ter the hungry company had cleared up
everything before them, "I want to go to the end of the room and see
what we look like. I feel as if we were making a picture somebody ought
to see. We are," she called presently from the far end of the vast
apartment. "You've no idea how picturesque you look around that dark
wooden table with those candles and the blue water pitcher and the
pewter coffee pot."

"And the empty omelette dish," called Billie.

"And only one biscuit left," added Elinor.

"I've no doubt Mr. Rembrandt would have painted us just so," said Mr.
Campbell.

"And called it 'The Guild of The Globe Trotters'," Miss Campbell was
saying, when Mary gave a low exclamation of surprise. In order not to
obstruct the beautiful view across the valley, the rustic porch had not
been enclosed with screens, but the openings into the living room were
screened, and, standing just outside the broad door, Mary saw a man
peering into the room.

"I beg your pardon," he said, "I am afraid I frightened you. I was lost
on the side of the mountain, and when I saw the light in the camp I
thought I would stop and ask the way."

"Come in, won't you?" said Mr. Campbell hospitably. "Have you had your
supper?"

"I am afraid not," answered the stranger with a short laugh.

"Mrs. Lupo, will you get this gentleman some supper?" called Mr.
Campbell, while Miss Campbell, almost lost in one of the big chairs,
was wondering if this were the etiquette of campers, and if they would
be expected to take in strangers after Duncan had departed.

"Sit down," went on the incorrigible Duncan. "We only arrived ourselves
an hour ago, and we are hardly familiar with the house yet, but there is
plenty of room. Won't you stop over night? My name is Campbell."

"My name is St. Clair," answered the stranger. "I live in a place called
West Haven. Ever hear of it?"

"Percy St. Clair!" cried the girls and Miss Helen. "Where did you come
from?"

"The scheme worked pretty well, eh, Percy?" laughed Mr. Campbell, after
the young man, their old friend and playmate, had shaken hands all
around and insisted on hugging Miss Campbell. "I thought I would keep
you as a surprise. Where's the motor cycle?"

"It's outside. I walked it up the last climb."

"Did you have any trouble finding the way?"

"Considerable. That's why I'm so late. A fellow told me the wrong road,
and I was lost for a while and had a foolish adventure besides."

"What was it? What was i