thing to eat this noon.”

“Righto, and for that matter Lucky and I had very little for breakfast. We had no idea that we would find ourselves on a blind trail,” the lad began; then ended with:

“So a cup of tea will do well for a starter.” He accepted the delicate blue cup that Barbara handed him with an amused smile.

Lucky was approaching shyly, sombrero in hand. Virginia, chancing to see him, stepped out of the summer house and beckoned to him.

His awkward bow when he was introduced would have amused Betsy at another time, but just then her entire thought was given to the mystery about which she was soon to hear.

“No, ma’am, thanks.” Lucky twirled his hat and shifted from one foot to the other when Barbara offered him one of the eggshell china cups. “Ah jest wanted to say howdy to yo-all.” He was visibly embarrassed. Then with a nod toward the house he added, “Sing said frijoli all hottee.”

Malcolm rose. “Young ladies,” he addressed them all, “if you will permit us to satisfy our inner cravings, I’ll promise within the hour to tell you all the clews we have been able to discover.”

Lucky had gone on ahead and Virginia, linking her arm in that of her brother, walked with him toward the house.

“Can’t you give me an inkling of an idea as to what it is all about? Is it anything we girls can help solve?”

The lad was at once serious. “No, sister. You girls are better off here at home with Uncle Tex, but we’ll report progress each time we return.”

Virginia looked troubled. “Oh brother, are you going away again? Surely not today.”

“Not until morning,” he replied. “We’ll both be better fit after a good night’s sleep.” Then at the kitchen porch, she left him and walked slowly back to the summer house. The three girls eagerly awaited her.

“Did Malcolm tell you the clews?” Of course this was from Betsy. “Why, no,” Virginia declared. “I was so concerned about my brother that I forgot to ask him where he had been or why.” Then Margaret had an inspiration.

“It’s after five by my little wrist watch and so I suggest that we put away the tea things and have our supper of nice frijolies and bread in the kitchen with the boys. They can tell us the clews while we’re eating, for I am sure they 

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