er by various
people in the room, for all were greatly interested in the famous
singer, who had made such a remarkable hit the night before. There
came to her again the picture of a sturdy little lad standing before
her, with tousled auburn hair, pleading on behalf of an invalid girl
away up in the country. Then her mind went back to that terrible night
when she had carried him to the door of the rectory, and left him to
the mercy of those within. And now she was looking upon his name in
the paper. He was hers, and yet he did not know her.

It seemed to Rod that the steamer would never reach Hillcrest wharf.
There were so many stops to make for passengers to disembark, and
freight to be unloaded, that the boat was later than usual. He was
almost certain that the concert would be over before they arrived. At
last they were there, and the steamer's guard had scarcely touched the
wharf, as he and Phil leaped ashore. Then they scurried down the road,
leaving Mr. Dexter far behind. They were well aware that they had no
time to go home for their scout suits, and this was a great
disappointment. As they came in sight of the Anchorage they saw many
people moving about the grounds. Rod waited to speak to no one, but
hurried at once into Whyn's room. The girl greeted him with a cry of
joy.

"Oh, Rod!" she exclaimed; "I am so glad you are back. Captain Josh is
in a terrible state of worry."

She was sitting by the open window where she could see all that was
going on outside. It was a beautiful evening, and the sun of the long
summer day was still high above the horizon.

"How is everything going, Whyn?" Rod breathlessly enquired, as he wiped
his hot face with his small handkerchief.

"Great," was the reply. "That is, so far. And only think, Rod, Miss
Arabella has been here all day helping Mrs. Britt. She is a wonder.
She is selling refreshments now."

"Is grandad here?" Rod asked.

"Yes, and everybody else, I guess. The summer people have turned out
splendidly. There are several autos here, and so many strange people.
I don't know any of them."

As Whyn mentioned the autos an expression of anxiety came into Rod's
eyes. He wondered if Miss Royanna had arrived. Perhaps she was
waiting for him. He must go and find out at once.

Left once more alone, Whyn sat and watched all that was going on. Her
face was flushed with excitement, and her eyes sparkled with animation.
But she was disappointed, nevert