g the invalid up in the
snuggery.

"Any news?" she called, as she heard Phyllis's step on the stairs.

"Not yet, and the week's almost up," Phyllis replied sadly.

"Did you walk home with Chuck?"

"Yes, and he said he was very sorry you were sick and he sent you his
love."

"Thanks, but what are they going to do?"

Phyllis gave a little shudder.

"Don't use that awful word '_they_,'" she said. "It always means the
kidnappers to me, and somehow or other every time I hear it I seem to
see bandits with gold ear-rings and red handkerchiefs tied round their
heads, and they are always doing something horrible to little Don."

"I know," Janet agreed sympathetically, "only I don't think of _they_
as that kind of bandit. I wish I did. It wouldn't be half so hard to
find them and have a real old fight, but these creatures that have
stolen Don are men and they look just like everybody else."

"Except inside," Phyllis added.

"Of course, but their insides don't help. We can't see anything but
their everyday outside looks," Janet reminded her.

Phyllis was thoughtful for a little, then she said slowly, "I'm sure I
don't know why I should feel so terribly about it; worse than the rest
of you, I mean, but somehow I do. Don was such a darling that day that
I met him in the park, and I've sort of loved him ever since, and now
to think that he's shut up somewhere and can't get out, and that
perhaps he's being badly treated and starved. Oh, Jan, I just can't
bear it, and if I feel like this just imagine his poor father!"

"But surely they--the detectives--will find him,"--Janet tried to
console; "and anyhow Monday something is bound to happen."

"Yes, and worrying won't help, and it's unkind to you, poor
darling,"--Phyllis smiled with determination. "How is the throat, and
the head by this time?"

"Oh, loads better. I feel perfectly well; but it's such fun being an
invalid. I told Annie to bring luncheon up here. Auntie Mogs is out
and I waited for you."

"Angel, you must be starved to death, but here comes Annie now. I can
hear her venerable boots creaking up the stairs."

Annie appeared with a tray, and Phyllis busied herself putting the
table where Janet could reach it comfortably.

"Filet of sole and that nice sauce that Lucy knows I love; how nice."
She sat down opposite Janet, and for the time being gave herself up to
cheering her.

"Sally and Daphne are coming over to-morrow morning. They both sen