man in Bramble County, except Rosalie Gray, could have
attired herself--simply, tastefully, daintily. Her face was flushed and
eager and the joy of living glowed in every feature. Ed Higgins and
'Rast Little were struck senseless, nerveless by this vision of health
and loveliness. Anderson Crow stealthily admitted to himself that she
was a stranger in a strange land; she was not of Tinkletown or any place
like it.

Just as the captains were completing their selections of spellers the
door opened and three strangers entered the school-room, overcoated and
furred to the tips of their noses--two men and a woman. As Miss Banks
rushed forward to greet them--she had evidently been expecting them--the
startled assemblage caught its breath and stared. To the further
amazement of every one, Rosalie hastened to her side and joined in the
effusive welcome. Every word of joyous greeting was heard by the amazed
listeners and every word from the strangers was as distinct. Surely
the newcomers were friends of long standing. When their heavy wraps
were removed the trio stood forth before as curious an audience as ever
sat spellbound. The men were young, well dressed and handsome; the woman
a beauty of the most dashing type. Tinkletown's best spellers quivered
with excitement.

[Illustration: "The teacher was amazingly pretty on this eventful
night"]

"Ladies and gentlemen," said Miss Banks, her voice trembling with
eagerness, "let me introduce my friends, Mrs. Farnsworth, Mr.
Farnsworth, and Mr. Reddon. They have driven over to attend the
spelling-match." Ed Higgins and 'Rast Little observed with sinking
hearts that it was Mr. Reddon whom she led forward by the hand, and they
cursed him inwardly for the look he gave her--because she blushed
beneath it.

"You don't live in Boggs City," remarked Mr. Crow, appointing himself
spokesman. "I c'n deduce that, 'cause you're carrying satchels an'
valises."

"Mr. Crow is a famous detective," explained Miss Banks. Anderson
attempted to assume an unconscious pose, but in leaning back he missed
the end of the bench, and sat sprawling upon the lap of Mrs. Harbaugh.
As Mrs. Harbaugh had little or no lap to speak of, his downward course
was diverted but not stayed. He landed on the floor with a grunt that
broke simultaneously with the lady's squeak; a fraction of a second
later a roar of laughter swept the room. It was many minutes before
quiet was restored and the "match" could be opened. Mrs.