nly here!" said Amy.

"We'll tell him when he comes back," Betty said. "Perhaps it may not
amount to anything, but if he can give the government some information
it may serve him a good turn, since he is just beginning work in the
Secret Service."

"But do you really think that old woman, and those you may have seen
through the window of the hut the day we made our find, have anything to
do with the diamonds?" asked Mollie.

"Frankly, I haven't the least idea," admitted Betty. "And what is the
use of guessing and wondering? Only I am sure of one thing. I'll never
go into that hut!"

Betty little realized how her boast was to be recalled to her under
strange circumstances.

The outdoor girls sat down to rest on the old boat, and talked of many
things. The impression caused by the old woman's invitation soon wore
off. Then they started back, for they wanted to get their morning bath
before luncheon.

"Oh, some one is here!" exclaimed Betty, as they saw an auto standing on
the graveled drive of the cottage. "I wonder who it can be?"

"You father or Will wouldn't be back so soon; would they?" asked Amy.

"No, it must be----"

A voice interrupted Betty.

"Ah, I dare say I shall find them! I will keep along the beach. Charming
weather, isn't it? Ah, yes, really!"

"Percy Falconer!" said Grace. "Catch me, somebody!"

"Hush! He'll hear you!" cautioned Betty, and a moment later the "johnny"
of Deepdale, attired in the latest fashion in motoring togs, came out on
the porch, followed quickly by Mrs. Nelson.

"Oh, here are the girls now!" said Betty's mother.

"Yes," assented Betty. "We are back," but there was no enthusiasm in her
voice.

"Oh, but I say, I am charmed to see you--all," added Percy, after a
glance at the Little Captain. "I motored down, don't you know. Father
let me, after some arguing. I should have liked to come in the boat,
with the rest of the fellows, but I can't stand the sea, really I can't.
But I'm glad I'm here."

"Yes, we--we are glad to see you," Betty said. "We are going in bathing;
won't you come along?"

"Ah, thank you, now. I'm afraid it's a little too cool for going into
the water to-day; don't you?"

"No, we like it!" said Mollie. "How did you leave Deepdale?"

"Oh, everything is the same, though it's very lonesome, with you girls
away."

"Oh, who let him in?" murmured Grace, with a despairing glance at Betty.

"Hush!" the latter cautioned her. "At least he has his car, a