“I will,” said Freda, bravely. “It is this way. My grandfather was a pioneer land-owner of a large tract at Crystal Bay. It came to us, after papa died, and we lived well on the income from it, for there was much farm land besides the big house we lived in. But a month or so ago a big land company, that wants to get our property for a factory site, filed a claim against us, saying we had no good title to the estate. They said certain deeds had not been filed, and that we were only trespassers, and must get off.”
“And did you go?” asked Cora, with deep interest.
“Not yet, but I am afraid we’ll have to. You see these men took the matter to court. They got an injunction, I think it is called. Anyhow, it was some document that forbade the people who rent the land from us from paying us any more money until the case was settled. And, as we depend on the rents for our living—well, you see we haven’t any living now, to speak of,” and Freda tried to smile through her tears.
“Oh, that’s a shame!” cried Cora, impulsively. “And can nothing be done?”
“We have tried, mother and I. But we really have no money to hire lawyers, and neither have any of what few friends and relations there are left. I have just been on a quest of that kind, but it was not successful.
“There are supposed to be some documents—deeds, mortgages, or something like that, in existence, and if we could only get hold of them we might prove our claim, and force the men to let us have our rent money again. But until we get those papers——”
Freda paused suggestively.
“Oh, I wish I could think of a way to help you!” murmured Cora. “I can see you have been suffering!”
“I don’t mind so much about myself,” said Freda, bravely, “but I am really more worried about mother than I am about the property. If worst came to worst I could go to work, but mother has taken so to heart the actions of the land sharks! She never was strong, you know. You met her; did you not?”
“I think not, but perhaps I may have done so. Now, Freda, I am going to help you!”