed Zada, “it will never be passed while it is on my mind. It -is like a terrible nightmare, and it just haunts me.” Tears began to -roll down her cheeks. - -“There now, if you go on so you will have a nervous breakdown,” -cautioned Dorothy. “I am sure you are over-rating it.” Dorothy took -the little, trembling hand in hers. “If you had my troubles,” she -suggested, and paused. - -“_Your_ troubles must be honorable,” replied the other, between her -sobs, and the thought of that word “arrest” gave Dorothy a start. -“But,” continued Zada, “mother always told me one can stand anything -better than--disgrace.” - -“Disgrace!” exclaimed Dorothy. “Why do you speak that way? You could do -nothing to disgrace yourself!” - -“I shouldn’t, but I did. But I didn’t know it was so wrong!” - -“There, that entirely alters the case. It could not have been so wrong, -if you did not think so,” declared Dorothy. - -Two of the girls on the path, hearing even the whispering voices, at -that moment stood before the entrance to the little summer house. They -were Dick and Ned. - -“Land sakes!” exclaimed Dick, “are you two thinking of jumping into the -lake? Did one ever see such faces!” - -Zada turned her head to avoid their eyes. Dorothy did not know what to -answer. - -“Whatever is the matter?” demanded Edna. “I will go and fetch Tavia, -and we will appoint a board of inquiry. This looks serious.” - -“Don’t joke,” Dorothy finally said. “Sometimes jokes are painful.” - -“Oh, my dear! I _beg_ your pardon. I did not mean to annoy you,” -apologized Edna, sincerely. - -“I know you did not, Edna,” said Dorothy, “but we seem to have trouble, -in spite of our very good friends.” She sighed, and glanced at Zada. -The latter had almost dried her eyes. “Zada, I am afraid, is homesick, -and I am trying to cure her----” - -“Homesick!” interrupted Dick. “I had that so bad the first year, that -I broke out in shingles. But even that did not get me free. I had to -stay, and I am glad of it. Don’t you worry, Zada. There are worse -places than Glenwood,” she finished cheeringly. - -“Oh, I know that,” said Zada sniffling, “but it is very different here -than at home.” - -“Of course it is. That’s why we are here. If home were like this my -mother would go crazy,” said the girl laughing. “Just imagine us -tearing around as we do here! Why, my father would be so shocked he -would put me in close confinement. At the same time, here we think we -are very nice and proper. Well, there goes the bell, and we haven’t had -a bit of fun. I wonder what happened to Jean? She did not come out at -all.” - -“And where is Tavia?” asked Dorothy, rising in answer to the bell, and -pressing Zada’s hand kindly. “She must have had to do her work over.” - -“Oh, worse than that. She had to apologize. Poor Tavia! She never makes -a face but she is caught at it, I guess. Cummings does not love her as -a sister,” said Molly Richards. - -“Well, we had better hurry, or we will be tardy,” suggested Dorothy. “I -have a lot to do--I did not study much last night.” - -As they walked along Dorothy fell in step with Zada. - -“Now don’t worry, dear,” she insisted. “I am sure everything will be -all right.” - -“But I must see you this afternoon,” said Zada. “I have made up my mind -not to go to bed to-night until I have----” - -“Hush,” cautioned Dorothy, for the others had turned around. Then they -all reluctantly went back to the classroom. - -Jean was sitting at her desk as they entered. She kept her head well -bent over her books, but it could be seen that her face was flushed. - -Tavia sat back defiantly, as if to say “she couldn’t scare me.” -Meaning, of course, that Miss Cummings’ remarks had little, if any, -effect upon her. She had missed her entire recreation, because she -refused to “apologize politely.” - -Altogether the class was rather upset. An atmosphere of disquiet -pervaded the room, and when the teachers changed classes, Miss Cummings -left the room with a sigh of relief. - -Miss Higley, the teacher of mathematics, was not one to be trifled -with. She was one of the oldest of the faculty both in years, and in -point of service, and when she came in every one sat up straight. - -But the day wore on, and finally the work was over. Dorothy was -wondering what could have happened, as the result of Mrs. Pangborn’s -talk with Jean--wondering if the report about her father could be -false. But no look, or word told her. - -By a strange coincidence, however, Mrs. Pangborn asked Zada to ride to -the village with her, and this again separated Zada from Dorothy. Of -course the teacher had noticed the girl’s nervous manner, and “took -her out,” hoping the ride would improve her spirits. But Zada would -much rather not have gone. In fact every time Mrs. Pangborn asked her a -question she shook--shook lest the question might be a dreaded one. - -So that it was after tea before Zada sought Dorothy again, with the -avowed intention of “confessing the terrible thing that was on her -mind.” - -She was indeed tired out, and when Dorothy insisted that she take the -best chair, and rest back, Zada sighed and did as she had been invited -to do. - -“Dorothy,” began Zada, “when I did it, I never knew what trouble it -meant, but I _stole your picture_!” - -“Stole my picture! The one that was in the paper?” - -“Yes,” and Zada gasped in relief, as if a terrible thing, indeed, -had been lifted off her mind. “I was asked to do it. It was part of -our club plan--the old club,” and she bit her lips at the memory. “I -promised never to tell who asked me, or how I was asked, and I don’t -feel yet I should tell. But when I found out all the trouble it made -for you----” - -She stopped, and Dorothy looked horrified. That this little harmless -child could have been the one to steal into her room, and get that -picture from Tavia’s dresser! - -“Can you ever forgive me, Dorothy?” pleaded the girl. - -“I am sure,” said Dorothy with hesitation, “you could never have -realized what it would mean.” - -“I thought it was one of the club jokes. I never had an idea it was to -go to that horrible paper. Oh dear! What I have suffered! I wanted to -tell Mrs. Pangborn, but she is such a friend to mamma----” and the girl -sobbed beyond words. - -“She need not know it,” said Dorothy. “Neither need anyone else. It -was I who was affected, and now I am willing to let it rest, as it has -rested.” - -“Oh, you dear, noble girl!” exclaimed Zada, putting her arms around -Dorothy’s neck. “I knew if I told you it would be all right, and I -wanted to tell you before, but you would not let me. Now, I can rest,” -and she breathed a sigh of relief. “But I must try to forgive the -others, as you have been so good to me, I suppose.” - -“I never knew I had such enemies,” said Dorothy. “Or perhaps they, -too, thought it would be only a joke,” and Dorothy Dale endeavored, -for her own peace of mind, and for the hope that her rivals might be -friends--she tried to think it was intended for--a joke. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII - -THE ROADSIDE ROBBERY - - -Two whole weeks passed and Dorothy heard nothing but indefinite news -from her father. The legal “hearing” had been postponed, he wrote, on -account of some of the stockholders being away from the city. Just what -“hearing” meant Dorothy did not know, but she did know that at least -her father had not been deprived of his liberty. - -Meanwhile Jean Faval became morose. All her defiance seemed to have -turned into sulkiness, and except for Cecilia Reynolds, who was her -very close friend, she scarcely noticed any of the girls. - -Tavia she absolutely refused to speak to, much to the delight of the -Dalton pupil, who said that was a positive evidence of guilt. - -One afternoon, when Winter first showed its power, Jean again made her -way to the post-office. She was thinking of what Mrs. Pangborn had said -about the contents of the torn letter. She was thinking that, after -all, it might have been as well for her to have paid no attention to -that fortune teller, and to have told what she knew about the troubles -of the Dales. - -But the threat hung about her. She was somewhat superstitious, and, -although she had only told it to Cecilia (who was so much a part of -herself, that Jean denied to Mrs. Pangborn that she had told “anyone”), -still now, that she had been blamed, and realizing that Dorothy still -held her high place, a spirit of jealousy again made itself felt within -Jean’s heart. - -“If I could only find out how that old witch knew all she told me--if I -could only induce her to tell,” Jean was thinking. - -As was her custom, the fortune teller did not miss sight of anyone -going to or from the post-office, and when she espied Jean she smiled -sardonically. - -“Now,” she muttered, “we will look for trade.” - -Jean did not see her, as the fortune teller pulled her scarf over her -head, and got into a position in the roadway where she might startle -the girl as she passed along. - -Two letters were in Jean’s hand--one of which she was reading with -wrapt attention. - -As she reached the white rock, the woman spoke, and as she expected, -Jean gave a start. - -“My dear,” began the imposter, “I have news for you. I have been -waiting to see you for a whole week.” - -“News for me?” repeated Jean. - -“Yes. The other night, at the full of the moon, I took my crystal out, -and asked the moon to tell who your enemies were. A flash came from the -sky, and almost blinded me.” Here she stopped for effect. “But I can -not give in to the planets. So I again asked.” - -“What answer did you get?” inquired Jean. - -“I saw the letters ‘T. T.,’” replied the woman. - -“Tavia Travers!” exclaimed the foolish Jean aloud. - -“And she is rather dark, roguish, full of mischief, but a dangerous -enemy!” This last was said in the most dramatic way, and had the -desired effect upon Jean. - -“How could she do me harm?” asked the startled girl. - -“In many ways. Already she has done you harm by----” - -“By what?” - -“I cannot tell you all this for nothing. Shebad has to live.” - -So interested was the girl that she took out her purse, and handed the -woman a silver quarter. The latter fingered it gleefully, and then -looked deep into the girl’s dark eyes. - -“You are anxious about something.” What news that is to any mortal! -“But do not worry. Shebad will watch the ball, and when a danger comes -she will let you know in time. The other girl--your best friend--she -has short, thick hair” (this was Cecilia). “Why does _she_ not come?” - -“We are not allowed to visit your place,” replied Jean. “We would be -expelled from school.” - -“Bah!” sneered the woman. “That’s all because the white-haired woman -wants all your money. She does not want an honest truth-seeker to live. -For years she has threatened her girls. But they come, for they know -Shebad tells the truth.” - -“I must go,” exclaimed Jean, realizing that the time was not waiting -for fortunes. “I thank you, and will remember your kindness.” - -“You are a good girl--one who will be famous some day,” and, with these -flattering words, the fortune teller bowed as Jean hurried off. - -“So my enemy was Tavia,” thought Jean. “Well, I have always known that -Tavia spilled that glass of water down my neck purposely. I’ll show -her, however, that I’m no coward, and won’t be interfered with by a -giggling country girl.” - -So deep in thought was Jean that she did not notice, in the thicket -that lined the path, a villainous looking man. As she reached him he -stepped out in front of her. - -“Oh!” she screamed. “What do you want?” - -“Your purse,” he replied calmly, placing a dirty hand on her arm. - -“My purse? There is nothing in it! I have no money!” - -“Gave it all to the old woman?” he sneered. “Well, I’ll be satisfied -with the purse, and the money order you have in that letter. I need it -all.” - -“You cannot have it,” cried the girl. “Let me go or----” - -“Take it easy,” he said in that mocking way. “_I_ might tell your -fortune too. You--you won’t _always_ get checks from--the investment -company!” - -At this Jean shrank back. Did every one know about that? As he -tightened his hold on her she pulled the purse from her belt, and held -it out to him. - -“Here, take it,” she said. “It is solid gold, and worth a lot of money.” - -“Then that check?” he demanded. - -“What check?” - -“The one you took out of the yellow envelope. Can’t let that go. It’s -too handy,” and he attempted to snatch the letter from her free hand. - -[Illustration: - - “OH!” SHE SCREAMED. “WHAT DO YOU WANT?” - _Dorothy Dale’s School Rivals Page_ 212] - -With a scream the girl flung the letter into the roadway, and, as she -did so, the man, still sneering, allowed her to go free. - -Almost too frightened to move, Jean forced herself to run, but when -she reached the hill--Glenwood hill, she could go no farther. Feeling -a sudden faintness, she managed to reach a spot where a roadside bench -was constructed. Here she threw herself down, moaning and sobbing. - -“Oh, my letter,” she cried, “he has all--my letter!” - -How long she lay there seemed of no importance to one so weak. At that -moment she did not care whether she lived or died. She hated Glenwood! -She hated the girls! She hated everything as she sobbed hysterically. - -Jake came out to gather up some leaves. He saw the girl lying there. -At first he thought it was only some prank, but, as he looked into her -face, he knew something was wrong. - -“What is it, miss?” he asked kindly. - -“I have been robbed--robbed of my purse, of my check, of my letter!” -she moaned. - -“And who did it?” inquired the man in astonishment. - -“A ruffian in the woods. Oh, this horrible place!” and again she burst -into tears. - -“’Taint horrible at all,” objected Jake. “The young ladies have been -going that path for years, and have never even been spoken to. Could -it be any one who knew--you had money?” - -“How would any one know?” Jean asked, and now she sat up. “Can’t you go -and catch him? He’s in a thicket by the elm. Oh, I shall die!” - -“Just you come right up to the hall with me, miss, and they’ll attend -to you. Then, I look after the fellow. No tramps around here. Never saw -one yet, but never mind. Come,” and he got her on her feet. - -Staggering and leaning on Jake’s arm she managed to reach the school--a -very much frightened girl. - -Jake had his suspicions as to who her assailant might be, but he was -too cautious to make them known just yet. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX - -TEACHERS AND PUPILS - - -The excitement following Jean’s encounter brought up no end of surmises -for the girls at school. Some said she made up the story, others -declared she knew who took her purse, and check, while her friends, of -course, were in deepest sympathy. For the shock really took the color -from her cheeks, took all her courage, and it was difficult even for -Mrs. Pangborn to interest her in anything. - -Dorothy tried to show Jean that she bore her no ill feelings, and even -brought some books to her room, when she was unable to attend class, -but Jean would never make friends with Dorothy. - -Then it became noised about that some one had seen Jean leave the -post-office, had later seen her talking to the Shebad woman, and to -this last fact was finally attributed, in some way, the robbery. - -It was one week later, that Jake was at the general store, at Stone -Bridge, when a man came in and asked the proprietor to cash a check -for him. - -Jake knew that checks were scarce among men of this type--for the man -was none other than the husband of Madam Shebad--so he stepped close to -the little office window, and watched while he listened. - -“Fine day,” said Jake carelessly. - -“Yep,” growled the other, turning his back directly on the Glenwood man. - -“Been speculating?” persisted Jake. - -“Old woman fell into luck,” replied the other sullenly. - -Meanwhile the girl at the desk was scrutinizing the check which was -made out to “Cash” so that any one could endorse it. - -“You had better wait until Mr. Johnson comes in,” said the young -bookkeeper cautiously. “He does not like to cash strange checks.” - -“That check’s all right,” insisted the man uneasily. “Wish I had more -like it.” - -“Let’s see it?” asked Jake, as if to verify the man’s statement that it -was all right. - -“Oh, I guess I’ll wait,” said the man, folding up the blue slip, and -preparing to leave the place. - -Jake was disappointed. He wanted to see who had made out that check. - -“Here’s Mr. Johnson now,” called the bookkeeper before the slouching -figure had reached the door. - -Jake stepped back and pretended to be in no way interested. - -Mr. Johnson, the proprietor of the store, rubbed his glasses on the end -of his coat, and took the check as it was offered. He scrutinized the -signature. - -“The--what’s that?” he asked. “The Marsall Investment Company? What in -thunder is that?” - -Then Jake almost jumped to the counter where the other man stood. - -“Here!” he shouted. “That’s a stolen check! That was stolen from a girl -at our school! Johnson, you’re a constable, arrest this man!” and Jake -did not wait for anything as slow as the constable to make sure of the -prisoner, but, with all his splendid, muscular power he grabbed him, -and held him securely as any regular police officer might do. - -By this time the other men, who were lounging about the store, realized -that something interesting was happening, and they, too, “gave a hand.” - -Binns, for that was the name by which the husband of the fortune teller -was known, was too ugly to know how to help himself. He growled and -squirmed and demanded his freedom, but shuffling of feet, and the use -of strong words will never help a person in captivity to free himself, -and the consequence was that he was taken off to the town lock-up, -while Jake, claiming the check, actually took it from Mr. Johnson, and -hurried back to Glenwood. - -“I did it,” he explained to Mrs. Pangborn, when he had turned the paper -over to her--“to save the girl from any of their nonsense about legal -stuff. They’ll let the fellow off, but I’ll try to find out about the -purse first. He’s got that, somewhere.” - -Mrs. Pangborn knew of this man Binns, but had never heard of him -attempting robbery before, and it now occurred to her that there was -some mystery about the whole affair. - -“How could he have known that there was a check in the letter he -demanded of Jean?” she thought. - -She thanked Jake heartily, but he only laughed, and said it was a -pleasure to do anything for the “honor of Glenwood.” - -“But,” he cautioned, “I would suggest that you say nothing to the young -lady about it, just yet. Wait ’till we find out about that purse.” - -Mrs. Pangborn willingly agreed, and, glancing at the check, she -instantly thought of Dorothy’s story of the failure of the Marsall -firm. How then could they be sending out checks? Why should Jean be -profiting when Dorothy was evidently losing? - -Mrs. Pangborn had already written a letter of sympathy to Major Dale, -and expressed the hope that everything would come out well, finally. - -In his reply, the Major stated his grave fears--fears that he would not -have Dorothy know of. It seemed strange, indeed, that a purely business -matter should so affect two of her pupils, but in her hand was the -check stolen from Jean, made out by the company, and Dorothy’s fate, as -to her very standing in the world seemed in the balance, held there by -the same firm! - -No wonder Dorothy could not hide her suspense! - -Then, if Major Dale should really be arrested, accused of fraud---- - -The principal put the blue slip away carefully, but not without a sigh. - -“If we all did not have to be so dependent upon mere money,” she -thought. “But perhaps it is well we have to struggle for something.” - -A light tap at her door interrupted these thoughts. It was Miss -Cummings. - -“Mrs. Pangborn,” she began, “I feel it my duty to inform you that there -is an element of discord among certain cliques in your school. I made -up a skating party yesterday, and in a race there was the grossest -violation of rules. Simply a defiance of principles.” - -“Who are the offenders?” asked the head of Glenwood calmly. - -“There is a club they call the ‘T’s’.” - -“The ‘T’s,’” repeated Mrs. Pangborn. - -“Yes, and I am told that the letters stands for Tarters!” - -“Tarters!” again repeated the principal. - -“Yes. Such a choice of name might easily signify the character of the -members,” said Miss Cummings frigidly. - -“How long has this been going on?” asked the other. - -“It seems the club was formed at the opening of the term, but when the -regular sports of the classes came in vogue, the animosity between the -different sets became serious. I hesitated to tell you before--I really -thought the young ladies would find out their own error--but it seems -they intend to carry things on to suit themselves,” added Miss Cummings. - -“I cannot see how such an element got into Glenwood,” demurred Mrs. -Pangborn, with a sigh, “but, of course, it is our business to curb it. -We shall be obliged to stop all private meetings of the clubs, however -innocent, they may be. Then we must endeavor to discover the one who -instigates these enmities.” - -“One young lady--Miss Travers is very mischievous,” went on Miss -Cummings, “but I really have not discovered her in any particular -wrong, or direct infringement of the rules.” - -“I am glad to hear that,” replied Mrs. Pangborn, “for in her first -season here she was too reckless. But her associations with some of our -best pupils have, of course, helped her greatly.” - -Following this conversation Mrs. Pangborn sent for Cecilia Reynolds. -She knew her to be one of the most bitter opponents of the original -Glenwood club, and she determined to question her. - -Cecilia entered the office with a nervous look on her round, and rather -pretty, face. Her eyes did not directly seek those of her superior, -but, instead, looked at the Persian rug upon the polished floor. - -“Cecilia,” began the principal, “I have sent for you to ask you -about the club you call the ‘T’s’! I understand there have been -some infringements of our rules--in fact that there have been some -happenings, lately, not to be expected from polite young ladies. Now, -will you tell me what your club stands for? That letter T, I mean.” - -“Tarters,” replied Cecilia quietly. - -“And why should young ladies choose such a name for a seminary club?” - -“We thought it would show--it might stand for--our courage,” she -replied again. - -“Well, there can be no harm in a name,” said Mrs. Pangborn, “however -ill-chosen it may be. But I should like to see a copy of your rules, if -you have any.” - -“I have none,” replied the girl, now nervous to the point of tears. -“We would not have gone against the others, if they had not opposed us -first.” - -“In what way?” - -“Even on the train coming here,” almost snapped Cecilia. “Tavia Travers -and Dorothy Dale’s set showed they hated us!” - -“Hush!” demanded the teacher. “That is no language for a pupil of mine -to use. Why should they dislike almost perfect strangers? I have heard -of the doings of some of you in the train. How Miss Faval refused to go -with her companions and--other improper conduct. But I have not heard -anything against the girls you mention.” - -“Then ask Tavia Travers how she sprained her foot the night--the night -we were out,” Cecilia stammered. “We were blamed for going to the -fortune teller, and she and Edna Black got off free. No one knows where -_they_ went that night.” - -It was a bold stroke, but Cecilia took courage quickly when she heard -her friends blamed, and her enemies praised. - -“I am quite satisfied with an explanation I have had of that -occurrence, but it is useless for me to discuss matters with a pupil -who argues. You may go,” and Mrs. Pangborn showed she meant dismissal. - -Cecilia turned, glad to get away. - -Immediately she sought Jean. This last humiliation was too much for the -new girls, and they now determined to “strike,” as they termed it. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX - -A CLIMAX - - -In order to carry out their plans to “strike,” the dissatisfied ones -decided they would tell all they knew about those who were held in high -favor with the teachers. But in this they were forestalled by events -unexpected. - -Jean received a letter that seemed to crush her to the very earth. She -would take no part in anything, but simply went through her routine -work like one in a dream. - -It was on this same day, very close to the closing exercises for the -holiday term, that Tavia and Dorothy (the latter more despondent than -ever about her father’s business), also received news that changed -their despondency into gladness. - -It was Dorothy’s letter from home. As she finished reading it she -exclaimed: - -“Tavia! whatever do you think? Mr. Armstrong--our Mr. Armstrong--is -father’s lawyer!” - -“_Our_ Mr. Armstrong,” repeated Tavia, “you mean _your_ Mr. Armstrong,” -Tavia finished teasingly. - -“Well, father says this case has taken a new turn. That Mr. Armstrong -has discovered some flaws somewhere in the case of the other side. I -could not understand just what they are, but, at any rate, it makes -things look much brighter for father.” - -“Good! May his brightness increase with the days,” replied Tavia. “Of -course I knew it would come all right----” - -“But it is not all right yet. It is only brightening up. But a ray of -hope is a great thing, when one is really blue,” admitted Dorothy. - -“Then Zada must have had several rays, for I never saw such a changed -girl. She actually went skating with us yesterday. That child was -creepy last Fall,” said Tavia. - -Dorothy smiled when she thought of the reason for Zada’s improvement, -but much as Tavia wanted to know the story of the lost picture, Dorothy -could not dream of telling her of Zada’s confession. - -“Father knows that we met Mr. Armstrong, and says he wishes to be -remembered to us,” added Dorothy. - -“He shall never be forgotten,” said Tavia. “If I really ever felt -foolish enough to marry, I would advertise for a man like him. He is -so real. And how he rode on the hand car! I call that inspiring!” - -Dorothy smiled. The relation between riding on a hand car and -inspiration seemed remote. - -“Did they find out who took Jean’s purse?” asked Tavia. “I believe Jake -said he would do so, and Jake usually does what he says.” - -“Haven’t you heard? Is it possible I have any news that you have been -deprived of?” said Dorothy. “Why, it was the husband of that fortune -teller!” - -“Whew!” whistled Tavia. “Bad as that! Jean had better be careful or -they will get _her_ inside that crystal ball.” - -“But I do wonder how that woman ever told her the things she did? I -know she told her about the torn letter,” said Dorothy. - -Tavia laughed merrily. “Don’t you ever wonder how I strained my foot?” -she questioned in answer. - -“Well, yes, of course, but then you did not want to tell me,” Dorothy -replied. - -“I will, some day, but just now I want to tell you I had the best time -I ever had in my life that night. But about your father. Dear Major -Dale! How kind he always was to me, and I was such a problem to be kind -to,” said Tavia gratefully. - -“We always liked you, Tavia,” added Dorothy equally moved. “But about -father. He says that Mr. Armstrong is a wonderful young lawyer.” - -“All things come to her who waits,” put in Tavia. “Now I know what -that chap’s business is. It was really worth while for the investment -company to fail, to get me that news.” - -“Don’t joke about so serious a matter,” objected Dorothy. “But you have -no idea how much better I feel. I could sing and dance.” - -“That’s Mr. Armstrong,” again teased Tavia. “He made me feel like that -first--before I saw how you made _him_ feel----” - -“Now stop, Tavia,” begged Dorothy, blushing. “Mr. Armstrong has really -proven himself a good friend. First he helped us so much the night we -were traveling; then he came to my assistance at the lunch counter, and -now he is assisting father.” - -“You have overlooked the fact that he bound up the sprained arm--whose -was it?” - -“I wonder how he came to have a medicine case along?” reflected Dorothy. - -“Likely feeling he would need it,” suggested Tavia. “That would be -right in line with his other saintly characteristics.” - -“No, I believe he was carrying it for some friend. However, we have our -tests to-day. Oh, I am so glad this term is nearly finished. Not that -I dislike the work so much, but everything has been so upset.” - -“I am glad, too,” agreed Tavia. “I suppose you are going to North -Birchland for the holidays?” - -“Aunt Winnie may not be home, but, of course, the boys will be, and we -always have Christmas together,” replied Dorothy. - -Tavia fell to thinking. It was rarely she ever looked quite so serious. -“I will stay on here,” she said. “I can’t afford to go to Dalton. And -besides, home is so changed----” - -“You will do nothing of the sort,” exclaimed Dorothy. “You can depend -upon it if I can afford to travel, something will turn up to give you -the same privilege. And here I am talking--how do I know but that -failure may come yet? Then I would have to go--and stay!” - -“You are forgetting about David Armstrong,” Tavia said quickly, to -dispel the little blot of gloom. “‘Dave’ will surely win out.” - -There was not more time for talking, for, as Dorothy said some of the -mid-year tests were to be prepared for that very day. - -Tavia, never fond of study, but doing better than she had expected to -do, worked uneasily over her geometry. Dorothy was making an outline -for a thesis. The morning was dark, and it was plain that the upper -world was burdened with snow. - -One more week and Glenwood would be in an uproar, with girls leaving -for home for the Christmas holidays. Everyone seemed happy that -morning, when the classes were called--everyone except Jean. Dorothy -pitied her in her heart, for, though she might have made some mistakes, -still, thought Dorothy, “we all make mistakes in different ways.” - -When the day’s work was done and the papers had been examined Dorothy’s -thesis was pronounced the most perfect, and for it she would receive -the usual holiday prize, a gold pin, the gift of the faculty. This was -one of the most desirable tributes that could be bestowed upon a pupil -of Glenwood. It was enamelled with the Glenwood flag and the school -motto. - -The next evening, with some pleasant exercises, it was presented, and -every girl, even the “T’s” cheered, for no one could honestly dispute -Dorothy’s right to popularity. Little Zada stole up to her, as they -were leaving the assembly room, and reaching high, put her arms about -Dorothy’s neck, and kissed her affectionately. - -Then the Glens held a meeting, and gave her a “shower.” What was not -in that shower could hardly be imagined. Cologne, of course, gave her -a box of perfume, Edna, a silk flag, Tavia, a shoe bag with a little -white dog “Ravelings” painted on. (Tavia did not paint it but that -was of no account.) Other trifles and pretty trinkets came in a real -shower, so that the evening, so close to the end of the mid-year term, -ended most happily. - -As there was still some school work to be done this part of the program -had to be “inserted” so to speak, early. - -First, because as the holidays drew nearer, the excitement of going -home obscured every other occurrence, and second, because the records -to be made by the teachers for the beginning of the next term occupied -all their time. - -“Where is Jean?” asked Dorothy thoughtfully, when, after all the -confusion, she was alone in her room with Tavia. - -“I don’t know. No one has seen her to-day. What could have happened, I -wonder? She came out well, and would have received a certificate.” - -“I heard Cecilia say she was not well. I wonder should we go over -and see if she is all right? We are her nearest neighbors,” proposed -Dorothy. - -“Well, we couldn’t go to-night,” replied Tavia. “But honestly, Doro, I -do feel sorry for her. She seems to have had nothing but scrapes since -she came here. I don’t usually feel that way for a rebel, but maybe -Jean was born that way.” - -“It is an unhappy thing to have such a disposition,” said Dorothy, “and -as you say it may be lack of home making--or training. She appears like -a girl who sprang up suddenly.” - -“I can sympathize with her in that,” replied Tavia with a sigh. “See -all the trouble I have had! Just because I got to be someone else. I -mean that I had to be made over.” - -“Oh, nonsense, Tavia. You were always the best girl in the world. We -were not speaking of polish, but disposition,” insisted Dorothy. - -“Well, we will see about Jean in the morning. It appears to be our -duty, since you and I have given her the most cause to be mean,” -decided Tavia, in her queer way of reasoning. - -Dorothy smiled as she looked fondly again at the riot of pretty things -about her dresser. “I think it was too much for the girls to give me -all these things,” she remarked. “I wonder how they could spare them -from their home presents?” - -“Oh, they were the things they could not get in their boxes,” said -Tavia, plaguing her companion. “But say, let’s snooze. Ned and I walked -all the way to town to-day and I am almost dead.” - -“What did you go away in there for?” - -“To ask the _Gleaner_ man who gave him your picture.” - -“Did he tell you?” - -“He said it came by mail, anonymously.” - -Then Dorothy smiled as she touched the button that extinguished the -light. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI - -A MEETING OF THE BOARD - - -“Jean is gone!” - -It was Dorothy who gave this news to Tavia. - -“Gone where?” - -“Gone home!” - -“So early?” - -“Gone, not to come back? Poor Jean!” - -“Don’t cry over it. Likely she was glad to get away from the work,” -said Tavia, although she knew that something unexpected must have -happened. - -“She left a note for me and said I might read it to you,” Dorothy -continued. “In fact she said she would be glad if I would tell all the -girls that she--had done--foolish things--through jealousy. But, of -course, I won’t. She seems to be heartbroken.” - -A messenger appeared at the open door. It was the boy from the -post-office, and he held in his hand a special delivery letter for -Dorothy. This interrupted the story of Jean. - -Dorothy opened it nervously. She had been hoping for good news that -might come before the courts closed for the holidays. - -Tavia watched her closely as she read. Then she saw the change in her -expression, and there was scarcely need to tell her that the good news -had come. - -“Oh Tavia! It is all right! Father has recovered all his money! -And--what do you think? It was Jean’s uncle who was at fault! He had -committed a forgery, and was keeping the funds for his own use! That is -why Jean left!” - -Both girls were speechless with excitement after this startling -information was realized. It was Dorothy who spoke first. - -“I am so sorry for her,” she said. “Think, if it had been _father_ who -lost all!” - -“But your father would not commit a forgery,” said Tavia, in her own -way. - -“Yes, but neither did Jean,” objected Dorothy. - -“Well, at any rate, let us be glad,” insisted Tavia. “Here is the first -act,” and she tried to do a tom-boyish somersault over Dorothy’s hat -box. - -Then there was a rush through the hall. It meant that the girls were -coming to Room Nineteen. The rush continued until Dorothy was placed on -the floor, and Cologne occupied her chair while Tavia had been, not too -carefully, lifted to the top of the chiffonier, from which all things -had previously been removed. - -The “T’s” were there as well as the Glens, but Cologne was “spokesman.” - -“We have come----” she began. - -“You don’t say,” interrupted Tavia. - -“For that you shall be gagged--if you do it again,” threatened Cologne. - -Molly Richards, or Dick as we know her, fell off the upturned -jardiniere upon which she had been vainly trying to balance herself. - -“This is awful,” said the chairman, “and I may have to postpone----” - -“Never!” came a shout. “We came for a full meeting of the board, and we -demand it.” - -“Then let the Tarters elsewhere speak first. They are our--visitors,” -decided Cologne. - -Cecilia Reynolds was not as merry as the others, but she had come to do -her part, and was determined not to flinch. - -“Well,” she began, “we feel we made a mistake in having a club opposed -to the Glens.” - -“Splendid feeling,” put in Tavia again. “Hurray!” - -“And we did--some things--that now we see were not as funny--as we -thought they might be,” went on Cecilia, with an effort. “We voted, at -a meeting, to have Dorothy’s story of the lunch wagon published. We did -not think it would amount to so much, and we decided that the smallest -member--the one least to be suspected, should take the picture off -Tavia’s bureau. Zada was the smallest.” - -Tavia could not stand this. She jumped up, and although she was only -joking now, since all things had turned out so well, she did throw a -scrap basket at Cecilia. It hit another member of the Tarters, Nell -Dean, and when the latter tossed it back it landed nicely over Tavia’s -head, and extinguished her, for which all were thankful. - -“Then Jean,” went on Cecilia, “thought we could get ahead of the older -members, and we tried all sorts of tricks to do so.” - -“We will not talk of those absent,” said Cologne, kindly. “Let us hear -from the Glens. Tavia and Ned, where were you the night of the fortune -telling racket?” - -Tavia stretched out her hands in mock entreaty. - -“Oh spare me!” she gasped. “Spare me the shame of my bare foot.” - -“Tell us,” demanded Cologne. - -“Help, Ned!” begged Tavia. - -“No, we have questioned you,” insisted the chairman. - -“Well, then, I will tell the story of the mystery of the crystal ball,” -said Tavia, making her way to the center of the group, and knocking -over a few girls who were squatted on the floor in doing so. “That -night we, Ned and I, heard of the fortune-telling scheme. So we made up -our minds we would have her tell the truth for once. We hurried off, -and gave the old lady a dollar. Ned chipped in, though I had to take it -from her, and we gave her all the information she needed. We had the -girls marked so she could easily tell them apart, and we, Ned and I, -had the delightful, pleasurable excitement, of listening at the broken -window, while the old lady fulfilled her contract. Then, when we were -scurrying home, I slipped----” - -The uproar that followed this confession could only be described as -a human earthquake. Dorothy was supposed to have known of the fraud, -although she did not, and she was not spared in the efforts of the -fooled ones, those who had paid money to have their fortunes told--by -Tavia! - -“But we had a good time,” said Ned, timidly, when some of the -excitement had subsided. - -“Anything else?” asked Cologne. “Remember we are consolidating now--no -more secrets?” - -“Yes. I know how that man knew about Jean having her check,” said Nita -Brant. “The old fortune teller used to wait for Jean and that day she -had seen her go to the post-office, and get the letter. She kept Jean -talking on her way back until the man got farther up in the woods, to -wait for her. Jake got her purse back yesterday from a place where the -Shebad woman had pawned it. And we learned, too, that Jean purposely -dropped that scrap of paper near Dorothy’s door to worry her.” - -This was nothing to laugh at. And the bright faces turned serious. - -“Now, Dorothy,” and Cologne looked into the blue eyes of her friend, -“you have a letter to read to us.” - -Dorothy had not yet read Jean’s note, and she objected to doing so -first in public. - -“But Jean left a note to me saying she insisted on her letter being -read,” went on Cologne. - -Then Dorothy was compelled to yield. - -Everyone sat up quietly while the message from Jean, like a sad note -from another world, was read. - -Dorothy began: - - “_My Dear Companions_: - - “I am going away. I can no longer be a pupil of any boarding - school, and I deeply regret that I made such poor use of my time - while I had the chance to do better. While I had plenty of money - I felt no responsibility, but since my uncle’s failure, and the - showing to me of his true character, I feel more like a woman - than a girl. I want to apologize for any disturbance I made at - Glenwood, particularly to Dorothy Dale, whom I thought it was - sport to distress. It is I, and not Dorothy, who will now have to - go out into the world to work. But perhaps in that I may be able - to give up the nonsense I have been lately plunged into, and in - which, my own dear mother never took part. I could say much more - but take this message and--good-bye. - - “JEAN.” - -There was not a dry eye when Dorothy ceased. The coming of Mrs. -Pangborn saved them from actual weeping. - -“Young ladies,” she said, “I have a surprise for you. I guessed in -which room I would find you. I have received a letter from Major Dale, -Dorothy’s father, sending me a check with which to give you all a merry -time before parting. As the snow is so beautiful to-day I thought you -might like a full, school sleigh ride. So I have hired some vehicles, -and----” - -“Hurrah! Hurra! Hurroo!” shouted the girls, forgetting all dignity in -face of such a treat. - -And on the hills of Glenwood, in three big sleighs, with Jake leading -in the _Glenwood_, its plumes flying, let us leave our friends, to meet -them again, in another volume, to be called, “Dorothy Dale in the City.” - -“Well, ‘all is well that ends well,’” murmured Tavia, as they flew -along the snowy road, the sleighbells jingling merrily. - -“Yes, and I am glad of it,” answered Dorothy. “But poor Jean, I am so -sorry for her!” - -“We all are,” came from Edna. - -Then came a burst of song from the sleigh ahead. And with that song we -will say good-bye. - - -THE END - - - - -THE DOROTHY DALE SERIES - - BY MARGARET PENROSE - - Author of “The Motor Girls Series,” “Radio Girls Series,” &c. - - _12mo. Illustrated_ - - _Price per volume, $1.00, postpaid_ - - [Illustration] - - _Dorothy Dale is the daughter of an old Civil War veteran who is - running a weekly newspaper in a small Eastern town. Her sunny - disposition, her fun-loving ways and her trials and triumphs make - clean, interesting and fascinating reading. The Dorothy Dale - Series is one of the most popular series of books for girls ever - published._ - - DOROTHY DALE: A GIRL OF TO-DAY - DOROTHY DALE AT GLENWOOD SCHOOL - DOROTHY DALE’S GREAT SECRET - DOROTHY DALE AND HER CHUMS - DOROTHY DALE’S QUEER HOLIDAYS - DOROTHY DALE’S CAMPING DAYS - DOROTHY DALE’S SCHOOL RIVALS - DOROTHY DALE IN THE CITY - DOROTHY DALE’S PROMISE - DOROTHY DALE IN THE WEST - DOROTHY DALE’S STRANGE DISCOVERY - DOROTHY DALE’S ENGAGEMENT - DOROTHY DALE TO THE RESCUE - - _Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_ - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -THE MOTOR GIRLS SERIES - - By MARGARET PENROSE - - Author of the highly successful “Dorothy Dale Series” - - 12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, $1.00 postpaid. - - [Illustration] - - Since the enormous success of our “Motor Boys Series,” by Clarence - Young, we have been asked to get out a similar series for girls. No - one is better equipped to furnish these tales than Mrs. Penrose, - who, besides being an able writer, is an expert automobilist. - - THE MOTOR GIRLS - _or A Mystery of the Road_ - - THE MOTOR GIRLS ON A TOUR - _or Keeping a Strange Promise_ - - THE MOTOR GIRLS AT LOOKOUT BEACH - _or In Quest of the Runaways_ - - THE MOTOR GIRLS THROUGH NEW ENGLAND - _or Held by the Gypsies_ - - THE MOTOR GIRLS ON CEDAR LAKE - _or The Hermit of Fern Island_ - - THE MOTOR GIRLS ON THE COAST - _or The Waif from the Sea_ - - THE MOTOR GIRLS ON CRYSTAL BAY - _or The Secret of the Red Oar_ - - THE MOTOR GIRLS ON WATERS BLUE - _or The Strange Cruise of the Tartar_ - - THE MOTOR GIRLS AT CAMP SURPRISE - _or The Cave in the Mountain_ - - THE MOTOR GIRLS IN THE MOUNTAINS - _or The Gypsy Girl’s Secret_ - - CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK - - - - -THE RUTH FIELDING SERIES - - BY ALICE B. EMERSON - - _12mo. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_ - - _Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_ - - [Illustration] - - Ruth Fielding was an orphan and came to live with her miserly uncle. - Her adventures and travels make stories that will hold the interest - of every reader. - - [Illustration] - - Ruth Fielding is a character that will live in juvenile fiction. - - 1. RUTH FIELDING OF THE RED MILL - 2. RUTH FIELDING AT BRIARWOOD HALL - 3. RUTH FIELDING AT SNOW CAMP - 4. RUTH FIELDING AT LIGHTHOUSE POINT - 5. RUTH FIELDING AT SILVER RANCH - 6. RUTH FIELDING ON CLIFF ISLAND - 7. RUTH FIELDING AT SUNRISE FARM - 8. RUTH FIELDING AND THE GYPSIES - 9. RUTH FIELDING IN MOVING PICTURES - 10. RUTH FIELDING DOWN IN DIXIE - 11. RUTH FIELDING AT COLLEGE - 12. RUTH FIELDING IN THE SADDLE - 13. RUTH FIELDING IN THE RED CROSS - 14. RUTH FIELDING AT THE WAR FRONT - 15. RUTH FIELDING HOMEWARD BOUND - 16. RUTH FIELDING DOWN EAST - 17. RUTH FIELDING IN THE GREAT NORTHWEST - 18. RUTH FIELDING ON THE ST. LAWRENCE - 19. RUTH FIELDING TREASURE HUNTING - 20. RUTH FIELDING IN THE FAR NORTH - 21. RUTH FIELDING AT GOLDEN PASS - 22. RUTH FIELDING IN ALASKA - 23. RUTH FIELDING AND HER GREAT SCENARIO - - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -THE BETTY GORDON SERIES - - BY ALICE B. EMERSON - - _12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_ - - _Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_ - - [Illustration] - - 1. BETTY GORDON AT BRAMBLE FARM - _or The Mystery of a Nobody_ - - At twelve Betty is left an orphan. - - 2. BETTY GORDON IN WASHINGTON - _or Strange Adventures in a Great City_ - - Betty goes to the National Capitol to find - her uncle and has several unusual adventures. - - 3. BETTY GORDON IN THE LAND OF OIL - _or The Farm That Was Worth a Fortune_ - - From Washington the scene is shifted to the great oil fields of - our country. A splendid picture of the oil field operations of - today. - - 4. BETTY GORDON AT BOARDING SCHOOL - _or The Treasure of Indian Chasm_ - - Seeking treasures of Indian Chasm makes interesting reading. - - 5. BETTY GORDON AT MOUNTAIN CAMP - _or The Mystery of Ida Bellethorne_ - - At Mountain Camp Betty found herself in the midst of a mystery - involving a girl whom she had previously met in Washington. - - 6. BETTY GORDON AT OCEAN PARK - _or School Chums on the Boardwalk_ - - A glorious outing that Betty and her chums never forgot. - - 7. BETTY GORDON AND HER SCHOOL CHUMS - _or Bringing the Rebels to Terms_ - - Rebellious students, disliked teachers and mysterious robberies - make a fascinating story. - - 8. BETTY GORDON AT RAINBOW RANCH - _or Cowboy Joe’s Secret_ - - Betty and her chums have a grand time in the saddle. - - 9. BETTY GORDON IN MEXICAN WILDS - _or The Secret of the Mountains_ - - Betty receives a fake telegram and finds both Bob and herself - held for ransom in a mountain cave. - - 10. BETTY GORDON AND THE LOST PEARL - _or A Mystery of the Seaside_ - - Betty and her chums go to the ocean shore for a vacation and - there Betty becomes involved in the disappearance of a string of - pearls worth a fortune. - - _Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_ - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -THE BARTON BOOKS FOR GIRLS - - BY MAY HOLLIS BARTON - - _12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. With colored jacket_ - - _Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_ - - [Illustration] - - _May Hollis Barton is a new writer for girls who is bound to win - instant popularity. Her style is somewhat of a mixture of that of - Louise M. Alcott and Mrs. L. T. Meade, but thoroughly up-to-date in - plot and action. Clean tales that all girls will enjoy reading._ - - 1. THE GIRL FROM THE COUNTRY - _or Laura Mayford’s City Experiences_ - - Laura was the oldest of five children and when daddy got sick - she felt she must do something. She had a chance to try her - luck in New York, and there the country girl fell in with many - unusual experiences. - - 2. THREE GIRL CHUMS AT LAUREL HALL - _or The Mystery of the School by the Lake_ - - When the three chums arrived at the boarding school they found - the other students in the grip of a most perplexing mystery. How - this mystery was solved, and what good times the girls had, both - in school and on the lake, go to make a story no girl would care - to miss. - - 3. NELL GRAYSON’S RANCHING DAYS - _or A City Girl in the Great West_ - - Showing how Nell, when she had a ranch girl visit her in Boston, - thought her chum very green, but when Nell visited the ranch in - the great West she found herself confronting many conditions of - which she was totally ignorant. A stirring outdoor story. - - 4. FOUR LITTLE WOMEN OF ROXBY - _or The Queer Old Lady Who Lost Her Way_ - - Four sisters are keeping house and having trouble to make both - ends meet. One day there wanders in from a stalled express train - an old lady who cannot remember her identity. The girls take the - old lady in, and, later, are much astonished to learn who she - really is. - - 5. PLAIN JANE AND PRETTY BETTY - _or The Girl Who Won Out_ - - The tale of two girls, one plain but sensible, the other pretty - but vain. Unexpectedly both find they have to make their way in - the world. Both have many trials and tribulations. A story of a - country town and then a city. - - _Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_ - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -BILLIE BRADLEY SERIES - - BY JANET D. WHEELER - - _12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_ - - _Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_ - - [Illustration] - - 1. BILLIE BRADLEY AND HER INHERITANCE - _or The Queer Homestead at Cherry Corners_ - - Billie Bradley fell heir to an old homestead that was - unoccupied and located far away in a lonely section of the - country. How Billie went there, accompanied by some of her - chums, and what queer things happened, go to make up a story - no girl will want to miss. - - 2. BILLIE BRADLEY AT THREE-TOWERS HALL - _or Leading a Needed Rebellion_ - - Three-Towers Hall was a boarding school for girls. For a short - time after Billie arrived there all went well. But then the - head of the school had to go on a long journey and she left - the girls in charge of two teachers, sisters, who believed in - severe discipline and in very, very plain food and little of - it--and then there was a row! The girls wired for the head to - come back--and all ended happily. - - 3. BILLIE BRADLEY ON LIGHTHOUSE ISLAND - _or The Mystery of the Wreck_ - - One of Billie’s friends owned a summer bungalow on Lighthouse - Island, near the coast. The school girls made up a party and - visited the Island. There was a storm and a wreck, and three - little children were washed ashore. They could tell nothing of - themselves, and Billie and her chums set to work to solve the - mystery of their identity. - - 4. BILLIE BRADLEY AND HER CLASSMATES - _or The Secret of the Locked Tower_ - - Billie and her chums come to the rescue of several little - children who have broken through the ice. There is the mystery - of a lost invention, and also the dreaded mystery of the - locked school tower. - - 5. BILLIE BRADLEY AT TWIN LAKES - _or Jolly Schoolgirls Afloat and Ashore_ - - A tale of outdoor adventure in which Billie and her chums have - a great variety of adventures. They visit an artists’ colony - and there fall in with a strange girl living with an old - boatman who abuses her constantly. Billie befriended Hulda and - the mystery surrounding the girl was finally cleared up. - - _Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_ - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -THE LINGER-NOT SERIES - - BY AGNES MILLER - - _12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_ - - _Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_ - - _This new series of girls’ books is in a new style of story - writing. The interest is in knowing the girls and seeing them - solve the problems that develop their character. Incidentally, - a great deal of historical information is imparted._ - - [Illustration] - - 1. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THE MYSTERY HOUSE - _or The Story of Nine Adventurous Girls_ - - How the Linger-Not girls met and formed their club seems - commonplace, but this writer makes it fascinating, and how - they made their club serve a great purpose continues the - interest to the end, and introduces a new type of girlhood. - - 2. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THE VALLEY FEUD - _or The Great West Point Chain_ - - The Linger-Not girls had no thought of becoming mixed up with - feuds or mysteries, but their habit of being useful soon - entangled them in some surprising adventures that turned out - happily for all, and made the valley better because of their - visit. - - 3. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THEIR GOLDEN QUEST - _or The Log of the Ocean Monarch_ - - For a club of girls to become involved in a mystery leading - back into the times of the California gold-rush, seems - unnatural until the reader sees how it happened, and how the - girls helped one of their friends to come into her rightful - name and inheritance, forms a fine story. - - 4. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THE WHISPERING CHARMS - _or The Secret from Old Alaska_ - - Whether engrossed in thrilling adventures in the Far North - or occupied with quiet home duties, the Linger-Not girls - could work unitedly to solve a colorful mystery in a way that - interpreted American freedom to a sad young stranger, and - brought happiness to her and to themselves. - - _Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_ - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -THE GIRL SCOUT SERIES - - BY LILIAN GARIS - - _12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_ - - _Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_ - - _The highest ideals of girlhood as advocated by the foremost - organizations of America form the background for these stories - and while unobtrusive there is a message in every volume._ - - [Illustration] - - 1. THE GIRL SCOUT PIONEERS - _or Winning the First B. C._ - - A story of the True Tred Troop in a Pennsylvania town. Two - runaway girls, who want to see the city, are reclaimed through - troop influence. The story is correct in scout detail. - - 2. THE GIRL SCOUTS AT BELLAIRE - _or Maid Mary’s Awakening_ - - The story of a timid little maid who is afraid to take part in - other girls’ activities, while working nobly alone for high - ideals. How she was discovered by the Bellaire Troop and came - into her own as “Maid Mary” makes a fascinating story. - - 3. THE GIRL SCOUTS AT SEA CREST - _or The Wig Wag Rescue_ - - Luna Land, a little island by the sea, is wrapt in a - mysterious seclusion, and Kitty Scuttle, a grotesque figure, - succeeds in keeping all others at bay until the Girl Scouts - come. - - 4. THE GIRL SCOUTS AT CAMP COMALONG - _or Peg of Tamarack Hills_ - - The girls of Bobolink Troop spend their summer on the shores - of Lake Hocomo. Their discovery of Peg, the mysterious rider, - and the clearing up of her remarkable adventures afford a - vigorous plot. - - 5. THE GIRL SCOUTS AT ROCKY LEDGE - _or Nora’s Real Vacation_ - - Nora Blair is the pampered daughter of a frivolous mother. - Her dislike for the rugged life of Girl Scouts is eventually - changed to appreciation, when the rescue of little Lucia, a - woodland waif, becomes a problem for the girls to solve. - - _Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_ - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -THE JANE ALLEN COLLEGE SERIES - - BY EDITH BANCROFT - - _12mo. Illustrated. With cover inlay and jacket in colors_ - - _Price per volume, $1.00_ - - [Illustration] - - _This series is a decided departure from the stories usually - written of life in the modern college for young women. An - authoritative account of the life of the college girl as it is - lived today._ - - 1. JANE ALLEN OF THE SUB TEAM - - When Jane Allen left her home in Montana, to go East to - Wellington College, she was sure that she could never learn to - endure the restrictions of college life. - - 2. JANE ALLEN: RIGHT GUARD - - Jane Allen becomes a sophomore at Wellington College, but she - has to face a severe trial that requires all her courage and - character. The result is a triumph for being faithful to an - ideal. - - 3. JANE ALLEN: CENTER - - Lovable Jane Allen as Junior experiences delightful days of - work and play. Jane, and her chum, Judith, win leadership in - class office, social and athletic circles of Sophs and Juniors. - - 4. JANE ALLEN: JUNIOR - - Jane Allen’s college experiences, as continued in “Jane - Allen, Junior,” afford the chance for a brilliant story. A - rude, country girl forces her way into Wellington under false - pretenses. - - 5. JANE ALLEN: SENIOR - - Jane and Judith undertake Social Service, wherein they find - actual problems more thrilling than were those of the “indoor - sports.” - - _Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_ - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -THE PATSY CARROLL SERIES - -BY GRACE GORDON - -_12mo. Illustrated. With cover inlay and jacket in colors_ - -_Price per volume, $1.00_ - - [Illustration] - - _This fascinating series is permeated with the vibrant - atmosphere of the great out-doors. The vacations spent by - Patsy Carroll and her chums, the girl Wayfarers, in the - north, east, south and west of the wonderland of our country, - comprise a succession of tales unsurpassed in plot and action._ - - PATSY CARROLL AT WILDERNESS LODGE - - Patsy Carroll succeeds in coaxing her father to lease one - of the luxurious camps at Lake Placid, for the summer. - Established at Wilderness Lodge, the Wayfarers, as they call - themselves, find they are the center of a mystery which - revolves about a missing will. How the girls solve the mystery - makes a splendid story. - - PATSY CARROLL UNDER SOUTHERN SKIES - - Patsy Carroll and her three chums spend their Easter vacation - in an old mansion in Florida. An exciting mystery develops. It - is solved by a curious acrostic found by Patsy. This leads to - very exciting and satisfactory results, making a capital story. - - PATSY CARROLL IN THE GOLDEN WEST - - The Wayfarers journey to the dream city of the Movie World - in the Golden West, and there become a part of a famous film - drama. - - PATSY CARROLL IN OLD NEW ENGLAND - - Set in the background of the Tercentenary of the landing of - the Pilgrims, celebrated in the year 1920, the story of Patsy - Carroll in Old New England offers a correct word picture of - this historical event and into it is woven a fascinating tale - of the adventures of the Wayfarers. - - _Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_ - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -THE RADIO GIRLS SERIES - - BY MARGARET PENROSE - - _12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_ - - _Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_ - - [Illustration] - - _A new and up-to-date series, taking in the activities of several - bright girls who become interested in radio. The stories tell of - thrilling exploits, out-door life and the great part the Radio - plays in the adventures of the girls and in solving their - mysteries. Fascinating books that girls of all ages will - want to read._ - - 1. THE RADIO GIRLS OF ROSELAWN - _or A Strange Message from the Air_ - - Showing how Jessie Norwood and her chums became interested - in radiophoning, how they gave a concert for a worthy local - charity, and how they received a sudden and unexpected call - for help out of the air. A girl wanted as witness in a - celebrated law case disappears, and the radio girls go to the - rescue. - - 2. THE RADIO GIRLS ON THE PROGRAM - _or Singing and Reciting at the Sending Station_ - - When listening in on a thrilling recitation or a superb - concert number who of us has not longed to “look behind - the scenes” to see how it was done? The girls had made the - acquaintance of a sending station manager and in this volume - are permitted to get on the program, much to their delight. A - tale full of action and fun. - - 3. THE RADIO GIRLS ON STATION ISLAND - _or The Wireless from the Steam Yacht_ - - In this volume the girls travel to the seashore and put in a - vacation on an island where is located a big radio sending - station. The big brother of one of the girls owns a steam - yacht and while out with a pleasure party those on the island - receive word by radio that the yacht is on fire. A tale - thrilling to the last page. - - 4. THE RADIO GIRLS AT FOREST LODGE - _or The Strange Hut in the Swamp_ - - The Radio Girls spend several weeks on the shores of a - beautiful lake and with their radio get news of a great forest - fire. It also aids them in rounding up some undesirable folks - who occupy the strange hut in the swamp. - - _Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_ - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -THE CURLYTOPS SERIES - - BY HOWARD R. GARIS - - _Author of the famous “Bedtime Animal Stories”_ - - _12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_ - - _Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_ - - [Illustration] - - 1. THE CURLYTOPS AT CHERRY FARM - _or Vacation Days in the Country_ - - A tale of happy vacation days on a farm. - - 2. THE CURLYTOPS ON STAR ISLAND - _or Camping out with Grandpa_ - - The Curlytops camp on Star Island. - - 3. THE CURLYTOPS SNOWED IN - _or Grand Fun with Skates and Sleds_ - - The Curlytops on lakes and hills. - - 4. THE CURLYTOPS AT UNCLE FRANK’S RANCH - _or Little Folks on Ponyback_ - - Out West on their uncle’s ranch they have a wonderful time. - - 5. THE CURLYTOPS AT SILVER LAKE - _or On the Water with Uncle Ben_ - - The Curlytops camp out on the shores of a beautiful lake. - - 6. THE CURLYTOPS AND THEIR PETS - _or Uncle Toby’s Strange Collection_ - - An old uncle leaves them to care for his collection of pets. - - 7. THE CURLYTOPS AND THEIR PLAYMATES - _or Jolly Times Through the Holidays_ - - They have great times with their uncle’s collection of animals. - - 8. THE CURLYTOPS IN THE WOODS - _or Fun at the Lumber Camp_ - - Exciting times in the forest for Curlytops. - - 9. THE CURLYTOPS AT SUNSET BEACH - _or What Was Found in the Sand_ - - The Curlytops have a fine time at the seashore. - - 10. THE CURLYTOPS TOURING AROUND - _or The Missing Photograph Albums_ - - The Curlytops get in some moving pictures. - - 11. THE CURLYTOPS IN A SUMMER CAMP - _or Animal Joe’s Menagerie_ - - There is great excitement as some mischievous monkeys break - out of Animal Joe’s Menagerie. - - _Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_ - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -TO PARENTS - - _Our Name is a Reliable Guide to Good Books_ - - You want to be sure of the character of the books read by your - boys and girls. When you see our name, Cupples & Leon Company, - printed on a book, you can rest assured that it is a fit book for - them in every way, that the reading matter is clean, interesting, - inspiring and educational. - - _Send for our complete free illustrated Catalogue_ - - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY - Publishers :: :: :: New York - - [See Inner Side of this Wrapper] - - - - -TO OUR READERS - - After you have read this book look over the different lists of our - books on this jacket or wrapper, and see what other of these books - you would like to read. We are sure you will like and enjoy every - one as well as you have liked this one. - - _Send for our complete free illustrated Catalogue_ - - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY - Publishers :: :: :: New York - - [See Inner Side of this Wrapper] - - - - -Live up-to-date stories for wide-awake boys and girls. - - Well printed on good quality of paper, illustrated. - - _$1.00 BOOKS--FOR BOYS_ - - MOTOR BOYS SERIES - By CLARENCE YOUNG - - The Motor Boys - The Motor Boys Overland - The Motor Boys In Mexico - The Motor Boys Across the Plains - The Motor Boys Afloat - The Motor Boys On the Atlantic - The Motor Boys In Strange Waters - The Motor Boys On the Pacific - The Motor Boys In the Clouds - The Motor Boys Over the Rockies - The Motor Boys Over the Ocean - The Motor Boys On the Wing - The Motor Boys After a Fortune - The Motor Boys On the Border - The Motor Boys Under the Sea - The Motor Boys On Road and River - The Motor Boys At Boxwood Hall - The Motor Boys On a Ranch - The Motor Boys In the Army - The Motor Boys On the Firing Line - The Motor Boys Bound for Home - The Motor Boys On Thunder Mountain - - JACK RANGER SERIES - By CLARENCE YOUNG - - Jack Ranger’s School Days - Jack Ranger’s Western Trip - Jack Ranger’s School Victories - Jack Ranger’s Ocean Cruise - Jack Ranger’s Gun Club - Jack Ranger’s Treasure Box - - BASEBALL JOE SERIES - By LESTER CHADWICK - - Baseball Joe of the Silver Stars - Baseball Joe on the School Nine - Baseball Joe at Yale - Baseball Joe in the Central League - Baseball Joe in the Big League - Baseball Joe on the Giants - Baseball Joe in the World Series - Baseball Joe around the World - Baseball Joe: Home Run King - Baseball Joe Saving the League - Baseball Joe: Captain of the Team - - COLLEGE SPORTS SERIES - By LESTER CHADWICK - - The Rival Pitchers - A Quarterbacks Pluck - Batting to Win - The Winning Touchdown - For the Honor of Randall - The Eight-Oared Victors - - GREAT MARVEL SERIES - By ROY ROCKWOOD - - Through the Air to the North Pole - Under the Ocean to the South Pole - Five Thousand Miles Underground - Through Space to Mars - Lost on the Moon - On a Torn-Away World - - BOY HUNTERS SERIES - By CAPT. RALPH BONEHILL - - Four Boy Hunters - Guns and Snowshoes - Young Hunters of the Lake - Out With Gun and Camera - - _$1.00 BOOKS--FOR GIRLS_ - - DOROTHY DALE SERIES - By MARGARET PENROSE - - Dorothy Dale: A Girl of To-Day - Dorothy Dale at Glenwood School - Dorothy Dale’s Great Secret - Dorothy Dale and Her Chums - Dorothy Dale’s Queer Holidays - Dorothy Dale’s Camping Days - Dorothy Dale’s School Rivals - Dorothy Dale in the City - Dorothy Dale’s Promise - Dorothy Dale in the West - Dorothy Dale’s Strange Discovery - Dorothy Dale’s Engagement - Dorothy Dale To the Rescue - - MOTOR GIRLS SERIES - By MARGARET PENROSE - - The Motor Girls - The Motor Girls on a Tour - The Motor Girls at Lookout Beach - The Motor Girls through New England - The Motor Girls on Cedar Lake - The Motor Girls on the Coast - The Motor Girls on Crystal Bay - The Motor Girls on Waters Blue - The Motor Girls at Camp Surprise - The Motor Girls in the Mountains - - - - -THE BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS - - 12mo, nicely bound in cloth, stamped in colors. - - Each book has an attractive jacket in colors. - - _65 CENT BOOKS_--FOR BOYS - - WEBSTER SERIES - By FRANK V. WEBSTER - - Airship Andy - Pen Hardy’s Flying Machine - Bob Chester’s Grit - Bob the Castaway - Boy from the Ranch - Boy Pilot of the Lakes - Boy Scouts of Lenox - Boys of Bellwood School - Boys of the Wireless - Comrades of the Saddle - Cowboy Dave - Darry the Life Saver - Dick the Bank Boy - Harry Watson’s High School Days - High School Rivals - Jack of the Pony Express - Jack the Runaway - Newsboy Partners - Only a Farm Boy - Tom Taylor at West Point - Tom the Telephone Boy - Two Boy Gold Miners - Two Boys of the Battleship - Young Firemen of Lakeville - Young Treasure Hunter - - FRED FENTON SERIES - By ALLEN CHAPMAN - - Fred Fenton the Pitcher - Fred Fenton in the Line - Fred Benton on the Crew - Fred Fenton on the Track - Fred Fenton: Marathon Runner - - DAVE DASHAWAY SERIES - By ROY ROCKWOOD - - Dave Dashaway: the Young Aviator - Dave Dashaway and His Hydroplane - Dave Dashaway and His Giant Air Ship - Dave Dashaway Around the World - Dave Dashaway: Air Champion - - BOY RANCHER SERIES - By Willard F Baker - - The Boy Ranchers - The Boy Ranchers in Camp - The Boy Ranchers on the Trail - The Boy Ranchers Among the Indians - The Boy Ranchers at Spur Creek - The Boy Ranchers in the Desert - - SPEEDWELL BOYS SERIES - By ROY ROCKWOOD - - The Speedwell Boys on Motorcycles - The Speedwell Boys and Their Racing Auto - The Speedwell Boys and Their Power Launch - The Speedwell Boys in a Submarine - The Speedwell Boys and Their Ice Racer - - SADDLE BOYS SERIES - By CAPTAIN JAMES CARSON - - The Saddle Boys of the Rockies - The Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyon - The Saddle Boys on the Plains - The Saddle Boys at Circle Ranch - The Saddle Boys on Mexican Trails - - TOM FAIRFIELD SERIES - By ALLEN CHAPMAN - - Tom Fairfield’s School Days - Tom Fairfield at Sea - Tom Fairfield in Camp - Tom Fairfield’s Pluck and Luck - Tom Fairfield’s Hunting Trip - - _65 CENT BOOKS--FOR GIRLS_ - - RUTH FIELDING SERIES - By ALICE B. EMERSON - - Ruth Fielding of the Red Mill - Ruth Fielding at Briarwood Hall - Ruth Fielding at Snow Camp - Ruth Fielding at Lighthouse Point - Ruth Fielding at Silver Ranch - Ruth Fielding on Cliff Island - Ruth Fielding at Sunrise Farm - Ruth Fielding and the Gypsies - Ruth Fielding in Moving Pictures - Ruth Fielding Down in Dixie - Ruth Fielding at College - Ruth Fielding in the Saddle - Ruth Fielding in the Red Cross - Ruth Fielding at the War Front - Ruth Fielding Homeward Bound - Ruth Fielding Down East - Ruth Fielding in the Great Northwest - Ruth Fielding on the St. Lawrence - Ruth Fielding Treasure Hunting - Ruth Fielding in the Far North - - BETTY GORDON SERIES - By ALICE B. EMERSON - - Betty Gordon at Bramble Farm - Betty Gordon in Washington - Betty Gordon in the Land of Oil - Betty Gordon at Boarding School - Betty Gordon at Mountain Camp - Betty Gordon at Ocean Park - Betty Gordon and Her School Chums - - GIRL SCOUT SERIES - By LILIAN GARIS - - The Girl Scout Pioneers - The Girl Scouts at Bellaire - The Girl Scouts at Sea-Crest - The Girl Scouts at Camp Comalong - The Girl Scouts at Rocky Ledge - - THE LINGER-NOTS SERIES - By AGNES MILLER - - The Linger-Nots and the Mystery House - The Linger-Nots and the Valley Feud - The Linger-Nots and their Golden Quest - - THE RADIO GIRLS SERIES - By MARGARET PENROSE - - The Radio Girls of Roselawn - The Radio Girls on the Program - The Radio Girls on Station Island - The Radio Girls at Forest Lodge - - _65c. BOOKS--FOR CHILDREN_ - - CURLYTOPS SERIES - By HOWARD R. GARIS - - The Curlytops at Cherry Farm - The Curlytops on Star Island - The Curlytops Snowed In - The Curlytops at Uncle Frank’s Ranch - The Curlytops at Silver Lake - The Curlytops and Their Pets - The Curlytops and Their Playmates - The Curlytops in the Woods - The Curlytops at Sunset Beach - - RUBY AND RUTHY SERIES - By MINNIE E. PAULL - - Ruby and Ruthy - Ruby’s Ups and Downs - Ruby at School - Ruby’s Vacation - - _35c. BOOKS--FOR CHILDREN_ - - BROTHER AND SISTER SERIES - By JOSEPHINE LAWRENCE - - Brother and Sister - Brother and Sister’s Schooldays - Brother and Sister’s Holidays - Brother and Sister’s Vacation - - BILLY BUNNY BOOKS - By DAVID CORY - - Billy Bunny and the Friendly Elephant - Billy Bunny and Daddy Fox - Billy Bunny and Uncle Bull Frog - Billy Bunny and Uncle Lucky - Billy Bunny and Robbie Redbreast - Billy Bunny and Timmie Chipmunk - - LITTLE PRUDY SERIES - By SOPHIE MAY - - Little Prudy - Little Prudy’s Sister Susy - Little Prudy’s Captain Horace - Little Prudy’s Cousin Grace - Little Prudy’s Story Book - Little Prudy’s Dotty Dimple - -Our books are for sale by all booksellers or will be sent postpaid on -receipt of price by CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, 470 Fourth Avenue, New -York. Send for our complete free illustrated catalog. - - - - -Transcriber’s Note: - -Variations in hyphenated words have been retained as they appear in the -original publication. Punctuation has been standardised. Other changes -to the original publication are as follows: - - Page 3 - I would’t wear one like it _changed to_ - I wouldn’t wear one like it - - and the very thinest silk _changed to_ - and the very thinnest silk - - Page 6 - favorite with her acquaintences _changed to_ - favorite with her acquaintances - - Page 14 - Tavia had inadvertantly poured _changed to_ - Tavia had inadvertently poured - - Page 21 - be worse off that Amy _changed to_ - be worse off than Amy - - Page 45 - in a gorgeous red kimona _changed to_ - in a gorgeous red kimono - - Page 47 - flash of that fire-alarm kimona _changed to_ - flash of that fire-alarm kimono - - Page 48 - under the irridescent blades of light _changed to_ - under the iridescent blades of light - - Page 55 - Dorothy lauged frankly _changed to_ - Dorothy laughed frankly - - Page 84 - absurb comparison brought forth _changed to_ - absurd comparison brought forth - - Page 86 - stranger, named Cecilia Reynold _changed to_ - stranger, named Cecilia Reynolds - - skirt was was torn from her _changed to_ - skirt was torn from her - - Page 95 - suspicous whispering at lunch time _changed to_ - suspicious whispering at lunch time - - Page 114 - Be assurred if I am hauled _changed to_ - Be assured if I am hauled - - Page 115 - with that remarks echoing _changed to_ - with that remark echoing - - Page 119 - I shall turn somnabulist _changed to_ - I shall turn somnambulist - - Page 143 - Jake assurred them _changed to_ - Jake assured them - - Page 146 - I known Cologne and Annette are _changed to_ - I know Cologne and Annette are - - Page 183 - she enterd the classroom _changed to_ - she entered the classroom - - Page 185 - in the white haired woman _changed to_ - in the white-haired woman - - Page 189 - and such varities of outdoor life _changed to_ - and such varieties of outdoor life - - Page 190 - instruct the class on varities of _changed to_ - instruct the class on varieties of - - Page 193 - said Miss Cumming calmly _changed to_ - said Miss Cummings calmly - - Page 209 - She was somewhat supertitious _changed to_ - She was somewhat superstitious - - Page 211 - be interferred with by a giggling _changed to_ - be interfered with by a giggling - - Page 212 - he replied camly _changed to_ - he replied calmly - - Page 221 - or direct infringment of the rules _changed to_ - or direct infringement of the rules - - Page 235 - the upturned jardinere upon which _changed to_ - the upturned jardiniere upon which - - Page 235 - let the Tartars speak first _changed to_ - let the Tarters speak first - - Page 236 - another member of the Tartars _changed to_ - another member of the Tarters - - Page 239 - saved them for actual weeping _changed to_ - saved them from actual weeping - - Book catalogue, page 3 - RUTH FIELDING AT BRIARWOODHALL _changed to_ - RUTH FIELDING AT BRIARWOOD HALL - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Dorothy Dale's School Rivals, by Margaret Penrose - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOROTHY DALE'S SCHOOL RIVALS *** - -***** This file should be named 54649-0.txt or 54649-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/6/4/54649/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson 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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