days in camp Len was allowed to show himself,
though he did not venture far from the tents, fearing to take a risk
that might be the means of placing him again in captivity.

By the time the day for departure came, the lad had won his way into
the hearts of everyone. Aunt Betty and Dorothy were so taken with his
winning manners and extreme good nature that they already regarded
him as a protege, and were planning how he was to be trained for the
future, and given a thorough business education.

When the plan was mentioned to Len he fell into the spirit of it with
an alacrity that astonished them. His resolve to make something of
himself was a commendable one and showed the proper appreciation for
their efforts.

On the morning which marked the end of their two weeks' stay, the
boys began to gather up the camping paraphernalia which was packed in
the rear chest and under the seats of the automobile.

After a short conference between the campers, it was decided that to
best enjoy their last day, the afternoon should be spent running
about over the mountains in the machine. The journey home would then
be made by moonlight, Gerald having won Aunt Betty's consent to
"speed her up." He promised that they should all be home and in bed
shortly after midnight.

"Oh, dear, dear!" moaned Aunt Betty. "I see I'm in for it. Why did I
ever let you persuade me to become a party to this speed mania,
Gerald Blank?"

"Don't ask me why, Mrs. Calvert," Gerald responded, laughing; "I only
know that you did. I have your promise, remember! And," he added,
dramatically, "a Calvert never goes back on a promise."

"Oh, yes; you have my promise, but I'm sorry I gave it."

"She'll be glad she promised, when she sees how easy the big Ajax
covers ground," said Jim, winking at his chum.

"I think the ride back to Baltimore by moonlight will be ideal," said
Molly, rapturously.

"Isn't it strange to think that here we are over sixty miles from
home, not planning to start until the moon is up, yet will be home
and in bed by midnight?" said Aurora.

"Pshaw! That's nothing," cried Gerald. "It's mere play for this big
Ajax. Why, I could easily do the sixty miles in a little over an hour
if Aunt Betty--"

"Mercy!" screamed Aunt Betty. "In a little over an hour? Gerald, if
you don't stop that silly talk, I shall sit myself down under one of
these trees and refuse to budge an inch."

"Oh, you don't know how nice it is to ride fast, Aunt Betty