“Did you see the boys this morning?” questioned Mary Louise.
“Yeah,” replied the boy. “I took the canoe across the river, where they were in swimming early, with the chauffeur.”
“And couldn’t they tell you anything more about the fire?”
“Nope. Robby said he never wakened up till he heard the chauffeur yelling at them. Then they all grabbed their clothes and ran. The nurse was sleeping in the same room with little Ethel, and she saw to it that the kid got out safely.”
“And she went back for her dolly!” whispered Mrs. Gay, with a catch in her voice.
“Mother, please stop thinking about that!” begged Mary Louise. “Everything came out all right—so do try to forget it.”
“I will, dear. But I think I’ve had enough of Shady Nook for one summer. I’ve about decided to pack up and go home tomorrow.”
“Oh, no!” protested Mary Louise, aghast. “We can’t—run away!”
“If only your father were here, he’d find out what’s the cause of all these disasters. But I feel so unsafe—so helpless without him!”
“I’m going to find out!” announced Mary Louise, with determination in her voice. “Just stay a little while, till we have a chance to see what develops!”