it on the desk, at all. He probably has it in
his pocket and forgot all about it. Let's call him on the phone and
see what he says," exclaimed Kit.

But Bet stopped suddenly: "Oh Auntie Gibbs, perhaps that _was_ a robber
that I thought I saw going out the window. Maybe he stole the fan!"

"Nonsense child, you are still nervous. Now quiet down and we'll find
the fan somewhere. We'll call Phil, now," soothed Auntie Gibbs.

Anxiously Bet called, but the boy was not home and Mrs. Gordon said
casually that she would tell Phil to give them a ring when he came in.
She had no idea that a lost fan was important.

Bet was quite indignant for a moment. "To hear her talk you'd think
that it would be all right if he called next week."

"But Mrs. Gordon doesn't know anything about how valuable it is, Bet,"
explained Kit. "You mustn't blame her."

"I know, of course, but I'm terribly worried."

"I think the best thing to do is to telegraph your father at once,"
suggested Uncle Nat.

"And that's just what I _can't_ do. Dad has gone on a trip and he says
he won't have an address until the first of the week."

"I'm going down to the village to find Phil and talk it over with him,"
announced Kit decisively. "Let's all go!"

The four girls walked all through the town but, though they hunted
everywhere, they did not find Phil. Shirley and Joy went into
Shirley's Shop and sat there for an hour, hoping he might pass. But
evening came and still Phil had not been home.

Bet was at supper when Phil Gordon called her at last. She was
trembling as she said, "I must see you at once, Phil. Can you come up?"

Phil caught the note of worry in her voice and answered, "I'll be there
in an hour, Bet. Is that O.K.?"

"I wonder what's the matter, son. Bet has called several times today,"
said his mother.

"I can't imagine what it is. I'll get ready and go right away. If
there is anything I can do for Bet, I'll be glad to help. She's one of
the finest girls I know. She's never silly, just out and out, and
treats you as if she were another boy. I like that!"

Phil wasted no time on his supper. Even his mother urged him to hurry.

"I do hope nothing is wrong with Colonel Baxter, that would make Bet
worry," Mrs. Gordon said as Phil left her.

When Bet opened the door for Phil, he saw at once that something
unusual was troubling her.

"Phil, I just had to see you. I can't find that fan we had the other
night. Do tell