so my price
for these plates is a dollar apiece."

As soon as she had said it, she looked at Patty in alarm, greatly fearing
that she would not pay so much.

But Patty replied, "I will give you five dollars for the two,--because I
know that is nearer their value than the price you set."

"Bless your good heart, and your purty face, Miss," said the old woman,
as the tears came into her eyes. "I'm that obliged to you! I'll send the
money straight to my son John. He's in the hospital, poor chap, and he
needs it sore."

Elise had rarely been brought in contact with poverty and want, and her
generous heart was touched at once. She emptied her little purse out upon
the table, and was rejoiced to discover that it contained something over
ten dollars.

"Please accept that," she cried, "to buy things for your son, or for
yourself, as you choose."

[Illustration: "'There, you can see for yourself, there ain't no chip or
crack into it'"]

The old woman was quite overcome at this kindness, and was endeavouring
brokenly to express her thanks, when the bell on the shop door jangled
loudly.

Patty being nearest to the calico curtain drew it aside, to find Roger in
the little shop, looking very breathless and worried.

"Well, of all things," he exclaimed. "You girls have given us a scare.
We've hunted high and low through the whole of this metropolis. And if it
hadn't been that a little girl said she saw you come in here, I suppose
we'd now be dragging the brook. Come along, quick, we're all ready to
start."

"How could you get that belt mended so quickly?" asked Elise.

"Never mind that," said Roger, "just come along."

"Wait a minute," said Patty, hastily gathering up her precious plates,
while the old woman provided some newspaper wrapping.

Roger hurried the two girls back to the motor-car, saying as they went,
"We're not in any hurry to start, but Mother thinks you're drowned, and I
want to prove to her that she is mistaken."

The sight of the car caused Patty to go off into peals of laughter.

In front of the beautiful machine was an old farm wagon, and in front of
that were four horses. On the seat of the wagon sat a nonchalant-looking
farmer who seemed to take little interest in the proceedings.

"I wouldn't ask what's the matter for anything," said Patty, looking at
Roger, demurely, "but I suppose I am safe in assuming that you have those
horses there merely because you think they look well."

"That's it