for us," said Mrs.
Brewster, hoping to spare the horses another hard day's work.

"I have to be there myself, as I may have to decide on a very important
personal matter," returned Barbara, slightly embarrassed.

So it was settled that Tom Latimer would ride with the three girls to
Oak Creek on the following morning. This would spare the wagon team the
trip and at the same time take the place of any other pleasure ride that
might have been planned.

Polly was at a loss to understand why such secrecy should exist between
these two sisters--Bob refusing to confide in Eleanor, and Nolla
smilingly keeping her own counsel, about the important errands.

As Eleanor had suspected, Barbara went directly to the box-car where the
telegrams were received. But to the latter's disappointment, there was
one only--and that one was for Eleanor Maynard!

"Are you sure you did not get the name wrong--I am to hear surely,
to-day, about something very urgent!" complained Barbara.

"This is mine, all right, Bob, for I expected it. If you like, you can
read it now that I know what it says," and Eleanor tendered the yellow
sheet to her sister.

Barbara snatched it and read in angry surprise:

"Your wire received. Expect me Saturday. Will visit there for a
week.

Love to you both,
FATHER"

"How dare you ask father to come here? How do you know the Brewsters
want him? And besides, there is no place for him to use as a
sleeping-room!" she managed to say in her fury.

Polly and Tom had been sitting outside on a truck but they could not
help hearing Barbara's words. Polly smiled up at her companion. Then
Eleanor was heard saying:

"No need to rear up like a mad rattler, Bob. I have a nice little plan
under way, but it now needs Daddy's persuasive powers to perfect it. I
wired him twice this past week, but no one knew of it. If you wired for
money or something else, he likely will bring it with him on Saturday."

The very coolness of Eleanor's reply caused Barbara to lose her
self-control and she retorted: "Pooh! I wouldn't think of asking father
for anything. You can't patronize me this time, Eleanor Maynard. _I_ am
waiting for word from mother! There!"

"From mother! why she is in Newport for the Season."

"You mean she _was_ there. _Now_ she is one of a very select party of
the best New York society that is camping at Mrs. Van Alstynes'
wonderful bungalow in the Muskoka Woods. And I trust _I