a way of setting at rest all the rumors about
her. For the rumors had grown apace of late, and from a source she could
not determine. It might be that what she had just heard was a clue.

Amy had thought of appealing to Mr. and Mrs. Stonington, with whom she
lived, and who, for many years she had regarded as father and mother.
Then, a few months back, she had learned that they were but uncle and
aunt. Now it seemed that she was to lose even this relationship. It was
a bitter blow, especially to one so young in years.

To briefly mention the mystery of Amy, I might say that she was picked
up when an infant, afloat on a raft in a flood in a western city. Pinned
to her baby dress was an envelope containing the name of Mr. Stonington
of Deepdale. He had been telegraphed for, and took charge of the
infant.

It was supposed that the mother of the baby was a distant relative of
Mrs. Stonington, for the latter had a cousin who resided in the western
city. It was believed that, finding herself about to perish, the mother
did what she could to insure the salvation of her child, and pinned a
note to her dress so that relatives would look after her if the baby was
saved.

But only the envelope was found, together with an old and torn diary
that gave no tangible clue.

And this was the mystery of Amy's life. As I have said, after living for
years in the belief that Mr. and Mrs. Stonington were her parents, they
had told her the truth. Now it seemed that there was to be another
change.

"Oh, but why must it be so?" mourned poor Amy. "Why can't I be like
other girls?"

The tears rushed to her eyes. She could not see, and she skated rapidly
on, only wanting to get away.

She heard the ringing of steel runners behind her, but would not turn.
Then a voice--a boy's voice--called:

"Look out! Look out where you're going, Amy! The ice is thin up there,
and you're going right toward an air-hole! There's danger! Look out!"

If Amy heard she gave no sign nor heed. On she skated, and then the
voice behind her called in startled tones:

"What do you mean? Amy, turn! Turn back before it is too late! You'll be
drowned!"

The skater behind fairly rushed forward, for he had seen what the
tear-blinded girl had not--black water showing through a hole in the
ice. And Amy was headed directly for this opening.

CHAPTER II

A FINE CHANCE

"That Alice Jallow is certainly the meanest girl in Deepdale!" declared
Mollie, with vehe