h to take on board a party of twelve or fifteen with
comfort. It was decided to take some provisions along, for there was
no telling how long the chase would last.

It was evening before all arrangements were completed and the whole
party went to town. There they met the ladies and the girls, and
Harold Bird was introduced.

"I should consider it an honor to have you remain at my plantation
while we are off on this search for the houseboat," said the young
Southerner. "You can stay there as long as you please and make
yourselves thoroughly at home."

As there was no good hotel in the town, this invitation relieved Mrs.
Stanhope and Mrs. Laning a great deal, and they said they would accept
the offer, and thanked the young man very much. Carriages were
obtained, and inside of two hours the ladies and the girls were at
Lee Hall, as Harold Bird called his place. There were rooms in plenty
for all, and each was made to feel perfectly at home. It was decided
that Aleck Pop should also remain at the plantation for the time being.

"The hospitality in the South is certainly marvelous," said Dora to
Dick. "When I left home I never thought I should be treated so well."

"You are right, Dora. The whole world over, you will find no greater
gentleman than one from our South."

"And what a beautiful plantation!" cried Nellie. "What grand walks,
and trees and flowers!"

"And what a fine lot of colored servants," came from Grace. "Really
they won't let me do a thing for myself!"

"I should think Mr. Bird would be very happy," said Mrs. Laning, for
at that moment the owner of the estate was not present.

"You'd think so," answered Dick. "But do you know, notwithstanding
his smiling face he appears at times to be very sad."

"I thought so," said Mrs. Stanhope. "He acts as if he had something
on his mind."

"Yes, and something that worried him a great deal," added Tom.

They were right, Harold Bird had a great deal to worry him, and what
it was we shall learn as our tale proceeds.

CHAPTER IV

HAROLD BIRD'S STRANGE TALE

Early in the morning the Rovers and their friends were ready to take
their departure. Dick came down in the garden at sunrise, and was
soon joined by Dora, and they took a short walk together.

"Oh, Dick, you must keep out of danger," said Dora. "Promise me you
will be careful!"

"I will be careful, Dora," he answered, as he looked down into the
depths of her clear eyes. "I will be careful--for y