"That is done; but you can see that such a decision would be granted only after long research on our part. It would delay your purchase considerably."
"However, it seems to me the thing to do," decided Mrs. Smith, and she and Stanley at once entered upon a discussion of the ways and means by which the hunt for Emily Leonard and her heirs was to be accomplished. It included the employment of detectives for the spring months, and then, if they had not met with success, a journey by Stanley during the weeks of his summer vacation.
Dorothy and Ethel were bitterly disappointed at the result of Mrs. Smith's attempt to purchase the coveted bit of land.
"I suppose it wouldn't have any value for any one else on earth," cried Dorothy, "but I want it."
"I don't think I ever saw a spot that suited me so well for a summer play place," agreed Ethel Blue, and Helen and Roger and all the rest of the Club members were of the same opinion.
"The Clarks will be putting the price up if they should find out that we wanted it so much," warned Roger.
"I don't believe they would," smiled Mrs. Smith. "They said they thought themselves lucky to have a customer for it, because it isn't good for building ground."
"We'll hope that Stanley will unearth the history of his great-aunt," said Roger seriously.
"And find that she died a spinster," smiled his Aunt Louise. "The fewer heirs there are to deal the simpler it will be."