passing thought. His first wife was evidently a better
woman than this second one. She worked with my Madeleine, brought her
back to life and must have been good to her. But my baby could never
remember her name, nor tell anything about herself. Captain Mike was
on the ocean for two weeks, and too ignorant to study the papers
afterward. The first wife wished to keep the child. After a short
time she died, and then----" Mrs. Curtis stopped abruptly.

"We won't ever mention it again," said Madge tactfully. "I can only
say I am so glad you found her."

Mrs. Watson, the farmer's wife, met the houseboat party with a smiling
face. She conducted them into the dining room. Miss Jenny Ann and the
four girls sighed with satisfaction for they were very hungry. The
great mahogany table was weighted down with food--roast chicken, ham,
salad, doughnuts.

"This is Tom's party," smiled Mrs. Curtis, in answer to a look of
delighted astonishment from Madge. "It was his idea to say a last
good-bye to our houseboat friends, and to see them safely started on
their journey toward home. But, Miss Jenny Ann, I have something to
say. I wish to tell you a story and I wish you to tell me what you
think without any reference to anybody or anything at this table."

"Of course I will," answered Miss Jenny Ann lightly, not dreaming what
Mrs. Curtis intended to say.

"Suppose, once upon a time you had lost something very precious,"
continued Mrs. Curtis. "Say it was a mine of precious stones. Suppose
you had hunted for years but could never find it. After a while some
friends discover the treasure for you, and give it back to you? Don't
you believe you would like to do something to show your gratitude?"

"Certainly I should," replied Miss Jenny Ann promptly, falling into the
trap.

"Then why not let me have a houseboat party this fall?" proposed Mrs.
Curtis. "Madeleine and I will be staying near Old Point Comfort. Tom
will be camping with some boy friends near Cape Charles. I am going to
count on your bringing the houseboat down the shore to pay us a visit
and you are to be my guests from the moment you set foot on the boat."

The four chums looked at Mrs. Curtis, their eyes shining with delight.
Another holiday on their beloved houseboat! But ought they accept so
great a gift from Mrs. Curtis. They understood that it was her
intention to finance the trip.

Tom looked at his watch. "It's a pity to break up the party.