Mr. Latham paused. It was natural that he should expect some explanation. What was a handsome, middle-aged woman doing on top of a mountain? Why were her only companions two charming young girls and a rough looking man and his wife?
“I suppose,” Miss Stuart replied, laughing, “that you are almost as much surprised at our appearance as we are at yours! I am sure no thanks are necessary for our part in your rescue! We were delighted to assist in such a novel and up-to-date adventure.” Miss Sallie looked smilingly at Mollie and Barbara. She was rather enjoying their unusual experience. Moreover, she had heard of Mr. Latham’s beautiful home in Lenox. And was assured they were in the best of company.
“We are camping on this hill for a few weeks,” she continued. “I am Miss Stuart, of Chicago. My niece and I, and three girl friends, are the entire camping party, except for our guide and his wife. Won’t you come to our hut? Can we be of any assistance to you?”
“Indeed, you can!” heartily declared Mr. Latham, who was evidently an old bachelor of about fifty-five years of age, with charming manners. “I wonder if you will take care of my balloon for me until my nephew can get down the hill to send a wagon up for it. That very inferior looking object you now see collapsed on the ground is really my latest treasure. It is one of the best dirigible balloons invented up to the present time.”
Barbara was already down on her hands and knees beside the balloon. As her new acquaintance explained the details of its construction to her, his face burned with enthusiasm. Mollie, watching him, thought he looked almost handsome. Nevertheless she didn’t like Reginald Latham. Bab, however, was delighted. She had a thirst for information and here was a young man who could intelligently talk to her about the most marvelous inventions of the century, the airship and the aeroplane.
“I think,” Bab volunteered, “if the balloon can be folded without harming it, we might carry it to the house in our small express wagon. We could each hold up a side of it, and it would be better than carrying it altogether.”
The queer procession started for the cabin. Miss Sallie and Mollie walked on in front. Mr. Latham, Reginald Latham, Naki and Ceally, each supported a corner of the balloon, while Bab solemnly dragged the express wagon. Her pile of evergreens had been rudely dumped out on the ground.
“Well, for goodness sake!” Ruth and Grace stood at the door of their cabin, transfixed with surprise. “What on earth has happened this time?”
“Let nothing surprise you, girls, in this world of strange adventure,” called Barbara. She had forgotten the strangers when she saw the amazed faces of Ruth and Grace. “Sometimes it is the stay-at-homes who have the exciting experiences come to them.”
“Do come in and have tea with us, Mr. Latham!” urged Miss Stuart. “Naki will go down to a farmhouse, only a mile or so away, where he keeps his horses, and will bring up his wagon to take your balloon home for you. You really must explain matters to my niece and her friend, Miss Carter, or they will perish with curiosity! If traveling in the air makes one as hungry as living on a hilltop, the tea may be acceptable for its own sake.”