Mr. Campbell sighed. Billie was the only girl in the world who wasn't any trouble, he thought.
CHAPTER XXI.
CONUNDRUMS AND ANSWERS.
"I tell you Nancy is on her way, now, Papa," said Billie emphatically. "She would never have had time to get here as soon as yesterday. The storm would have delayed her. She couldn't have reached here."
Mr. Campbell shook his head anxiously as he paced up and down the piazza waiting for the 'riksha the messenger was to send back from Tokyo.
Billie's faith in her friend was wonderful. He admired it, but he was obliged to say he felt rather skeptical himself, all things considered.
"There comes the 'riksha," announced Mary at last.
Mr. Campbell went into the house for his hat and cane and Billie followed him. She looked so pale and miserable that he stooped to kiss her and then led her into the library.
"Come in here a moment, little daughter," he said, "and we'll talk things over a bit."
"How are you going to find her, Papa?" Billie asked, wiping away the tears that would well in her eyes every few minutes and trickle down her cheeks.