"To-night?"
"As soon as you girls can get equipped. We must find Cora now or——"
"We will find her," cried Bess. "I know we will. Oh, just let us get on the road! I think the cars will scent the trail! I feel as if I were simply going out to meet her by appointment."
It was a brave effort, for the girls felt anything but certain. So many hopes had arisen and been dashed down! so many clews had been followed, only to be abandoned! so many messages had been sent in vain!
But with such hope as they could muster up the party in four automobiles started out from the Tip-Top. Without exception every guest was interested in the case, and as the motorists chugged off many were the wishes of good luck that were wafted after them.
To find Cora! to find Leland! or——
Another disappointment would seem too cruel. Walter declared he could pick a trail they had never yet followed. Betty said she knew a very dark and dangerous pass, where she had lost her bracelet. Belle wanted to go by the river road, so that when it was actually left to Bess to decide, as she was next in authority to Cora in the Motor Girls' Club, she spoke for the way through the woods, straight up into a rough and shaggy pass.
"They would never dream of an automobile getting up there," she declared, "and if she is in hiding they have taken her far away from the good roads."
Wonderful for Bess! Wonderful, indeed, is the instinct of love!
Scarcely had they turned into the wooded way than they espied smoke stealing up through the trees.