be
better than some of us going to a hotel, and all that sort of thing.
We can bunk in the cars."

"Oh, in the woods!" almost shrieked Belle.

"Well, no, you might go up a tree," said Cora rather crossly.

"There's many a nest unseen----"

"Wallie, you quit. The unseen nest is not for yours. You are hereby
appointed for guard duty!" and Ed snatched up a stout stick to serve as
"arms" for the guard.

"I have a little something," admitted Jack, flashing a brand new
revolver. "I have heard of the gypsy camps around these mountains, so
I came prepared."

"Oh, those gypsies!" and Belle had another spasm. "I feel that
something will happen tonight! Those dreadful gypsies!"

"We can lock you in the tonneau of Cora's car," suggested Ed, "and when
the gypsies come they can't 'gyp' you. They may take all of us, but no
power on earth, not even palm reading, can move that monster."

The idea that she really could be locked up in the car gave Belle some
comfort, although Bess and Hazel were holding a most secret convention
over under a tree, where the last rays of light lingered as day hurried
along.

"Why did you speak about the gypsies?" Cora asked Jack, by way of
reproof rather than question. "You know the girls go off in kinks when
they think of the burglar."

"Well, I suppose I shouldn't. But the fact is, we might as well be
prepared, for there are bands of our friends tied up around these
hills. Fortune telling is a great business among summer idlers."

"Well, I hope we have seen the last of them. I'm going to stay in the
open, in the _Flyaway_. I'd rather do it than be cooped up with the
girls in the tonneau, and there will be room for Bess, Belle and Hazel
inside the _Whirlwind_. It won't be so bad--a night in the wide open."

"Oh, we fellows don't mind it, but, sis, might not some cocoon drop in
your hair in the night? We had better rig up some sort of hood."

"My own hood will do nicely, and I am almost dead from the exertion of
that tire. I grant you, I will not lie awake listening for gypsies."

"Then we boys will take turns on the picket," said Ed. "You can really
depend upon us this time, girls. One will be awake and watching every
minute."

"Oh, I'm sure it's all right out here," replied Cora. "What would any
one want in these woods at night?"

"Might want fishing tackle," answered Walter. "Yes, I agree with thee,
Edward; it is up to us to stay up to-night."

With this positive