ng in town to-night, we shall know what to
do."

Accordingly, they tumbled into the road wagon, whipped up the horse and
drove back to Oakdale as fast as they could go. On the way in, they saw
a new bill posted on a wall, advertising a play entitled "Forsaken." It
showed, in vivid colors, a young girl very ragged and tired looking,
asleep on the steps of a large church.

"Let's go to the show," cried Nora, who always managed to combine
amusement with duty; "that is," she added, "if Anne's father is in it.
Of course, Anne will probably be somewhere about, in that case, and we
could spirit her away while he is acting."

"That isn't a bad idea," answered David. "But I'd better find out a few
things first. I'll come over to your house, Grace, and report," he
called as he jumped out of the back of the cart.

The girls waited impatiently for his return, feeling that every moment
Anne might be speeding away in some outgoing train, and they were losing
valuable time. Grace had thought of consulting her mother, her best and
wisest counsellor at all times, but Mr. and Mrs. Harlowe had gone on a
long drive to the home of Mrs. Harlowe's mother and would not return
until late that night. In half an hour their patience was rewarded; the
gate clicked and David ran breathlessly up the walk, joining them
presently in the parlor.

"It's true," he cried excitedly. "Anne is at the Spencer Arms, probably
locked up in a room. Her father is acting to-night in 'Forsaken,' and
the whole company leaves town on the 11.30 train. I suppose Anne must go
to the theater, for there will be no time to go back to the hotel after
the play. I got the whole thing out of the clerk."

"Then we can all go to the theater," cried Nora triumphantly.

"What good will that do Anne?" demanded practical Grace.

"It may do her no good whatever," said David, "but it would be well not
to lose sight of the father, even, if we must follow him to the train.
And if Anne knows we are near, she will be able to get back her nerve."

"Children," cried Grace suddenly, "I have a scheme. I won't put it into
action unless it's absolutely necessary, but it's bound to work."

"What is it?" demanded the others.

"I won't tell," replied Grace mysteriously, "because I may not have to
use it, and I'll warn you that it's rather dangerous. But it will save
Anne, and we just mustn't get caught."

CHAPTER X

GRACE KEEPS HER SECRET

The "best" Oakdale people did not o