"No, Mrs. Carter, I must stick with Linda. It isn't often that my mother gives in and lets me go off like this, and I mean to take advantage of it Besides, there's adventure ahead!"
Mrs. Carter sighed; these modern girls were beyond her comprehension. She was thankful that her only child was a boy.
While Dot was saying good-by, explaining that the Mackays had to be up early in the morning, Jackson managed a whisper to Linda.
"When can I see you, Ann? I just must!"
Linda smiled; she was in command of herself again. She had won in a difficult situation.
"Some time when we both winter at Palm Beach or Miami," she replied, lightly, as she nodded good-by to his mother.
The young man's interest in Linda had not escaped Dot's notice. When they had left the restaurant, she remarked, teasingly:
"You certainly made a hit, my dear. But I'm just as glad you turned down their invitation. The Carters have a marvelous home, I believe, but they're about 1890 vintage. They don't know that there was a War."
"Well, we really haven't any time to lose," was her companion's reply. "I'm almost afraid now that Susie will be gone when we get to that island. And I'm in a hurry to help the police trace that other thief with the money."