glad at least to have something to do, hurried toward the
house to look for the country girl.

Left alone, Frank continued to write as plainly as he could what he
wanted those in Bloomsbury to know about matters in general. He used as
few words to cover the case as possible, but gave the leading points,
even to stating his fear that the scoundrels who had robbed the bank,
and were plotting to also make a descent on the pay-car of the railroad
that night, had now taken the alarm, and would be off in the stolen
biplane.

In that event Frank wanted the police in Bloomsbury to know that he and
Andy had started in pursuit; though what they could do to apprehend the
rogues of course he was in no position to declare.

By the time he had this finished to his satisfaction he heard voices
near by, and was glad to see his cousin coming, accompanied by Sallie.

The girl looked duly excited, just as Frank had expected. There were a
thousand questions in her eyes, but he cut all this short.

"We can't stop to tell you any more now, Sallie, but we promise to drop
in again after it's over, and explain all that seems queer to you now.
Here's the message that we want to get to Bloomsbury the worst kind, and
as quick as you could get on a horse and ride to the nearest neighbor
who has a phone in the house. You'll do this for us, won't you, Sallie?"

Few people could say no to Frank once he wore that winning smile, and
Sallie immediately declared that she was ready to do anything he
suggested.

"To think of that little scoundrel fooling us all, and pretending to be
a college professor!" she remarked, indignation flashing from her black
eyes.

"I hope you've got a horse," said Frank, sticking to the business in
hand.

"Oh! yes; we have one left that might do," Sallie answered.

"Then let's get him saddled right away," Frank went on.

"Can't," she snapped back, "ain't such a thing as a saddle around here
any more. But I'm a country girl, you know, and I can ride bareback all
right. A halter's the only bridle I want, Frank. Give me the message,
and I'll see that it gets to somebody in Bloomsbury."

"And here's some money, Sallie," the other went on.

"What! do you think--"

"There might be something to pay, you know, and we can't afford to take
chances when there's so much at stake. Thank you a thousand times for
helping us out, Sallie. Now, please get the horse. I'd like to see you
started before we pull out, because we may