r now. Ormond--that is,
your brother--told me so. Seaton is a fine chap; he plays in our
football team."

"Yes, I know," chimed in Elsie, who always liked to hear Brian praised.
"He's 'inside right.'"

The visitor began to feel more at home with the girls.

"The best of Seaton is he doesn't stick on side," he continued. "You
know what I mean--isn't conceited. Most fellows are when they get their
cap. I wonder if I shall ever play in the first team."

"I expect you will, some day," answered Ida kindly.

"D'you really think so?" inquired Master Naylor. "I'm not very big,"
he continued, surveying himself in a neighbouring looking-glass, with
rather a wistful look; "but I'm growing," he added with more confidence.

At that moment Mrs. Ormond entered the room, and a few minutes later the
company sat down to tea.

"Mother, may we go out to the garden?" asked Guy.

"Why, it's quite dark outside," was the reply. "Can't you play indoors?"

"But it's our new game," said the boy. "It's meant to be played in the
dark. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt us; it's not been raining, and the paths
are quite dry."

"Well, if you wrap up warm, I don't suppose it would hurt you to go out
for a bit," answered Mrs. Ormond, smiling. "What is the new game? Don't
you think it's time you let us into the secret?"

"Shall we tell them, 'Nails'?" asked Guy.

Master Naylor's mouth was full of cheesecake, but he nodded to show his
consent.

"All right; I'll explain," continued Guy. "It's going to be just like
'I spy,' only it's played with bicycle lamps--that is, there will be two
to seek, and the rest will hide, and the seekers will have a lamp each,
so that they can find people in the dark. They'll shout out, 'I spy
So-and-So,' and then run back to the den. If the person who's found can
get home first, then he's safe; but if he doesn't, then he's got to be
one of the seekers next time."

"Only one person seeks in 'I spy,'" said Ida.

"But it'll be more difficult to find people in the dark," returned her
brother, "and much easier to hide."

"Take care you don't set fire to anything with your lamps," said his
father.

"Mind you don't get oil on your clothes," added Mrs. Ormond.

"No fear," answered Guy. "We shall be all right. Will you excuse us,
mother?"

"Yes. Let me see you're well wrapped up, and don't stay out longer than
half an hour."

The night was still and dark. The two rather grubby bicycle lamps were
at length induced to