r have any of what few friends and relations there
are left. I have just been on a quest of that kind, but it was not
successful.

"There are supposed to be some documents--deeds, mortgages, or
something like that, in existence, and if we could only get hold of
them we might prove our claim, and force the men to let us have our
rent money again. But until we get those papers----"

Freda paused suggestively.

"Oh, I wish I could think of a way to help you!" murmured Cora. "I can
see you have been suffering!"

"I don't mind so much about myself," said Freda, bravely, "but I am
really more worried about mother than I am about the property. If
worst came to worst I could go to work, but mother has taken so to
heart the actions of the land sharks! She never was strong, you know.
You met her; did you not?"

"I think not, but perhaps I may have done so. Now, Freda, I am going
to help you!"

Cora spoke enthusiastically.

"Are you? How?" asked the other, eagerly.

"I don't just know how, but I am. First I'm going to think this over,
and then I'm going to talk about it with Jack. He has a friend--Ed
Foster--who knows something about law. We may be able to get ahead of
these land sharks yet."

"Oh, I hope so!" gasped Freda, with a fond look at Cora. "It is so
good of you to bother with poor me."

"And why shouldn't I?" asked Cora. "You look as though you needed
bothering with. Take care that you don't break down, too, Freda."

"I shall keep up. I must, for mother's sake. Oh, but those men were
positively brutal when they told her she had no right to grandfather's
property! But it has done me good to talk to you, Cora dear."

"I am glad of it. You look better already. Now wouldn't you like to
come forward and meet some of the girls? You know the Robinson twins,
anyhow."

"Yes, I know them. But I don't want to see anyone just yet. Later on,
perhaps. I just want to rest, and think. It was awfully good of you to
come to me. We shall see each other at Crystal Bay."

"Oh, indeed we shall. Well, then, if you won't come I'll go back to my
friends. Now don't forget--I'm going to help you, Freda!"

"Oh, that's so good of you! I feel more hope and courage now. I--I
feel like--fighting those land sharks!" and Freda clenched her little
hands as though the struggle to come would be a physical one.

With a reassuring pat on Freda's shoulder Cora left her friend, to go
to her chums in the other coach. She found them about to