e engine, and I got out and left
the car on the road--and I walked and walked--trying to find some place
to stay--and at last I found I was right near here--so I came in!" She
seemed exhausted and half hysterical and Leslie could not but believe
her.

"Well, I'm so glad you're found and here!" she cried. "I must call up
Aunt Sally right away and tell her you're all right. She called a while
ago and was so anxious about you."

Leslie went to the telephone, while Phyllis helped Eileen to rid herself
of her wet clothes and get into something dry. Then they all sat down by
the fire in an uneasy silence. Presently Phyllis suggested that Eileen
might like something warm to eat and drink, as she had evidently had no
dinner. She assented to this eagerly, and the two girls went to the
kitchen to provide something for her.

"I tell you," whispered Phyllis, "I just can't believe that hospital and
getting-lost stuff! She came out here for some purpose, you mark my word!
But why she wants to get in here is beyond me just yet. I'll find out
later, though, you see if I don't!"

When they entered the living-room with a dainty tray a few minutes later,
they found Eileen standing by one of the windows facing the ocean, trying
vainly to peer into the outer blackness. She started guiltily when she
saw them and retreated to the fire, murmuring something about "the awful
night." But though she had seemed so eager for food, she ate almost
nothing.

"Can't you take a little of this hot soup?" urged Leslie. "It will do you
so much good. You must be very hungry by now."

"Oh, thanks, so much!" Eileen replied, with a grateful glance. "You are
very good to me. I did really think I was hungry, at first, but I'm so
nervous I just can't eat!"

She pushed the tray aside and began to roam restlessly about the room. At
every decent excuse, such as an extra heavy gust of wind or a flapping of
the shutters, she would hurry to the window and try to peer out.

At length Phyllis made an excuse to disappear into Leslie's room and was
gone quite a time. Suddenly she put her head out of the door into the
living-room and remarked, in a voice full of suppressed excitement:
"Leslie, can you come here a moment?"

Leslie excused herself and ran to join Phyllis. "What is it?" she
whispered breathlessly.

"Look out of the front window!" returned Phyllis, in a hushed undertone.
"There's something queer going on outside--by the old log!"

Leslie opened the