in the
clutch, while Cora, laughing at the trick, settled herself comfortably
at the side of Ed. The _Whirlwind_ skimmed along the avenue, first
down to the post office and later fetched up at the garage. Bess and
Jack, with Belle, followed, and as the little party glided along
through the sea-side town, many admiring glances were cast in their
direction.

"If Nettie does not come," remarked Ed, "are you sure, Cora, you won't
be the least bit afraid alone at the cottage?"

"Why, no. There is a telephone wire over to the hotel, and, besides,
I'm going to cock the little ivory pistol before I go to bed. A sneak
thief always runs at the very sound of a pistol."

"Well, I hope you will have no occasion to fire," replied Ed, "but, if
you do, fire from the south window, and we will hear you."

"And run all the way up the beach?" Cora told him, laughing at the
possibility. "Why, there is always an officer on the pier, and he will
be only too glad to have a run--he needs it."

"You have it all planned?"

"No, how silly! I was only thinking that in a real emergency it is
well to be ready."

"I guess you won't have any trouble. Here, man," to Walter, "don't you
know better than to drive the lady into the barn?"

But Walter paid no heed, and before the car stopped it was properly
stalled in the very end of the big stone garage.

CHAPTER III

A MISHAP

"The tea was just right," declared Ed, "and I can't see why you will
not consent to let us entertain you for the remainder of the evening.
Just because the maid has not come down is surely no reason why you
should lose such a fine evening's sport."

"But we never leave the house entirely alone after dark," protested
Belle vaguely.

"Lucky house," put in Jack. "But I don't believe the cottage would
mind it the least bit, would you?" and he put his ear to the wall.
"No, it says to go ahead. Yes? What's that? Delighted? Of course, I
knew it would be. Nice Clover," and he patted the plain, white wall.
"Of course, you want the girls to go out with us in that dandy little
launch. I knew it! Now, girls, get ready. It is time to start."

"And no chaper--" they all protested.

"Quit!" shouted Walter. "I have it on good authority that when a
girl's brother is along, and when there are twins in the same party,
and when there are two fellows, near twins, in aforesaid same party,
that makes a cross-finger combination on the chaperon. She doesn't
have t