itation. They do that sometimes," suggested Phil. "They are
probably trying to break up the party, and we're letting them do it."'

"That's right!" exclaimed the young people. "Aren't we silly! Let's
get back to the games."

The scare was soon forgotten as the boys and girls became engrossed in
their play and Smiley was brought in to do tricks.

But after the last guest had gone and Bet and her three chums, who were
to spend the night with her, were tucked into bed. Bet thought she
heard noise in her father's room.

She was out of bed in a second. "Oh I do believe Daddy came back after
all," she whispered a ran into the den.

As she switched on the light, she imagined she saw a shadow at the
window. Then she took herself in hand. "Bet Baxter, you're being
silly! Just because you saw someone going out the attic window you
imagine you see it again! Go back to bed!"

As she was returning to her room, she had an idea and slipped down to
the basement quietly so she wouldn't waken Uncle Nat. She opened the
door and Smiley Jim bounded into the garden with a growl.

As Bet went up stairs again, she heard the dog running about and smiled
to herself. "He's had so much excitement, he's nervous too."

Reaching her room she saw her father's photograph on her desk. She
picked it up, "Dear old Dad, I wonder what was worrying you when you
went away today. You looked so sad. I'm so silly I never want to see
anything but joy on your dear face. Goodnight Daddy boy!" And Bet
slipped into bed and was soon fast asleep.

CHAPTER XIV

THE LOST FAN

The morning was half gone when the four chums finally awoke and felt
the need of breakfast.

"Come on girls, let's get up," called Kit, as she sprang out of bed and
ran from room to room to make sure that the girls were rising. "I'm
going to be dressed first and go down and help Auntie Gibbs make the
toast."

But when Kit arrived in the kitchen she found the old lady singing at
her work, and therefore in a happy mood. Her party had been a success
and she felt a personal triumph. Breakfast was ready.

While the girls were eating, the door bell rang three times.

"There's the mail! Oh Uncle Nat, is there a letter for me?"

"Of course, you know that without asking. Your Dad always writes and
if he thinks a letter may not reach you, he sends a telegram."

"Sure. Give it to me!" And Bet tore open the letter eagerly and read
it.

"Oh Auntie Gibbs, come