"If there is any way we can help you or if you know any girls who would like to join our troop, please leave another letter in this same place.
"Very truly, THREE GIRLS OF TRUE TRED."
There was no time to discuss the last few paragraphs, for Hal Crane was now seen flying along the macadam road.
"Be sure he knows just where to go," Cleo warned Grace, who had sealed the letter and now stood waiting the courier.
"What's the idea, anyhow?" demanded Hal. "Isn't the post-office good enough for your troop?"
"Oh, you see, Hal," Grace explained, "maybe our friend can't leave the woods."
"Got something the matter that makes him hide out there, and you don't mind exposing me to it?" Hal was laughing good-naturedly. He evidently was just as keen on the adventure as were the girls.
"Now, you have promised to keep our secret, you know, Hal, and we are sure we will find out something awfully interesting if he answers this letter."
"Suppose he gobbles me up?" returned the big boy, thrusting out his right arm expectantly.
"Oh, you know you have scoured and scouted these woods lots of times, and I suppose you know every squirrel by name," Madaline said. "But go on, Hal, and we'll wait here for you till you come back. There may be another letter under the stone," and her cheeks fairly burned in anticipation.