there it is better to keep
near the edge," said Freda, as the two girls tramped along in the deep
sand of the seashore that banded Crystal Bay.

"But isn't it perfectly beautiful along here?" exclaimed Cora, in rapt
delight. "I had no idea the little place could be so charming."

"Oh, yes," returned Freda, with a suspicion of a sigh. "Over there,
just in that splendid green stretch is, or was, grandfather's place.
It runs all along to the island, and on the other side there is a
stream that has been used for a mill race."

"Over there!" Cora repeated. "Why, that looks like the very best part
of the bay. And that house on the hill?"

"Grandfather's own home and--mother's," finished Freda.

"Is it rented now?"

"Yes, we have rented it for three years, and it has brought us quite a
little income," said Freda.

"But you see that is cut off now. I am sure I do not know who collects
the rents."

"What a shame!" cried Cora. "And all because there is some technical
proof of ownership missing. I should think that when your family had
undisputed possession for years it ought to be sufficient to establish
your rights."

"Yes, we never dreamed we could lose it," Freda explained. "Mother and
I have lived there in the Winter since father died, and we have rented
it in Summer, as I said. Of course the Summer is the desirable time
here. And we had some of the loveliest old furniture. But when we had
to break up we sold most of it."

"Look out! There's a hole there," Cora warned just in time, for in the
heavy sand little rivulets were creeping from some rollers tossed in
by a passing boat. The bay was dotted with many craft, and the picture
it presented gave Cora keen delight, for it forecasted a merry Summer
for the motor girls.

"We only have a little farther to go," Freda said. "I hope old Denny
has kept his word and stayed in. He is the queerest old fellow--you
will be amused at him, I am sure. But he was always such a staunch
friend of grandfather."

"I am anxious to meet him," rejoined Cora. "Somehow I feel we girls
ought to get at the bottom of this. Wouldn't it be fine if we could?"

"More than fine, it would be glorious!" Freda replied. "If we lose it
all now, I will have to look for work. Not that I mind that," she
added, "but I intend to take a course in nursing. I have always longed
to be a nurse."

"And that would be a splendid profession for you," Cora agreed. "I do
hope you will not have to go to work