and fresh air that this "hike" was taken
as for an opportunity to hold a conference where there was little
likelihood of its being overheard. They picked a grassy knoll near the
lake, shaded by a border of oak and butternut trees, and sat down close
together in order that they might carry on a conversation in subdued
tones.

"Now," said Miss Ladd, "we'll begin to form our plans. You all realize,
I think, that we have an obstacle to work against that we did not
reckon on when we started. But that need not surprise us. In fact, as I
think matters over, it would have been surprising if something of the
kind had not occurred. This man Langford is undoubtedly here to block
our plans. If that is true, in a sense it is an advantage to us."

"Why?" Hazel Edwards inquired.

"I don't like the idea of answering questions of that kind without
giving you girls an opportunity to answer them," the Guardian returned.
"Now, who can tell me why it is an advantage to us to be followed by
someone in the employ of the people whom we have been sent to
investigate."

"I think I can answer it," Hazel said quickly, observing that two or
three of the other girls seemed to have something to say. "Let me speak
first, please. I asked the foolish question and want a chance to redeem
myself."

"I wouldn't call it foolish," was the Guardian's reassuring reply. "It
was a very natural question and one that comparatively few people would
be able to answer without considerable study. And yet, it is simple
after you once get it. But go ahead and redeem yourself."

"The fact that someone has been put on our trail to watch us is pretty
good evidence that something wrong is going on," said Hazel. "You warned
us not to be sure that anybody is guilty until we see the jam on his
fist. But we can work more confidently if we are reasonably certain
that there is something to work for. If this man Langford is in the
employ of the Grahams and is here watching us for them, we may be
reasonably certain that Aunt Hannah was right in her suspicions about
the way little Glen is being treated, may we not?"

"That is very good, Hazel," Miss Ladd commented enthusiastically. "Many
persons a good deal older than you could not have stated the situation
as clearly as you have stated it. Yes, I think I may say that I am
almost glad that we are being watched by a spy.

"But I didn't call you out here to have a long talk with you, girls.
There really isn't much to say ri