m."

"I hope you catch him," said Jim. "Go along in the buzz-wagon. I'll look
after your rig until you git back. Good-luck!"

They started off, the farmer going into details of how he had been
swindled. He was very thankful for the unexpected "lift" given him, and
declared that he would not have known what to do had not the auto come
along.

"We are only too glad to help you," said Mollie.

[Illustration: "'THERE HE IS!' CRIED THE FARMER, 'THAT'S THE MAN WHO
SWINDLED ME!'"

_The Outdoor Girls in a Motor Car._ _Page 197._]

"We seem to be in the assisting business," remarked Betty, who sat
beside Mollie. "We're helping two birds with one auto."

"You mean Carrie?"

"Yes."

"Poor girl! I do hope we can help her, and get someone to look after her
so she won't worry. Mr. Washburn will know what to do."

"Yes, Allen is getting to be quite a lawyer," admitted Betty, with a
blush.

They swung into Franklin.

"Where do you think would be a good place to look for your man?" asked
Mr. Blackford of the farmer.

"I heard he was selling tooth powder in the public square. He has a
stand, or something."

"Then suppose you head for there," suggested Mr. Blackford to Mollie.
She nodded.

They saw a crowd of people in the square in front of the court house. In
their midst stood a man on a raised platform--a platform gay with flags.
His strident voice could be heard extoling the merits of his wares. The
auto came nearer. The vendor's face could be plainly seen.

"There he is!" cried the farmer. "That's the man who swindled me!" He
stood up in the machine. Those in the crowd gazed wonderingly at him.

A gasp from Carrie caused Grace to look at her. The girl's face was
white.

"What is it?" asked Grace in alarm.

"That man--he--he is my guardian!" cried Carrie. "Oh, don't let him see
me!" and she cowered behind Amy and Grace.

CHAPTER XXIV

THE FAKER CAUGHT

Several things happened at about the same time, and so quickly that the
girls confessed afterward that they were fairly dizzy. Consequently they
were not altogether sure of the sequence of events themselves.

But as that does not so much matter as does the ultimate effect, I will
set down the various happenings in such order as will best indicate to
the reader the proceedings.

Naturally the attention of Mr. Blackford, and the girls, was first drawn
to Mr. Bailey, the farmer, who was shaking his fist at the man selling
tooth powder on the platfo