that Bet's friends were there to receive him, and his old
carefree manner made the girls rejoice that they did not have to cause
him worry.

Before dinner he made a trip to Uncle Nat's room to shake the old man's
hand.

"Auntie Gibbs, I do believe you are trying to spoil me," declared the
Colonel as he partook of all the delicacies that she had provided for
his benefit.

"It can't be done again, Colonel, I spoiled you long ago," she answered.

After dinner was over and the men started toward the drawing room, Bet
said, "Will you girls help Auntie Gibbs? I must give the fan to Dad at
once."

The Bet who presented herself to her father had scarlet cheeks and her
hands were trembling with nervous strain.

"Daddy, may I see you alone for a few minutes? It's a matter of great
importance." The girl's manner was so formal and grown-up that Colonel
Baxter had to smile as he turned to his guest.

"Will you pardon me, Provost, for a few minutes?"

Father and daughter slipped into a small room adjoining and after Bet
had closed the door she said:

"Daddy, I have to make a confession."

"What have you done now, broken a window?"

"No, no, Daddy, be serious. I've had an awful time." She unfastened
something from her neck and to her father's surprise put the fan in his
hand.

"Why Bet, I told you to put the fan away."

"Listen Dad. When your message came the fan was gone! Isn't that
_terrible_? It was stolen and we got it back only yesterday. It was
after the bank closed. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be disobedient."

"Who stole it?"

"No one knows yet."

Suddenly the Colonel jumped to his feet. "Well, one bit of good luck
has come out of this. After a while I'll hear the whole story. Now I
must see Provost. You're a brave little girl."

After the Colonel had talked with his guest for a moment Bet heard the
man saying: "That's what I call luck, Colonel Baxter! I can take the
fan with me, give you the check right now, and get home in time to meet
that important business appointment."

A brief inspection was enough for the expert. He made out a check, put
the fan carefully in his bag and asked: "When does that train leave
here for Chicago?"

"In fifteen minutes exactly."

"Can we make it?"

"Bob, can you get us to the station in fifteen minutes to catch the
express?"

"Certainly, let's go!" said Bob.

Bet accompanied them to the station. She sat between her father and
Mr. Provost and ans