Her voice trembled pitifully.
“Freda, dear, what is the matter?” asked Cora in sympathetic tones, for she saw tears in the other’s eyes.
“Oh, it’s money matters. You know we own—or at least we thought we did—a large tract of land at Crystal Bay.”
“Crystal Bay!” exclaimed Cora, in surprise.
“Yes. It was Grandfather Lewis’s homestead. Well, most of our income has come from that since father’s death, and now—Oh, I don’t know all the details, but some land speculators—land sharks, mother calls them—are disputing our title.
“Mother has just worried herself sick over it, and I’m afraid she is going into nervous prostration. I’ve been to see some distant relatives about the matter, but I can’t do anything. I’m so sorry for dear little mother. If she should break down——”
Poor, worried Freda could not go on. Cora held her close and the thought came to her that Freda herself was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. The girl had changed very much from the happy, laughing chum of a year before.
“Freda, dear, tell me more about it,” murmured Cora. “Perhaps I can help—I have friends—Jack and I——”
“Here comes the train!” interrupted Jack. “Come on, Cora!”
“I must see you again, Freda,” said Cora, hastily. “I’ll look for you on the train. I’ve got to get my party together. Don’t forget—I’ll see you again!” and, wondering what was the cause of her friend’s worry, Cora hastened up the platform, toward her companions, while the train steamed noisily in.