hape and his flexible mouth turned up at the corners. He talked
slowly with a sort of twang like a farmer from the east coast and there
was a kind of hidden humor under whatever he said. He had charming
old-world manners, and an old-fashioned way of saying "I thank you," or
"Permit me, ma'am," or "At your service, ma'am." He was really quite a
delightful person, they unanimously decided; and so was his sister and
so was her friend.

Billie wondered what Richard Hook's work was; or whether perhaps he was
still in college. She wondered a great many things about him, and she
felt quite sure that he was not well off. Presently she said:

"It's too bad when we are all just beginning to be friends that we must
part so soon. Why can't you turn old Dobbin right about face and come
back and see us at Camp Sunrise?"

"Why not, indeed?" answered Richard.

"Do come," urged Billie, never dreaming that in giving this invitation
she had been moved by something stronger than her own friendly wish to
know more of these nice people, and that destiny itself had a hand in
the business.

Richard Hook took a little calendar from his pocket and contemplated it
gravely.

"Another month has perished with her moon," he remarked. "We're in
August, little sister. Did you realize that? I see no reason why we
shouldn't travel toward Sunrise Camp before----"

"Before----" repeated Maggie, and the brother and sister exchanged a
swift glance.

"Then you do accept," exclaimed Billie joyfully.

"With the greatest pleasure," answered Richard, "if you think old
Dobbin can climb the hill."

"Of course he can," replied Billie.

"But, Richard, do you think we dare?" asked Maggie in a low voice.

Richard's mouth turned up at the corners and his eyes gave a humorous
blink.

"We dare anything," he said. "Pray excuse this little aside, Miss
Billie. It's only that we are obliged to consider certain complications
that arise to vex us at times. I think we can easily arrange to go to
Camp Sunrise."

Billie was more certain than ever that money was the complication. But
surely that was an inexpensive way of spending one's vacation, provided
one owned the van and the horse.

"How much longer does your vacation last, Mr. Hook?" she asked.

"It depends. My boss is a very notionate old party. He might let me go
wandering on like this for several weeks longer or he might suddenly
decide to send for me, and I should have to go hiking back in the midst