, Ted. It's
good of you to think of it, but it wouldn't do. No; we'll stick it out
somehow. It isn't as bad as if you weren't here to stand up for me."

She rose and stood beside him, resting her hand on his shoulder.

"It's not much I can do, Billy; but I'm bound to do something. My whole
family appear to have gone mad over that old horse. I can't help their
stupidity; but maybe I can help you out a very little. Whatever I do,
remember what I said, only a few days ago, that I'd like the chance to
fight for you, to show that I'm a friend in something besides words."

He looked up at her gratefully.

"You are a plucky champion, Teddy. I wish I knew what to do, myself; but
they seem to have me on all sides. No matter; with you and Archie to
back me up, I'll manage to pull through somehow."

She patted his shoulder encouragingly.

"That's right. Keep up your pluck, Billy. Something can be done about
it, I know. You can furnish the brains and I the backbone. Good-night,
old boy."

She went away to her own room, but not to bed. For two hours, she could
be heard moving stealthily to and fro, opening a closet door, closing a
bureau drawer. Once the floor creaked softly, and a door latch clicked.
Then silence fell again, and no one was the wiser for Theodora's
sleeplessness.

She was late in appearing at the breakfast table, the next morning. Mrs.
McAlister rang the bell for a third time. Then she sent Phebe to call
her sister. A moment later, Phebe came flying back, with staring eyes.

"Oh, mamma," she panted; "Teddy isn't anywhere! She didn't answer, so I
opened the door. The room is empty, and the bed hasn't been slept in at
all."

CHAPTER TWENTY

LAKE LODGE, 28 _September_.
To Dr. JOHN MCALISTER:

Theodora reached here safely. My brother worse. Send for her.

JESSIE FARRINGTON.

This was the telegram which was delivered at the doctor's door, two days
later. It came in upon an anxious household, for up to that time they
had been able to gain no clue to Theodora's disappearance. Billy alone
had had an inkling of the truth, but he dared not hint it to the rest.
It was only an inkling, vague and groundless, and he felt that it would
do no good to speak of it. At best, he would be accused of urging his
friend to take the sudden journey, and he was unwilling to increase the
suspicion which already lay heavy upon him.

He knew, however, that Theodora's departure had something to do with
himse