"Nonsense child, you are still nervous. Now quiet down and we'll find the fan somewhere. We'll call Phil, now," soothed Auntie Gibbs.
Anxiously Bet called, but the boy was not home and Mrs. Gordon said casually that she would tell Phil to give them a ring when he came in. She had no idea that a lost fan was important.
Bet was quite indignant for a moment. "To hear her talk you'd think that it would be all right if he called next week."
"But Mrs. Gordon doesn't know anything about how valuable it is, Bet," explained Kit. "You mustn't blame her."
"I know, of course, but I'm terribly worried."
"I think the best thing to do is to telegraph your father at once," suggested Uncle Nat.
"And that's just what I can't do. Dad has gone on a trip and he says he won't have an address until the first of the week."
"I'm going down to the village to find Phil and talk it over with him," announced Kit decisively. "Let's all go!"
The four girls walked all through the town but, though they hunted everywhere, they did not find Phil. Shirley and Joy went into Shirley's Shop and sat there for an hour, hoping he might pass. But evening came and still Phil had not been home.
Bet was at supper when Phil Gordon called her at last. She was trembling as she said, "I must see you at once, Phil. Can you come up?"