turned to go. "We have been
insulted!"

"They can't insult me," murmured Jack, never turning to look at his
chum. "Don't be so thin-skinned, Wal. I'm having a good time."

Cora's girl chums looked at her.

"Jack, you must go!" she insisted. "Please do. I should think you boys
would have lots to do to get ready, too."

"All done, Sis," murmured Jack. "We always travel in light marching
order, and sleep on our arms," and he bent closer to the blushing
Marita.

Cora bit her lip. Really she was provoked at Jack this time. She and
her chums were in the midst of packing for their annual Summer trip,
and to be interrupted this way, at the last critical moment, was
provoking.

"Jack!" she began. "I shall tell mother----"

"What's he been doing now?" asked a new voice, and with a gesture of
despair Cora turned to see another young man in the doorway.

"Come on in, Ed," called Jack. "Didn't know you were in town. You're
just in time to assist."

"What's it all about?" asked the newcomer. "Are you going or coming?"
he inquired, as he looked at the partially-filled suitcases and
trunks.

"Both," answered Walter. "You're coming and they're going."

"Good!" was the comment. "Hello, Cora--Bess--Belle----" He paused as
he nodded to each of the girls, and looked questioningly at Marita in
the corner with Jack.

"Oh, excuse me," murmured Cora. "Miss Osborne, let me present to you
Mr. Edward Foster--just plain Ed, mostly."

"The plainer the better," observed the newcomer, as he bowed to
Marita. "But what's it all about, Jack?--No, there's no use asking
him," he murmured as he noted Cora's brother resuming his interrupted
conversation with the little girl. "Will someone please enlighten me?"

"It's our annual flitting," sighed Cora. "And really half the pleasure
is taken away with this packing. Well, as long as you boys are here
you might as well make yourselves useful, as well as ornamental."

"Delighted!" cried Walter, looking about. "Where shall I put this?"
and he caught up a box from the floor.

"Be careful!" cried Belle. "You'll spill it!"

"Candy?" he asked questioningly, as he rattled the contents.

"My manicure set, and you'll have it all upset. Give it here!" went on
the owner, and Walter surrendered it.

"No, but seriously, what's it all about?" he asked. "I've just come
home."

"We girls have taken a bungalow at Crystal Bay," explained Cora.
"We're due there to-morrow, leaving on the early morning tra