“I should say that you need a detective—or a body-guard,” remarked the officer, as he indicated that the scouts should get into the car.
“I guess we have one,” muttered Marjorie to herself; for, just as she started her engine, a touring car with two young men passed the car. To the amazement of all but Marjorie and Ethel the girls recognized Jack Wilkinson and John Hadley!
“Am I dreaming?” gasped Lily, “or were they really Jack and John?”
Marjorie and Ethel both laughed heartily.
“The very same,” replied the latter.
“But how—?” began Daisy.
Marjorie put her finger over her lips, in warning to the girls not to ask any enlightening questions before Mrs. Hart. The girls took the hint, and though they were sincerely puzzled, kept quiet.
“Don’t forget Chicago!” remarked Ethel, enigmatically.
“But why Chicago?” demanded Lily.
“Because John happened to be there on business,” Marjorie explained, “so Jack went with him, both expecting to use their vacations for a lake trip. John wrote me from there.”