r so long. I could hardly
wait to tell you!"

CHAPTER XIV

AN ICE BOAT RACE

"The girls will want to know this!" cried Will, when he had grasped the
import of the news.

"Yes, and I want to tell them," said Mr. Blackford. "Somehow or other I
have an idea that they can help me to find my sister. I don't know why I
feel so, but I have--all along. They have always been so lucky."

"They surely have," agreed Allen. "From the time they first set out----"

"And found my five hundred dollar bill," interrupted Mr. Blackford. "And
then----"

"Un-haunting the mansion of Shadow Valley," added Will.

"How did you come to find the missing piece of paper?" asked Frank.

"It was simple enough," replied the young man. "It appears that the
corner of the document, describing the birth mark on my sister, was torn
off when the firm I have engaged to help search for her, forwarded it
to me. One of the stenographers found it in her desk the other day, and
they sent it on.

"I had some business in this section, so, remembering your kind
invitation to spend some time in your camp, I decided to avail myself of
it, and stop over."

"Glad you did," said Will hospitably. "Did the storm bother you?"

"Not much. You were caught in it though."

"Yes. Had to leave the ice boat and tramp back. But we're all right now.
We'll hustle around and get some grub," announced Allen. "Then we'll go
over and see the girls. They'll be anxious to hear the story. You
haven't succeeded in locating your sister yet; have you?"

"No, I've been on a number of false trails, but I somehow feel that luck
is going to turn now."

Mr. Blackford, who said he had been invited by Mr. Franklin to make
himself at home in the cabin of the boys, turned in and helped them get
ready a simple meal. It was now night, and the boys were tired out from
buffeting the storm. But they were in good spirits, and glad to see
their friend.

After the meal, at which all present displayed good appetites, they went
over to the girls' cabin, where they found Betty and her chums in dry
clothes sitting before a roaring fire.

"My, this looks like all the comforts of home!" exclaimed Mr. Blackford
approaching the blaze and rubbing his hands. "You certainly have it fine
here!"

"So you have good news?" queried Grace, for Will had slipped over for a
moment to give a hint of what was to come.

"Yes, I have a description of my sister's birth mark now. So if you see
her--or i