g
the explanation. "But we will have to hurry now if we expect to get
anywhere before dark."

As they all heartily agreed to this, especially Mrs. Irving, there was
no further discussion and the cars swung down the narrow side road at a
very good pace--good, that is, considering the going.

They had been riding for half an hour when suddenly Betty's prediction
came true. The rain stopped entirely and the sun peeped out from behind
the clouds, touching the leaden sky with gold.

"I knew it, I knew it!" cried Betty in delight. "Now we can take down
the top, can't we, Frank? Oh, let's do it!"

"Mighty good suggestion, Betty," Frank agreed, bringing the car to a
stop once more. "The good old sun sure does change everything, doesn't
it?"

Five minutes later the cars started on again, with the breeze fanning
the faces of the occupants and the sun pouring down goldenly upon them.
As Frank had said, "The world was a different place to live in."

A moment later those in Frank's car were surprised to see Roy stop his
automobile and signal them to draw up alongside.

"Did you see that gypsy girl who just passed in front of us?" Mollie
whispered when they had done as they were desired. Then, as the girls
nodded assent, she continued excitedly: "Well, I am almost sure she had
on that jet necklace that disappeared with mother's silver! Oh, if we
could only follow the girl we might find that too! Oh, can't we--can't
we?" she added, fairly dancing with excitement.

"Sure, come ahead, fellows!" cried Allen, who was always ready for
adventure. "Did you see which way she went, Roy?"

"Over this way, I think," Roy answered. "We may be able to trace her to
the gypsy camp. There must be one near here, and it is probably the
same."

"We'll be back in a minute," called Will, and then the boys disappeared
in the underbrush.

"Oh, I'm afraid to have them go," whispered Betty fearfully. "Suppose
one of those murderous-looking gypsies should stab them in the back!"

"One gypsy couldn't do it all," said Grace with a little nervous laugh.
"I guess they can take care of themselves, Betty. We needn't worry."

"What do you think, Mrs. Irving?" Amy asked quietly. "The boys went off
in such a hurry they didn't give you a chance to say anything if you had
wanted to."

"I imagine talking wouldn't have done much good anyway," answered Mrs.
Irving with a smile. "Besides, there should not be any danger if they
only keep their wits about them