For hours "The Automobile Girls" drove steadily on. The roads were well
marked with signposts. Ruth wished to make a nearby town away from the
main line of travel.

At dusk they arrived in North Adams.

Ruth drove at once to a telegraph office, where she telegraphed to Miss
Sallie: "Safe in North Adams with Eunice. Had a fine trip. Expect you and
Mr. Latham in the morning. All is well. Do not worry. Ruth."

Ruth and her friends put up at the Wilson House in North Adams. They
explained to the hotel proprietor that they were staying in Lenox. Their
aunt would join them the next day.

Five weary girls slept the sleep of the just.

CHAPTER XXIII

THE RECOGNITION

Miss Stuart and Mr. Winthrop Latham did not arrive in North Adams the
next morning.

A little before noon, Miss Sallie telegraphed to Ruth: "Must see Indian
woman before we join you. Proof of child's identity required. Wait."

Ruth showed her telegram to the girls.

Barbara shook her head. "More of the work of Mrs. Latham and Reginald,"
she suggested.

Soon after the receipt of Ruth's telegram, the afternoon before, Miss
Stuart telephoned Mr. Winthrop Latham, "Will you please come to the hotel
to see me immediately?"

Now, Miss Sallie realized her difficult position. How was she to protect
the interests of Eunice without accusing Mr. Latham's relatives of evil
designs against the child?

She called up Naki in Pittsfield and told him to come to her hotel that
evening. "Naki can tell Mr. Latham what I cannot," Miss Sallie reflected.
"He can report the visit of Mrs. Latham and Reginald to the Indian squaw,
and can make Mr. Latham see his sister's intentions."

Mr. Latham arrived first for the interview with Miss Stuart. He looked
worn and tired.

"My 'Automobile Girls' have run off with Eunice!" Miss Stuart at once
informed him.

"Why should there be any running away with the child?" Mr. Latham asked
impatiently. "I could very easily have gone up to the wigwam in the
morning. I think, in many respects, it will be wisest to see the Indian
woman and child on their own ground. To tell you the truth, Miss Stuart,
I shall require positive proofs that this Indian girl is the child that
my brother's Indian wife carried away from our home years ago."

"Certainly, Mr. Latham," Miss Stuart replied quietly. "I entirely agree
with you; but I think it may be possible to secure such proofs."

"I have been talking to my sister and nephew of this ch