und."

Sure enough; there was a most convenient bush close to the fence.

"Is anybody looking?" whispered Helen, glancing around fearfully.

"No; I don't see anybody," answered Bessie. "Do it! do it! quick!"
eagerly.

No sooner said than done; the package that had made them so much
trouble was hastily thrust far under a broad-spreading lilac bush, and
with a gasp, Helen started on a mad run down the street followed
closely by Bessie. Not until they had turned a corner and passed into
another street, did the two culprits dare to take a long breath and
begin to walk.

As they got farther and farther away, and no one followed them, they
grew less frightened, and then they found themselves very, very tired,
with still a long way to go to reach home.

It was almost dark when two tired and hungry girls reached the steps
of their own home and safety.

"I'm half starved!" said Helen, as they dragged themselves up the
stairs.

"So 'm I," said Bessie.

"You go onto my room," whispered Helen, "and I'll go down and see if I
can get something to eat--it isn't near supper time."

In a few minutes she came up with some cakes which they eagerly
devoured, and felt that their troubles were over. They had, however,
one more ordeal.

At the supper table Helen's mother asked: "How did you find Lottie?
Did you have a pleasant time?"

Helen hesitated a moment and then said hastily:--

"We didn't go there; we met Jule Dayton going there, so we got out at
S---- Street and walked down to the river."

Helen's mother eyed the girls sharply. "You must have had a long
walk."

"We did," answered Helen, "and we're awful hungry;" adding quickly as
she saw another question on her mother's lips, "I'll tell you all
about it after supper."

And she did. Alone with her mother the two girls confessed--told the
whole story and promised never, never again to try to deceive.

* * * * *

"That was a good story," said Kristy, as her mother ended. "You never
told me anything about that Bessie before. Do you know anything more
about her?"

Kristy's manner was rather suspicious and Mrs. Crawford smiled as she
answered:--

"Yes; I know a good deal about her and I'll tell you more some day."

"Tell me now!" begged Kristy; "I believe I know who she was. Was her
name really Bessie?"

"No matter about that," answered Mrs. Crawford; "if I told you her
real name, perhaps I shouldn't like to tell you so much abou