the study of law in
papa's office, or going to work for Uncle Isaac Ford--papa's brother.
Uncle Isaac has a big cotton mill down in Atlanta, Georgia, you know.
Papa thought it would be a good thing for Will to see what hard work
meant. At the same time it would take him away from Deepdale, and out of
the influence of some of the boys who were responsible for the hazing. I
don't believe Will was one of the ringleaders."

"And did he go South?" asked Amy.

"He did. He chose to work for Uncle Isaac instead of studying law here.
And for the past month or so he has been in the mill. Then, all of a
sudden, he disappears."

"But how?" asked Mollie.

"We don't know the particulars," said Grace. "We supposed up to about an
hour ago, that Will was in Atlanta, though we wondered why he didn't
write. But then he never was very good at sending letters. Then came
this 'phone message. I answered and I was surprised to hear Uncle Isaac
speaking.

"At first I thought he was talking from Atlanta, and I was afraid
something had happened. But Uncle Isaac said he was here--in Deepdale,
and then he startled me by asking how Will was.

"'Why, isn't he down in your mill?' I asked. Uncle Isaac said he was
not--that Will had not come to work one morning, and had left a note
saying that he was going to quit. Of course Uncle Isaac thought Will had
come back home. But when I told him we had not seen my brother, why,
Uncle Isaac was as startled as I was. He said he'd come right up here
and tell us all he knew."

Grace paused. She had spoken rather at length.

"Well, that is rather strange," murmured Mollie.

"But of course it may be easily explained when your Uncle comes," said
Betty.

"There he is now!" cried Grace, glancing out of a window. "And he has
papa with him. He must have stopped at the office. Oh, I'm so glad papa
is here!" and she hurried to the front door to let them in.

CHAPTER II

GOOD NEWS

"Oh, father!" gasped Grace, as she slipped into his waiting arms. Hardly
a greeting did she give to Uncle Isaac, but perhaps this was on account
of having spoken to him over the telephone shortly before. "Oh, father!
Where is poor Will?"

"I don't know, Grace," answered Mr. Ford gently. "But don't worry. We
shall find him. How is your mother?"

"Oh, she feels it dreadfully of course. She's been wanting you so much."

"I came as soon as I could. Your Uncle Isaac stopped for me after
telephoning the news to you."

"