Patty's Motor Car
Page 19
CHAPTER XIX
PHILIP’S PICNIC
On Patty’s return she found the veranda almost deserted. Christine andMr. Hepworth, Elise and Mr. Van Reypen had gone down to the beach. Mr.Fairfield had gone to the city, and Nan was chatting with Kenneth.
“Ducky stepmother of mine,” said Patty, as she wound her arm aroundNan’s neck, “if you don’t want to monopolise this young man, I’d like toborrow him for a short time.”
“You may take him, Patty,” said Nan, with a resigned sigh. “But Isuppose you know you will leave me alone in a cold world! Your fatherhas gone to New York.”
“But, Nan, you ought to have some time to yourself. Solitude is anawfully good thing once in a while. Don’t you sort of feel the need ofit now?”
“Yes, I think I do,” said Nan, laughing; “so you may have Kenneth for awhile. What are you going to do with him?”
“Take him for a spin,” said Patty, “Come on, Ken.”
Kenneth hesitated for a moment. “Don’t you want to go spinning withPatty, Mrs. Fairfield?” he said.
“No, thank you; I have some household matters to attend to. One can’thave a house party without occasionally having an eye on domesticaffairs. So, good-bye. Be home in time for luncheon.”
Soon Patty and Kenneth were flying along the beach road, and the SwiftCamilla was living up to her highest reputation. Patty was driving, andKenneth was polite and amiable, but not merry.
After a time, Patty slowed down speed a little.
“Kenneth,” she said, abruptly, “I’ve something to say to you, and I’mgoing to say it right straight out. You know what Elise told you that Isaid about you, or rather about the locket you gave me?”
“Yes, I know; and, by the way, it seems that just about everybody elseknows, too.”
“Never mind that,” said Patty, knowing that the boy was annoyed becauseMona had interfered in the matter. “The point is, Ken, that what Elisetold you I said wasn’t entirely true.”
“Not entirely true? How much of it was true? Since you seem to know allabout her conversation with me, I suppose she told you.”
“No, she didn’t. Now listen, Ken; I hate, awfully, to talk againstElise, but I’ve simply got to stand up for my own rights in this thing.I did tell her that I only wore that locket once or twice, but I_didn’t_ tell her that I didn’t care anything about it. For I do. I carea great deal about it.”
“Then, why don’t you wear it oftener?”
“I’ll be perfectly frank with you, Ken. It’s just because that locketwith your picture in it was too,—well, too personal a sort of presentfor you to give me, or for me to wear.”
“You took it!”
“Yes; after I’d asked father, and he told me I might, but you know Iwent away with Elise then, to Paris, and every time she saw it shepretended that it meant a great deal more than it did. Of course, it wasonly a token of our boy and girl friendship, but she chose to pretend itmeant romance and sentiment and all those things.”
“But since it meant and still means our boy and girl friendship, I thinkyou might wear it sometimes.”
“I see I’ll have to tell you the whole story,” said Patty, with a littlesigh. “Well, last Christmas Elise bought a seal ring for Roger, andthen, at the last minute, she decided she’d like to give it to you, andshe asked my advice about it. I told her it was too personal a presentfor a girl to give a young man, and I didn’t think she ought to do it.It wasn’t that I didn’t want her to give you a nice present, but Ididn’t think it looked right for her to give you that kind of a one. Itold her to get you books, or something like that.”
“What’s all this got to do with the locket?”
“Why, Elise said that I needn’t talk about personal presents, after Ihad accepted from you a locket with your picture in it. And so I toldher that that was very different, as we were old friends, and, anyhow, Ihad only worn it once or twice. But I didn’t say I didn’t care anythingfor it.”
Kenneth’s face cleared, and he turned toward Patty with an honest,beaming smile.
“It’s all right, Patty; I see through it now. Elise did try to make methink you had said something mean, but you didn’t, and I felt sure youhadn’t.”
“You didn’t feel _quite_ sure, Ken.”
“No, I’m ashamed to say I didn’t, at first, but that was because I wasso hurt at what I was told you had said. But it’s all right now, and Iknow you’ll forgive me, like the trump you are. I’d grasp your strongright hand, if I weren’t afraid that would make you steer us both intothe ocean.”
“I’ll consider it grasped. And I’m downright glad that we’re good chumsagain, for I hate to have squabbles with anybody, and I almost neverdo.”
“I know it, Patty; you’re a sweet-tempered little thing, and I was amean-spirited coward to believe for a minute that you’d say anythingunkind about any of your friends.”
“Especially you, Ken;” and Patty flashed him a glance of comradeship.“But it was Mona who fixed this thing up for us.”
“Isn’t she a queer girl? She’s so blunt, and yet very few girls couldhave done what she did for you, Patty.”
“I know it; and I do appreciate it, and I shall always love her for it.But, Ken, what can I say to Elise?”
“Don’t say anything, Patty; that’s the best way.”
“And, if she ever tries again to lower me in your esteem, what then?”
“She won’t succeed! I’ve had my little lesson.”
“Good for you, Ken! If you ever have reason to think that I saidanything mean about you, you come and ask me about it,—because Mona maynot be around next time.”
“I will, indeed, Patty.”
And then, peace being thoroughly established, the trouble passed out oftheir minds forever, and the old chummy relations were resumed. They hada beautiful drive along the coast, and, when they got back to “ThePebbles,” it was nearly lunch time. They found the whole crowd assembledon the veranda, and Mr. Van Reypen seemed to be spokesman at a veryimportant conference.
“It’ll be the most fun of anything you ever saw!” he declared. “A realold-fashioned picnic! None of your modern country-club affairs. But atablecloth spread on the ground, and sandwiches and devilled eggs, and acampfire to boil the coffee, and lemonade, and hopper-grasses hopping inthe pie, and everything just as it should be! Oh, gorgeous!”
“Why sit on the ground?” asked Christine. “Aren’t there any benches inthe picnic place?”
“We’re not going to a picnic grounds, little girl,” Mr. Van Reypeninformed her; “we’re going to a real, live woods; to the darksome depthsof a dingley dell.”
“Tell us all about it!” cried Patty, as she and Kenneth joined thegroup.
“Entirely my own invention!” cried Philip; “it’s a picnic I’m arrangingfor to-morrow, and I’d be honoured if you two would deign to attend.”
“We will that!” exclaimed Patty; “but I heard something aboutgrasshoppers. Do we have to have those?”
“No; if you prefer, you can have ants or spiders. But you can’t have areal picnic without some such attachments. Now listen to what I’veplanned! It’s just too lovely! I’ve engaged three runabouts from theamiable garage man over forninst. Camilla will make four, and, if Mr.and Mrs. Fairfield will lead the parade in their own car, we’ll have animposing procession.”
“Not I!” cried Nan, gaily. “If you young people want to go on thisentomological picnic, I’ve not the slightest objection. And I’ll seethat you have enough sandwiches and devilled eggs to feed bothyourselves and the grasshoppers, but I’ll have to ask you to excuse myhusband and myself from attending.”
“The only regrets I’ve had so far,” said Philip; “anybody else who don’twant to go?”
But the others all declared that the plan was perfect, and they wouldn’tmiss the picnic for anything.
“Now, I’ll run the whole show,” went on Philip. “You understand it’s mypicnic
entirely, and I’m host, and master of ceremonies, and chiefengineer. I shall provide the entire luncheon, and, with due respectsand thanks to Mrs. Fairfield for her offer of hard-boiled eggs, I mustdecline it, as I shall get all those things from the pleasant-faced andgenerously proportioned lady who is queen of the kitchen over at myhotel.”
They all professed themselves satisfied to let Mr. Van Reypen take fullcharge of his own picnic, and all expressed perfect willingness to bemerely passengers. Mona was present, as usual, and was of courseincluded in the invitation. She was enthusiastic in her delight at theprospect, and, quite forgetting to go home to luncheon, she acceptedNan’s invitation to lunch at “The Pebbles.”
* * * * *
The next day proved an ideal one for Philip’s picnic. They were to startabout ten o’clock, for he informed them the particular dingley dell hehad in mind was a fairly long distance off.
So, promptly at ten o’clock, he came over to “The Pebbles” in arunabout, accompanied by a chauffeur. He was followed by two otherrunabouts, each in charge of a chauffeur.
The picnic party stood on the veranda, not quite sure what thearrangements were to be, but laughingly declaring they were ready tofollow orders.
“First,” said Mr. Van Reypen, “I’ll load up this car;” and into thefirst runabout he assisted Miss Galbraith, and bade Roger Farrington getin beside her. Needless to say, these two were well satisfied, and wentspinning off down the road.
Next, turning to Mr. Hepworth, he asked him if he could drive a car.
“An electric? Yes,” said Mr. Hepworth.
“Because, if you don’t want to drive it, this car will hold three, andyou can take a chauffeur,” said Philip, who had provided for everyemergency.
“No, I prefer to drive,” said Mr. Hepworth, quietly, and then Philipsaid: “All right; and I give you Miss Farley for a companion. Don’tquarrel on the way.”
And so, with Christine, Mr. Hepworth drove away, and Philip turned tothe others.
“I hardly know how to divide up the rest of us,” he said, stroking hischin, thoughtfully, “but I’ll try it this way. Harper, will you takeMiss Farrington in this very pretty-looking new runabout?”
It was an awkward situation, though Philip didn’t know it. Elise wasdelighted with the plan, and beamed all over her face as she took theseat indicated. Kenneth was not at all pleased, and it was really withdifficulty that he refrained from showing it. But Patty gave him apleading look, as if begging him to make the best of the situation, andso, with what was apparently hearty good-will, he took his seat besideElise, saying, “All right, here goes for a fine ride!”
Kenneth was fond of driving a car, and, not owning one himself, herarely had the opportunity; so Patty felt sure he would enjoy the tripquite irrespective of who might be beside him. And, as Patty realised,there was no other way to arrange the couples from Mr. Van Reypen’sviewpoint, for she knew from the beginning that he intended to ride withher.
“I declare, I’m a car short!” exclaimed Philip, as Kenneth and Elisedrove away. “I should have ordered four cars, and I only engaged three!We’ll have to stay at home! Shall you mind?”
“No,” said Patty, mischievously, “I don’t mind. I’ll read aloud to you,if you like.”
“It seems too bad for me not to go when it’s my own picnic,” saidPhilip, musingly. “You don’t happen to know of any little motor car wecould use, do you?”
“We might take Camilla,” suggested Patty, in a dubious tone.
“Just the thing! Say we do? How clever of you to think of that!” and, asPatty broke into peals of laughter at his foolishness, Philip flew downthe steps and around to the garage, returning in a moment with Camilla,which Miller was impatiently holding in readiness.
“I’m going to drive,” Philip announced, calmly.
“All right, I don’t care; but, then, you must let me drive coming home.I declare, with a house party, I almost never get a chance to drive myown car!”
“Never mind! Your horrid old house party will soon be going, and thenyou can drive all you like.”
“It isn’t a horrid old house party! It’s a lovely, sweet, delicioushouse party, and I wish it would stay forever!”
“This part of it will, if you give him the slightest encouragement.”
“Oh, I don’t want part of it unless I have it all! I had no idea houseparties were such fun. I think we’re having beautiful times, don’t you?”
“Yes; since you’ve made up with young Harper;” and Philip’s eyestwinkled.
“Why, what do you mean?” exclaimed Patty, blushing pink. “How did youknow anything about it?”
“I didn’t, and I don’t, and I don’t want to! But when I see my littlehostess going around with a sad and forlorn expression on her face, andone of her guests looking as if he’d lost his last friend, and then theyboth go for a motor ride and come back jubilantly chummy,—why, then,—ISherlock it out that they’ve had a squabble and a make-up! Am Ialtogether wrong?”
“Not altogether,” said Patty, demurely.
CHAPTER XX
A NARROW ESCAPE
The picnic was the real thing. That is, it was the real old-fashionedsort of a picnic, and it was therefore a novelty to most of itsparticipants.
Patty had been on many motor picnics, where elaborate luncheons wereserved by white-garbed waiters, with the same appointments of silver,glass, and china that she would use at home. But not since herVernondale days had she attended this sort of picnic. There were noservants. The simple but appetising luncheon was spread on a tableclothlaid on the grass, and, true to tradition, a grasshopper now and thenleaped in among the viands, or an audacious spider attempted to approachthe feast. But these were few and easily vanquished by the brave andvaliant men of the party.
The men, too, proved themselves capable in the arts of fire-building andcoffee-making, so that Patty, who was a born cook and loved it, found nouse for her talent. So she and the other girls set the table as daintilyas they could with the primitive means at their command, and decoratedit prettily with wild flowers.
“As a rule,” said Elise, as she sat with a sandwich in one hand and aglass of lemonade in the other, “I like silver forks and china plates ata picnic, but, for once, I do think these wooden butter plates and papernapkins are rather fun. What do you think, Patty?”
“Far be it from me to cast reflections on the goods my host provides,but, generally speaking, I confess I like my table a few feet above theover-attentive population of Mother Earth.”
“Oh, pshaw, Patty!” exclaimed Philip. “You’re no kind of a sport! You’rea pampered darling of luxurious modernity.”
“Gracious! What an awful thing to be!” cried Patty, in mock dismay.
“And, anyway, Patty,” said the blunt Mona, “if you hadn’t put all thoseold weedy flowers on the tablecloth, there wouldn’t be any ants andthings. They’ve mostly come out of your decorations.”
“I believe you’re right,” said Patty, laughing. “So the picnic is asuccess after all, and it’s only our decorations that made any trouble.”
Then they all ate heartily of the feast, and there was much laughter andmerriment, and afterward they sat round the fire and told stories andsang songs, and they all declared it was the very nicest picnic everwas, and they were sorry when it was time to go home.
“But we must be going,” Patty said, “for I promised Nan we’d be home inample time to dress for dinner, and it’s a fairly long ride.”
“Do we go back the same way we came?” asked Elise, looking at Philipwith an arch air of enquiry.
“Go back any way you please, fair lady,” he replied. “The way we came isthe shortest, but there is a longer way round, if you prefer it.”
“I don’t mean that,” said Elise. “I mean do we go with the samepartners?”
“I do,” declared Philip, “and Miss Fairfield does. The rest of you maydo ju
st as you choose.”
“Then I think we’ll go as we came,” said Elise, with an air ofsatisfaction.
The simplicity of Philip’s picnic made it an easy matter to pack up togo home, as there was little beside the tablecloth to take with them,and so they were soon ready for the homeward trip.
As host, Philip sent off the other cars first, and, after they were allstarted, he stepped into the Swift Camilla, beside Patty, who wasalready in the driving seat.
“I’m going to drive home, you know,” she said. “I’m simply dying to gethold of this steering bar once more.”
“All right; you may drive, but let’s go round the other route; it’s onlya little bit longer.”
“How much longer?”
“Not more than a mile or two,—two at the most.”
“Are you sure of that?”
“Positive!”
“All right; then we’ve time enough. Where do we turn off?”
“At this next turn to the left. That takes us around past Berry Hill,and so on around by Blue Lake.”
“Oh, yes, I know the way after we reach Blue Lake. Here we go, then!”
Patty took the turn Philip had indicated, and, as she did so, she caughtthe last glimpse of the other three cars disappearing in the distance asthey went home by the same road they came.
The road she had turned into was far more picturesque and beautiful,and, as this portion of it was new to her, she was delighted to see it.
“What high hills!” she exclaimed. “Why, they’re almost mountains!”
“Hardly that; but they are fairly high hills, to be so near theseashore. Don’t you want me to drive, Patty? This road has sharpcorners, and around these hills it’s hard to see anybody coming.”
“No, I’ll drive and you keep a watch out. We haven’t met a car yet.”
“No, and I wonder at it. Usually there are lots of racers and touringcars along here. But, of course, it’s early in the season for them.”
“How is that you are so familiar with this locality? You seem to knowall about it.”
“I spent a summer down here some years ago. That’s how I knew where thatpicnic ground is. Look out, there’s a bad place in the road!”
But Patty had already seen it, and was skilfully steering so as to avoidit.
“You see everything,” said Philip, admiringly; “you’re a wonderfullittle motorist! I never saw anybody drive better than you do; and soeasily, too. Merciful Heavens!”
Patty gave a jump at Philip’s excited exclamation, and saw, straight infront of her, an immense red car at full speed. It had swung around asharp angle, and could not possibly have been seen by them until itburst on their vision not twenty yards away. They had heard no signal,which was culpable carelessness on the part of the driver of the bigcar, and perhaps Patty was equally culpable in not having sounded herown horn.
But this was no time to think of such matters, for they were really inperilous danger. The driver of the big car did nothing to avertdisaster. It could not be he was indifferent to the awful situation; helooked more as if he were stunned by the sudden realisation of it.
Patty was absolutely paralysed with fear. She realised fully theirplight, she knew that nothing could save them from instant and terriblecollision, and her muscles were absolutely powerless to move.
The short distance between the two cars diminished like lightning, andneither car had swerved from a straight line leading to the other.
Patty tried to shriek, but her stiffened tongue gave forth no sound.
At sight of the big car, Philip Van Reypen was stunned also. But, in aninstant, he recovered his senses, and, in another instant, he had shotout his right hand and, seizing the controller handle, pushed itbackward with a force that nearly crushed Patty’s hand that held it.Then, grasping the steering bar with his other hand, he swerved the carover to the right, blindly trying to find the reverse lever with hisfoot.
Then happened what Philip knew would happen. The Camilla banged into asheer cliff of rock, but took it sideways. He grasped Patty as the carstopped, and they were both jolted backward.
By presence of mind and quick action, he had run the car into the cliff,causing thereby a minor smash-up, instead of meeting the big red car ina head-on collision, which would surely have meant fatality.
Patty was very white, but she did not faint. The shock restored hernumbed senses, and she turned to Philip with a glance of perfectunderstanding of what he had done.
“Oh, Patty,” he whispered, in a tense voice, “thank Heaven you’re safe!”
“It was a miracle, Philip; but you did it yourself! I knew it at thetime, my brain worked perfectly, but my muscles were paralysed by fear.Oh, suppose yours had been, too!”
“I could have done better if I could have sensed the thing an instantsooner. For a second my brain wouldn’t work, and then I saw my wayclear, like a flash, but it was too late! I hadn’t time to back or toget across in front of the car. It was either to run into this cliff, orhave that immense machine run into us.”
“It was splendid!” said Patty, the tears coming to her eyes; and thenthe reaction from the shock came, and she burst into violent sobbing.
“Don’t, Patty; don’t do that,” said Philip, in a pained voice, and Pattylooked up, smiling through her tears.
“I’m not really crying,” she said; “it’s just a foolish reaction, and Ican’t help it. I’m sorry to be so silly, but I’m just a littlehysterical from,—from joy, you know.”
“You behaved splendidly, Patty! If you had moved hand or foot, we wouldhave been dashed to pieces. It was only because I could get full commandof the controller and the steering bar that I could manage at all. Ifyou had given a convulsive push the other way,—well, never mind that!But I expect I crushed your hand when I grasped the controller. I hadto, to make sure that you didn’t jerk it the other way unintentionally.”
“I guess you did hurt my hand;” and Patty held it up to see. Sureenough, black and blue bruises already appeared on fingers and palm.
“Poor little hand,” said Philip, taking it in his own. “I’m so sorry,Patty.”
“Don’t talk to me like that!” exclaimed Patty, “as if I were amolly-coddle! I’m glad you smashed my hand, as that was the only way tosave us from——”
“From certain death,” said Philip, gravely.
And then they heard a motor coming behind them, and, looking up, found agood-sized touring car, which was about to pass them, but had stopped attheir side.
“Want help?” called out a cheery voice, and Philip answered, “Indeed, wedo!”
The stranger jumped out of his car, and came over to inspect theCamilla.
“I ought to get out,” whispered Philip. “Are you brave enough to sithere alone, Patty?”
“Of course; Camilla can’t run away now!”
Philip and the other man looked about to see what had really happened toPatty’s car. There was not so much damage as it seemed at first, for,with the exception of a smashed mudguard, and some dents and bruises,nothing was broken, except the shaft drive axle. But this, of course,rendered the car helpless as to her motor, though her running gear wasall right.
“I’ll give you a tow,” said the stranger heartily. “Where do you want togo?”
“To Spring Beach,” answered Philip. “Are you going that way?”
“I can go that way as well as not, and, when people come as near deathand destruction as you people did, I think it’s only human to take youhome. Perfect marvel, though, how you escaped with so little injury tothe car!”
“Perfect marvel how we escaped at all!” said Philip. “I did what Icould, but, when I see the narrow margin we had on either side, I wonderwe weren’t smashed to bits, anyway.”
“It is a wonder!” said the stranger. “Most marvellous thing I eversaw,—and I’ve seen lots of motor accidents. My name’s Hampton,—HenryHampton,—and now, if you’ll help me rig up the tow, I’ll pull youhome.”
And so, after a shor
t time, Philip and Patty, still seated in thedamaged Camilla, went swiftly along, towed by kind-hearted HenryHampton’s powerful car.
Of course, when they reached “The Pebbles,” an anxious crowd awaitedthem.
“It’s getting to be sort of a habit, our getting home late, with anaccident to report,” said Philip, as they turned in the gate, and Pattycouldn’t help smiling, though her nerves were still tingling from therecent shock, and from the realisation of their wonderful escape.
The laughing crowd on the veranda grew suddenly still as they saw astrange motor enter the gate with the Camilla in tow.
“What has happened?” cried Nan, as they came within hearing distance.
“We’re all right, father!” called out Patty, anxious to allay the lookof fear and consternation on her father’s face.
“Patty, dear child, what is it?” exclaimed Mr. Fairfield, as he liftedPatty, still white and trembling, out of the car.
“An accident, father,—an awful accident! And Philip was the hero thistime; he saved my life, and he did it in a most wonderful way! I’ll tellyou about it sometime, but I can’t now;” and Patty fell limply into herfather’s arms.
“Never mind, darling, it’s all right,” said Mr. Fairfield, soothingly,as he kissed the pale brow, and carried Patty up the steps and into thehouse. He laid her on a couch, and, under Nan’s gentle ministrations,she soon revived.
Meantime, Henry Hampton was telling the tale as he had understood it.
“Mighty slick piece of work!” he said. “Never saw anything like it in mylife! That young fellow ought to have medals pinned all over him.”
“There, there, Mr. Hampton, that’ll be about all,” said Philip, tryingto shut off the tide of compliments from the stranger.
“No, ’taint about all!” declared Mr. Hampton, wagging his head, “but Iguess the little lady can tell you the story, once she feels likeherself again. I must be gettin’ along now, but I just want to remark,edgewise, that I’ve seen lots of pluck and bravery in my day, but forhair-trigger intellect, coolheadedness, pluck, and plumb bravery, Inever saw such an exhibition as this here chap put up to-day!Good-afternoon, all;” and, with a wave of his hand, Mr. Hampton wentaway.
Philip was the hero of the hour, but he would not admit that he had doneanything praiseworthy or unusual.
“There was only one thing to do,” he said; “only one possible chance totake, and of course I took it; and almost by a miracle it went throughall right, and we smashed the car, but saved our lives.”
“Don’t you listen to him!” called out Patty. “You people come in here,and I’ll tell you all about it! I was driving, and it was next toimpossible for Philip to get hold of the bars, across _me_. But he didit! and he did it in time! and he did it exactly right! And I just satthere paralysed with fear, and unable to move. But I suppose you don’texpect a girl to be very brave,—and I sort of collapsed, I know. ButPhilip is a hero, and I want him appreciated as such.”
“He is, Patty dear,” said her father; “and, though he’s awfully modesthimself about his brave deed, he has the honour and respect andgratitude of all of us for his wonderful quickness of brain and handthat saved his own life,—and that of my little girl.”
Mr. Fairfield’s voice broke as he folded Patty in his arms, and hekissed her with all of a father’s love for the treasure he had so nearlylost.
* * * * *
Melody Lane Mystery Stories
By LILIAN GARIS
Thrills, secrets, ghosts—adventures that will fascinate you seem tosurround pretty Carol Duncan. A vivid, plucky girl, her cleverness atsolving mysteries will captivate and thrill every mystery fan.
The author has written many popular mystery stories for girls and inthis new series Mrs. Garis is at her best.
THE GHOST OF MELODY LANE
Mystery surrounds the great organ in the home of the “Cameo Lady”—beloved friend of Carol and sponsor of the girls’ Choral Club. Three people see the “ghost” that wanders in the grove carrying a waxy white rose. And Carol finds the rose! In the end she finds the ghost too!
THE FORBIDDEN TRAIL
There was a tradition at “Splatter Castle” on Melody Lane, and Marah Splartier, eccentric aunt of Veronica Flint determined to protect Vera from following the long line of family tragedies that had had their beginning on the “forbidden trail.” Carol has several bad frights before she clears up the mystery that keeps the little family at Splatter Castle unhappy and afraid.
THE TOWER SECRET
The winking lights flashing from the old tower on the grounds of the Bonds’ new home defy explanation. There is no one in the tower—and no electric power or connections! Had the engaging circus family that Carol befriended anything to do with the mystery? And what interest had Parsnips, the queer old farmer, in the “ghost” tower?
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
* * * * *
DANA GIRLS MYSTERY STORIES
By CAROLYN KEENE
Impetuous, delightful Jean Dana and her charming, serious minded sisterLouise find themselves in the midst of several mysteries, when theyattempt to aid people who are in trouble. Thrilling moments come to thegirls as they follow up clue after clue in an endeavor to untangle theknotty problems in which they become enmeshed.
BY THE LIGHT OF THE STUDY LAMP
A stolen study lamp, a fortune teller, and a distressed schoolmate provide plenty of excitement for the Dana girls before they locate the persons responsible for many mysterious happenings.
THE SECRET AT LONE TREE COTTAGE
While the girls are at Starhurst School, they learn that their beloved English teacher has vanished in a strange manner. In tracing her, Jean and Louise are able to aid the frantic relatives of a dear little curly-haired tot, but not before they themselves are in danger of disappearing.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE TOWER
The mingling of unusual characters, who have life interests very different from one another, lends excitement and intrigue to a Christmas vacation of the Dana girls. Their ability to fit together the pieces of a strange puzzle brings happiness to several persons.
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
* * * * *
THE JUDY BOLTON MYSTERY STORIES
By MARGARET SUTTON
Here is a new series of mystery stories for girls by an author who knowsthe kind of stories every girl wants to read—mystery of the “shivery”sort, adventure that makes the nerves tingle, clever “detecting” and anew lovable heroine, Judy Bolton, whom all girls will take to theirhearts at once.
THE VANISHING SHADOW
Judy’s safety is threatened by a gang of crooks who think she knows too much about their latest “deal.” She is constantly pursued by a mysterious shadow which vanishes before she can get a glimpse of its owner.
THE HAUNTED ATTIC
The Boltons move into a large rambling house reputed to be haunted. Even the brave Judy who has looked forward to “spooky” goings on is thoroughly frightened at the strange scrapings and rappings and the eery “crying ghost.”
THE INVISIBLE CHIMES
Through an automobile accident a strange girl is taken into the Bolton household—the whole family becomes attached to her and interested in her story. Judy tracks down many clues before she finally uncovers the real identity of “Honey.”
SEVEN STRANGE CLUES
Judy gets to the bottom of a mystery that centers around a prize poster contest and a fire in the school building—through seven baffling clues that hold the key to the answer.
THE GHOST PARADE
Seven monster heads—Indian totems—provide mystery and humor and adventure in this thrilling story.
THE YELLOW PHANTOM
With her quick thinking and courage Judy rescues a lost friend and solves the mystery of “Golden Girl.”
THE MYSTIC BALL
Irene, the “engaged girl,” is frightened by a crystal-gazer but Judy exposes the trickery and saves her friend’s romance.
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
* * * * *
THE NANCY DREW MYSTERY STORIES
By CAROLYN KEENE
Illustrated. Every Volume Complete in Itself.
Here is a thrilling series of mystery stories for girls. Nancy Drew,ingenious, alert, is the daughter of a famous criminal lawyer and sheherself is deeply interested in his mystery cases. Her interest involvesher often in some very dangerous and exciting situations.
THE SECRET OF THE OLD CLOCK
Nancy, unaided, seeks to locate a missing will and finds herself in the midst of adventure.
THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE
Mysterious happenings in an old stone mansion lead to an investigation by Nancy.
THE BUNGALOW MYSTERY
Nancy has some perilous experiences around a deserted bungalow.
THE MYSTERY AT LILAC INN
Quick thinking and quick action were needed for Nancy to extricate herself from a dangerous situation.
THE SECRET AT SHADOW RANCH
On a vacation in Arizona Nancy uncovers an old mystery and solves it.
THE SECRET OF RED GATE FARM
Nancy exposes the doings of a secret society on an isolated farm.
THE CLUE IN THE DIARY
A fascinating and exciting story of a search for a clue to a surprising mystery.
NANCY’S MYSTERIOUS LETTER
Nancy receives a letter informing her that she is heir to a fortune. This story tells of her search for another Nancy Drew.
THE SIGN OF THE TWISTED CANDLES
Nancy, as mediator in a generation-old feud, divulges an unknown birthright.
THE PASSWORD TO LARKSPUR LANE
A carrier pigeon furnishes Nancy with a clue to a mysterious retreat.
GROSSET & DUNLAP, Publishers, NEW YORK
* * * * *
THE BLYTHE GIRLS BOOKS By LAURA LEE HOPE
Author of The Outdoor Girls Series
Illustrated by Thelma Gooch
The Blythe Girls, three in number, were left alone in New York City.Helen, who went in for art and music, kept the little flat uptown, whileMargy, just out of business school, obtained a position as secretary andRose, plain-spoken and business like, took what she called a “job” in adepartment store. The experiences of these girls make fascinatingreading—life in the great metropolis is thrilling and full of strangeadventures and surprises.
THE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN, MARGY AND ROSETHE BLYTHE GIRLS: MARGY’S QUEER INHERITANCETHE BLYTHE GIRLS: ROSE’S GREAT PROBLEMTHE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN’S STRANGE BOARDERTHE BLYTHE GIRLS: THREE ON A VACATIONTHE BLYTHE GIRLS: MARGY’S SECRET MISSIONTHE BLYTHE GIRLS: ROSE’S ODD DISCOVERYTHE BLYTHE GIRLS: THE DISAPPEARANCE OF HELENTHE BLYTHE GIRLS: SNOWBOUND IN CAMPTHE BLYTHE GIRLS: MARGY’S MYSTERIOUS VISITORTHE BLYTHE GIRLS: ROSE’S HIDDEN TALENTTHE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN’S WONDERFUL MISTAKE
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
* * * * *
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS SERIES By LAURA LEE HOPE
Author of “The Blythe Girls Books.”
Every Volume Complete in Itself.
These are the adventures of a group of bright, fun-loving, up-to-dategirls who have a common bond in their fondness for outdoor life,camping, travel and adventure. There is excitement and humor in thesestories and girls will find in them the kind of pleasant associationsthat they seek to create among their own friends and chums.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALETHE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKETHE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A MOTOR CARTHE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A WINTER CAMPTHE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN FLORIDATHE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT OCEAN VIEWTHE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN ARMY SERVICETHE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLANDTHE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT THE HOSTESS HOUSETHE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT BLUFF POINTTHE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT WILD ROSE LODGETHE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN THE SADDLETHE OUTDOOR GIRLS AROUND THE CAMPFIRETHE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON CAPE CODTHE OUTDOOR GULLS AT FOAMING FALLSTHE OUTDOOR GIRLS ALONG THE COASTTHE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT SPRING HILL FARMTHE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT NEW MOON RANCHTHE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON A HIKETHE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON A CANOE TRIPTHE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT CEDAR RIDGETHE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN THE AIR
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
* * * * *
THE LILIAN GARIS BOOKS Illustrated. Every Volume Complete in Itself.
Among her “fan” letters Lilian Garis receives some flatteringtestimonials of her girl readers’ interest in her stories. From a classof thirty comes a vote of twenty-five naming her as their favoriteauthor. Perhaps it is the element of live mystery that Mrs. Garis alwaysbuilds her stories upon, or perhaps it is because the girls easily cantranslate her own sincere interest in themselves from the stories. Atany rate her books prosper through the changing conditions of thesetimes, giving pleasure, satisfaction, and, incidentally, that tactfulword of inspiration, so important in literature for young girls. Mrs.Garis prefers to call her books “juvenile novels” and in them romance isnever lacking.
JUDY JORDANJUDY JORDAN’S DISCOVERYSALLY FOR SHORTSALLY FOUND OUTA GIRL CALLED TEDTED AND TONY, TWO GIRLS OF TODAYCLEO’S MISTY RAINBOWCLEO’S CONQUESTBARBARA HALEBARBARA HALE’S MYSTERY FRIENDNANCY BRANDONNANCY BRANDON’S MYSTERYCONNIE LORINGCONNIE LORING’S GYPSY FRIENDJOAN: JUST GIRLJOAN’S GARDEN OF ADVENTUREGLORIA: A GIRL AND HER DADGLORIA AT BOARDING SCHOOL
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
* * * * *
The Children’s Favorite Series FOR BOYS AND GIRLS OF EVERY AGE
These books belong in every home where there are children
Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The _Mark Twain_Alice in Wonderland _Lewis Carroll_America _Robert W. Chambers_Black Beauty _Anna Sewell_Eight Cousins _Louisa May Alcott_Hans Brinker _Mary Mapes Dodge_Heidi _Johanna Spyri_Helen’s Babies _John Habberton_Last of the Mohicans, The _James F. Cooper_Light House at the End of the World, The _Jules Verne_Little Lame Prince, The _Miss Mullock_Little Men _Louisa M. Alcott_Little Minister _Sir James Barrie_Little Women _Louisa May Alcott_Mr. Midshipman Easy _Captain Marryat_Mysterious Island, The _Jules Verne_Old Fashioned Girl, An _Louisa May Alcott_Oliver Twist _Charles Dickens_Oregon Trail, The _Francis Parkman_Pilgrim’s Progress, The _John Bunyan_Pinocchio _C. Collodi_Robinson Crusoe _Daniel Defoe_Rose in Bloom _Louisa May Alcott_Scarlet Letter _Nathaniel Hawthorne_Spy, The _James F. Cooper_Story of a Bad Boy, The _Thomas Bailey Aldrich_Swiss Family Robinson _Johann R. Wyss_Tales from Shakespeare _Ch
arles and Mary Lamb_Tom Brown’s School Days _Thomas Hughes_Treasure Island _Robert Louis Stevenson_Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea _Jules Verne_Two Years Before the Mast _Richard Henry Dana_Uncle Tom’s Cabin _Harriet Beecher Stowe_Under the Lilacs _Louisa May Alcott_The White Company _Arthur Conan Doyle_
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
* * * * *
Transcriber’s Notes:
Hyphenation has been retained as in the original. Punctuation has beencorrected without note. Other errors have been corrected as noted below:
page 106, many jewelled pines; ==> many jewelled pins;page 138, you’re right, fathery ==> you’re right, fatherpage 267, spider attemped to ==> spider attempted to