"And from who did you get your information?"
"A gal and two boys in an auto stopped here to fix a puncture, and suddenly the gal seen the canoe, and recognized it. 'Where'd you get that?' she asked.
"'Some gal paddled up here in it and sold it,' I replied.
"'Wal it weren't her'n to sell,' the gal says. 'She's nuthin' but a common thief—that's what she is!'
"And she paid me five dollars to save it for her, and the next day they drove up with more money, and took it away.
"Now, I ain't sayin' nuthin' on you, but I advise you not to talk about your canoe no more!"
"Oh, indeed!" said Frieda, scarcely able to choke back the tears. And, turning hastily around, she walked over to the bridge.
But she could never go back to the Scouts now; she as a "common thief;" she had better stay and work alone!