tchen expecting to find the Indian girl at work with
Aunt Alvirah in the old woman's sunny corner of the great room. The old
woman was alone, however.

"Where is Wonota?" Ruth asked.

Before Aunt Alvirah could reply an automobile siren echoed outside of the
house. Aunt Alvirah was smiling and waving at somebody and Ruth hurried
to the window to look out.

"Here's Helen come for you, my pretty, in that beautiful big car of
hers," said Aunt Alvirah. "Isn't it fine to be rich?"

"Wait till I make a few more pictures, Aunty, and we'll have a car too.
If Uncle Jabez won't buy one, I've made up my mind to get a car if it's
only to take you to drive once in a while."

"It wouldn't hurt Jabez Potter to buy a car," declared the old woman.
"She's coming in Ruthie. Oh, my back! and oh, my bones!" she murmured, as
she got up to receive the visitor.

Helen swept into the house gaily. She always had a kiss for the little
old woman who thought her, next to Ruth, the finest girl who ever lived.

"You're always a sight for anyone to look on with pleasure, Helen
Cameron," said Aunt Alvirah. "And you're mighty smart in that long coat
and cap."

"And do you put on your coat and bonnet, Aunty," cried Helen, patting her
wrinkled cheek. "I've come to take you for a spin. And Ruth, too."

"There's Wonota," suggested Ruth.

"Of course. The princess shall join us," Helen cried merrily. "Where is
she? Tell her to leave her everlasting beadwork long enough to ride in
the white man's motor-car."

"I suppose," said Ruth, starting for the stairway, "Wonota must be up in
her own room."

"No, no!" Aunt Alvirah called from her bedroom, to which she had hobbled
for her cloak and bonnet. "I was just about to tell you, my pretty.
Wonota has gone out."

"Where did she go?" and Ruth suddenly turned back, and with surprise if
not exactly with a feeling of alarm.

"She said she would walk up the road to see her father. She is quite fond
of her father, I believe," added Aunt Alvirah, coming back with her wrap
and bonnet. "Of course, Indians have family feelings, if they do seem to
hide 'em so well."

"I am sorry she went out alone," murmured Ruth.

"Pooh! she isn't a child. And she'll not lose her way, that's sure,"
laughed Helen. "Anyway, we'll overtake her and give her a ride. Chief
Totantora, too, if he will deign to step into the white man's car."

Ruth said no more. But after the visit of Bilby to the mill she could not
help but feel