oned and listened until he had a fairly clear idea
of the situation. Then he spoke with cheerfulness.

"You all ought to be dealt with for getting into such mischief," he said.
"And now don't cry any more. Many a soldier has run away from his first
battle-field. If I were you, I'd own up I had been a coward and say I was
sorry. Do you want to come back with me, and see the end of this
adventure?"

Greatly comforted, Katherine dried her eyes and decided to go with Mr.
Whittredge. Jack might not be so hard on her when he saw her under such
protection.

By this time Jack had found Morgan and brought him to the Gilpin house,
where Celia and Maurice were waiting; and at Celia's suggestion he went
in and opened the side door, thus making entrance easy for the others.

"How silly not to have thought of letting Maurice in this way before," he
exclaimed.

The old house, a moment before so ghostly, now rang with the sound of
voices as Rosalind, leaning over the stair rail, joyfully welcomed the
rescuers.

The magician had some tools with him, but be seemed puzzled at first as to
what the trouble could be, when Celia said, "I know what the matter is.
Belle, isn't there a little catch at the side of the lock that moves up
and down? Try."

"Yes," answered Belle, after a moment's investigation.

"Then push it up," said Celia, but before the words were out of her mouth
Belle had the door open and was being as warmly welcomed by Rosalind as if
they had been separated for years instead of minutes.

Belle was really pale from the trying experience, and had to wink rapidly
to keep the tears of relief out of her eyes, while Celia explained the
accident.

"You see, when Jack banged the door the catch fell and kept the knob from
turning. We have one that has given us a good deal of trouble." Then she
put her arm around Belle and reminded her that the way of transgressors is
hard.

"But I wasn't doing anything wrong," replied Belle.

"Everything came true, Maurice," Rosalind said merrily. "First Belle found
a ring, and then the imprisoned maiden was rescued; but her name wasn't
Patricia, after all."

"I don't believe she wants to play the part again," said Celia.

"Indeed, I don't," answered Belle. "Here is the enchanted ring, Rosalind.
Ask the magician to break the spell."

"What children you are!" Celia laughed, and her face was full of
brightness as she descended the stairs with Belle beside her, the others
following. T