Miss Carlton groaned.
“I don’t agree with you, Kitty dear,” she said. “It’s more likely that Linda has crashed during that storm, and is stranded—possibly hurt—in some lonely place.”
“Now please don’t worry, Miss Carlton,” urged Kitty, sympathetically. “It’s only six o’clock, and you know Linda is the best flyer of all. Besides, the ‘Ladybug’ is safer than an ordinary plane.”
Mr. Clavering had given orders that the dinner be moved on to seven-thirty, in the hope that Linda might arrive in time. At exactly five minutes after the hour the “Ladybug” came roaring through the skies, and to the amusement of everyone, landed right on the front lawn of the Inn. Trying to smile gayly in spite of her encounter with Mrs. Fishberry and her vision of the strange ghost in the tower, Linda Carlton stepped out.
Everybody ran down the steps to greet her, and her aunt kissed her as if she had never expected to see her again.
“You’re safe!” she cried, with intense relief.
“Get the treasure?” demanded Dot, excitedly.
“Yes,” replied Linda, smiling. “And it’s wonderful, Mr. Clavering!” She dug into her pocket and displayed the thousand dollar check to everyone’s view.
“Whew!” exclaimed Jim Valier. “Congratulations, Linda! And can I go with you next time?”
At his joking words everybody all at once remembered Amy. “What has happened to the child?” demanded several of them at the same time.