what will we do with it when we get to Bentonville?" asked Amy. "It
does look so big out of the water," for, after the visit to the freight
office they had gone to where the _Gem_ was stored in winter quarters.

"Oh, we can manage it there," said Betty.

"There must be plenty of men and trucks down there."

"Uncle Stonington says there are other motor boats on the river, so
there must be ways of getting them on and off," put in Amy.

Grace got her chocolates, and also insisted on buying hot drinks for her
chums.

"For I simply can't seem to get warm," she declared, as she sipped hers.

"And with all those furs," remarked Betty. "I guess you'll have to live
in the South in Winter, Grace."

"I wish I could."

As the girls walked with Grace toward her house, the Ford home being the
first on their way, they saw a messenger boy with his little
black-covered book and a bunch of telegrams just turning into the gate.

"There's a message!" exclaimed Grace, breaking into a run. "I want to
take it from him before he rings the bell. Mamma is so nervous at the
sight of a telegram. She always thinks the worst thing has happened. I
suppose this is from Will, saying he is on his way home. Poor boy! he
has had a lesson."

"I feel sorry for him, too," said Betty.

"I'll take the message," spoke Grace to the boy, as she signed the
extended book. "Prepaid? Yes. Here is a dime for yourself. Get a hot
chocolate; you must be cold."

"T'anks!" was the reply. "I kin git two for dat!"

"I hope he won't buy cigarettes," ventured Mollie.

"Nonsense!" answered Grace, as she tore open the message, which was
addressed to her father. She felt she had a right to do this, as, had it
been some business communication, she argued, it would have gone to Mr.
Ford's office. Grace felt sure it was from her brother.

Quickly she read the brief message in the waning light of the winter
day. Then she swayed and her face paled.

"What is it--bad news?" asked Betty quickly, as she put her arms around
her chum.

"Yes--yes. It's about--Will. Read it. Poor mother! How can I tell her?
And she has been expecting him so!"

Betty glanced at the few words. They were:

"Cannot locate Will Ford at Jacksonville address
given. Am holding the twenty-five dollars subject
to your order. Party was at address noted, but
information to our agent here is to effect that
young man left in company with a labor con