Beach?"

"No, it is somewhere in the Indian River section, I believe. I don't
know just where."

"And do you really mean to say you can take us there?" asked Betty. "Oh,
you're a dear!"

"Uncle Stonington said he would be glad if I could take you girls," said
Amy. "He got the grove through some sort of a business deal. He doesn't
know anything about raising oranges, but there are men in charge who do.
There is quite a big sort of place--a ranch I believe they call it."

"Oh, no!" exclaimed Betty. "Ranches are only in the West. They are
inhabited by--cow-punchers," and she seemed very proud of her knowledge.

"Why do they have to punch the cows?" asked Mollie. "Westerners use such
funny words."

"Oh, they don't really punch them," said Grace. "I've heard Will and the
boys talk about it. It's just a name. But there are no ranches in
Florida."

"Well, then it's just a plain orange grove," said Amy. "There is a large
house, some bungalows and other buildings. And there is a river and a
lake----"

"My motor boat!" cried Betty.

"What's the matter with it?" demanded Mollie. "Do you see it?"

"No, but I wonder if we could take it along?"

"I'll ask Uncle Stonington," said Amy. "I'm sure you can. Oh, I do hope
you girls can go! Do you think you can?"

"I'm going--if I have to walk!" declared Betty. "I can send my boat by
freight, and we can have the most delightful times ever! Oh, Amy!" and
she hugged her chum again.

"I'm not sure I can go," observed Grace, slowly. "If poor Will is in
trouble----"

"We'll get him out!" cried Mollie. "Of course you'll go. And I'll go,
too! We'll all go. We'll be outdoor girls down where there's no winter!"

"It sounds--enticing," murmured Grace, who did not like the cold
weather. "Think of orange blossoms----"

"And brides!" completed Betty. "Oh, girls!"

"Silly!" chimed in Mollie.

"Is Mrs. Stonington very ill?" asked Betty. "You said something about
her going down there."

"She is not at all well," spoke Amy. "Uncle Stonington is quite worried
about her. I think when it came to getting the orange grove he took it
as much on her account as on his own. The doctor said the air down there
would do her good."

"Is it as bad as that?" asked Mollie, in a low voice.

"Well, she is not at all well," Amy replied. "But we all have hopes that
a change will benefit her. I do hope you girls will come with me. I'll
be so lonesome without you."

"Oh, we'll come," said Mollie, wi