on't put _all_ the law an' the gospel
on your side, Suse Timmins. I'll take good care of this girl."

"And so will I, if Bella wants to live with me," said the doctor's wife.

"Mirandy will be glad to have her."

"And she'd be company for me," rejoined the other neighbor. "I haven't any
children."

"Bella must choose for herself," said Ruth kindly.

"I guess I'll go with Mr. Perkins," said the actor's daughter. "Miz Holmes
is real nice; but Doctor Holmes gives awful tastin' medicine. I might be
sick there and have to take some of it. So I'll go to Miz Perkins. She has
a doctor from Maybridge and he gives candy-covered pellets. I ate some
once. Besides, Miz Perkins is lame and can't get around so spry, and I can
do more for her."

"Now listen to that!" exclaimed the farmer. "Ain't she a noticing child?"

"Well, Mrs. Perkins will be good to her, no doubt," agreed the doctor's
wife.

"I'd like to know what you fresh city folks butted into this thing for!"
demanded Miss Timmins. "If there's any law in the land----"

"_You'll_ get it!" promised Tom Cameron.

"Go get anything you own that you want to take with you, Bella," Ruth
advised the shrinking child.

With another fearful glance at her aunt, Bella ran upstairs.

Miss Timmins might have started after her, but Tom planted himself before
that door. The lout of a boy began bringing in the breakfast for the
automobile party. Ruth talked privately with the doctor's wife and Mr.
Perkins, and forced some money on the woman to be expended for a very
necessary outfit of clothing for Bella.

Miss Timmins finally flounced back into the kitchen where they heard her
venting her anger and chagrin on the kitchen help. Bella returned bearing
an ancient extension bag crammed full of odds and ends. She kissed Ruth
and shook hands with the rest of the company before departing with Mr.
Perkins.

The doctor's wife promised to write to Ruth as soon as anything was heard
of Mr. Pike, and the automobile party turned their attention to ham and
eggs, stewed potatoes, and griddle cakes.

"Only," said Jennie, sepulchrally, "I hope the viands are not poisoned.
That Miss Timmins would certainly like to give us all our
'nevergetovers'."

CHAPTER IX

A DISMAYING DISCOVERY

"'The Later Pilgrims' are well out of that trouble," announced Helen, when
the cars were underway, the honeymoon car ahead and the other members of
the party packed into the bigger automobile.

"And I