a's business was urgent.

"Now, I'll show you a short cut," said Denny. "Take that path
there--don't be afraid of the sign that the owner put up--he has no
right to the beach front; then when you get to the Lonely Willow--do
you know where that is?"

Not one of them knew, but they were anxious to find out.

"You can't miss the Lonely Willow, for it stands all alone and looks
as forlorn as the mast of a sunken steamer," said Denny. "It's in the
deep hollow by the watercress patch. Turn around that tree to your
left and you'll see another path. But wait a minute," he broke off,
"maybe it's a bit lonely."

"Oh, there are enough of us to shout if we see bears," Cora laughed.
"We have to hurry, and we will be glad to explore."

"Well, good-bye then, and good luck. I'll be at the dock ahead of
you."

"Isn't he the quaintest old man?" asked Belle as the little party
hurried along. Then she added: "You and Freda made quite a visit. We
began to think you were kidnapped."

"We did make a stay," agreed Cora, "but Denny is a very old friend of
Freda's family, and, to tell you the truth, we could hardly break away
when he started in to tell sea-yarns. Ouch! The mud is deep. I guess
we must be near the Lonely Willow."

"There it is!" exclaimed Belle, who was somewhat in advance of the
others. "Indeed, it does stand all alone."

"Isn't it scary here!" whispered Bess. "See those two men under the
Willow."

All eyes were turned to the big tree. Two men were seated on a branch
that made a comfortable seat. As the girls approached one of the men
wrapped some papers up and thrust them into his pocket. But the
movement was not lost on the girls.

No word was spoken for a few moments. Belle dropped back a little as
if to allow the others to face the strangers first. Of course Cora,
always being the leader, boldly made her way along.

They had to pass almost under the tree to reach the path, but there
was no halting once the girls started out.

Finally they had passed in perfect safety, but as they were almost out
of earshot one of the men said:

"I thought she'd be with him--that old Denny!"

The rest of the remark was lost, but this fragment served to put Cora
on her guard.

CHAPTER VI

THE "CHELTON"

"Oh, isn't it exciting?" cried Marita, who had managed to have Jack
help her over the dunes on the way to the dock.

"You're right!" replied Jack, surveying her "nautical" outfit.
"Couldn't beat it."

"Sill