had a bulky package she sealed it and addressed it to Kurt. An explanatory
letter to Mrs. Kingdon then followed.

"I'll have to travel light--a beach comber's outfit," she thought as she
prepared for departure.

She gave the notes for Jo and Marta to Agatha to be delivered on their
return. She had a few moments confidential conversation with Francis, bade
the others good-bye and then sped down the road to Westcott's.

CHAPTER XIII

Agatha came out to the driveway to stop the buckboard and deliver the
notes.

Marta read the one handed to her as they drove on to the stables.

"What 'tis, honey," Jo asked in alarm, as he reined up and turned to her.

There was a wild, distraught look in Marta's eyes, and her face had
suddenly turned very pale.

"Oh, Jo! Pen--"

"Wait!" he cautioned, as Gene came out of the stable.

"Unhook for me, will you, Gene?" he asked.

"Now, Marta, what is it?" he again asked anxiously as they were walking
back to the house.

"Read your letter, Jo, and see what it says."

He read aloud:

"DEAR JO: Leaving Top Hill forever by the Excelsior Route. Had to.
Never go back on Little Marta. Will see you somewhere, sometime. At
four this afternoon, come to Westcott's red-roofed barn and get
Francis' wheel.

"Yours,
"PENNY ANTE."

"What has happened to send her off in such skyrocket fashion?" he asked.
"What did she say to you?"

"Jo, we must find her at once. Let's go to Westcott's the quickest way we
can."

"What is it, Marta?"

"That Mr. Hebler who is visiting here, you know," said Marta breathlessly.
"Well, he missed a diamond ring. He left it on a table near his door--I
saw it. When we came back from our walk last night, I went to Miss
Lamont's room. His door was open. A great whopping diamond ring was on the
table--and--"

"Yes, Marta," he said encouragingly, as she paused.

"When she found it was gone, she told Mr. Walters and Mr. Hebler that
_she_ took it, so as to protect me. That's why she has gone."

"She's a trump! Read me her note, Marta."

"DEAR LITTLE MARTA:

"You must do just as I say. I told Mr. Walters and Mr. Hebler I took
the ring. Give it to Mr. Hebler and tell him I left it with you to
hand to him. Never do it again, Marta. Jo is worth a whole mine of
diamonds. When I am safely and far away, will let you hear from me.