er."

Walter felt this was the very kind of a girl he had dreamed of. She
might not be pretty, but when she tossed the bath robe out to him as he
was virtually washed up at her door, tossed it out while she ran to get
her own wraps to join him in the rescue, he felt instantly that this
girl was a "find." Then, when she spoke of going to the Berkshires, he
was further convinced, and now, when she told of building a
bungalow--what an acquisition such a woman would be!

"Aren't you afraid in the bungalow--just you and your mother in this
lonely place?" asked Cora, as they drew up to the territory that
outlined a camping ground.

"Well we never have been afraid," replied Miss Robbins, "as I am pretty
good with a revolver, but there seems to be some tramps around here
lately. One visited us this morning before breakfast, and mother
remarked he was not at all a pleasant sort of customer."

"We had something like a similar call," said Cora, "only the man didn't
ring the bell--he crawled around the house."

"Mercy! Why didn't the boys chase him?"

"They did, but he was beyond chase when they arrived. That's the one
thing uncertain about boys--their presence when one wants them," and
Cora stepped out of the machine to allow Miss Robbins room to pass.

"There's a light in the window," remarked Jack, as he, too, alighted
from the machine.

"And there's mother! Mother, come out a minute," called Miss Robbins.
"I want to----"

"Daughter!" exclaimed the woman at the little door. "I am almost
frightened to death. What happened? Where's your boat?"

"Why! you frightened, mother? About me?"

"Well, I suppose I should not have been," and the lady smiled as she
stepped within range of the auto lamps. "But that horrid tramp. He
came again!"

"He did! How long ago?"

"Just as you left. I cannot imagine why he should sneak around here at
this hour. He could not have wanted food."

There was no time for introductions. The excitement of Mrs. Robbins
precluded any such formality. All talked just as if they had been well
acquainted.

"We could tell the town officers," suggested Walter. "It is not safe
for women to be alone away up here."

"He wanted to hire a boat, Regina," said the mother, "just as if he
could not get one handy at the pier."

"Shall we hunt for you?" asked Jack. "We are professional burglar
hunters--do it 'most every evening."

"Oh, thank you! but there are no hiding places about our s