“Bessie’s made friends with Jake Hoover, too,” said Dolly, disgustedly. “Tell Miss Eleanor about that, Bessie.”
“You did exactly the right thing,” said Eleanor, when she had heard the story, much to Dolly’s disgust. “I agree with Dolly that we will have to look out for him, just the same, but there is a chance that he may do what he promised. Anyhow, there’s a lot to gain and very little to lose.”
CHAPTER XII
PLUM BEACH
On the way to Plum Beach, on the little branch line that carried the girls from Bay City to Green Cove, Eleanor was very thoughtful, and Bessie and Dolly were kept busy in telling the other girls of their experiences. They wanted to hear from Zara, too, just how she had escaped.
“I don’t see how you kept your face straight,” said Dolly. “I know I would have burst right out laughing, Zara.”
“You wouldn’t think so if you knew Farmer Weeks,” said Zara, making a wry face. “I can tell you I didn’t want to laugh, Dolly. Why, he was within a few feet of me, and looking straight at me! I was sure he’d guess that it was I.”
“He always looks at everyone that way—just as if they owed him money,” said Bessie. “Nasty old man! I don’t blame you for being nervous, Zara.”
“Oh, neither do I,” said Dolly. “But it was funny to think of his being so near you and having no idea of it. That’s what would have made me laugh.”
“It seems funny enough, now,” admitted Zara, with a smile. “But, you see, I was perfectly certain that he did have a very good idea of where I was. I was expecting him to take hold of me any moment, and tell the constable to take me off the train.”