to win.

These feelings, though, she successfully concealed, and gave Mabel very
sincere and loving congratulations. Mr. Stanton's prize was a pretty
scarf pin, and Tom Meredith loudly bewailed his own misfortune in losing
this. Though, really, as the tournament was at his own home, he would not
have taken the prize had he won it, but would have passed it on to the
one with the next highest record.

The victors were cheered and applauded, and were then led in triumph to
the pretty tent where tea was being served.

If Patty had had a shadow of regret that she had not been the honoured
one, it was lost sight of in her gladness that it fell to Mabel's lot.

"You're a plucky one," said Tom Meredith, who was observing her closely.
"You're a good loser, aren't you?"

"I don't know," said Patty, thoughtfully. "I want to be, but do you know,
I just love to win contests or games. And when I lose--I'm ashamed to say
it--but I do feel put out."

"Of course you do! That's only natural. And that's why I say you're a
good loser. If you didn't care tuppence whether you won or not, it
wouldn't be much to your credit to look smiling and pleasant when you
lose. But since you _do_ care, a whole lot, you're a jolly plucky girl to
take it so well. Now, what can I get for you? An ice?"

"Yes, please," said Patty, really gratified at Tom's appreciative words.

"How long are you staying with the Hartleys?" Tom asked, as, returning
with ices, he found cosy seats at a small table for himself and Patty.

"Two or three weeks longer, I think. But I shall hate to go away, for
I've become so interested in their 'mystery,' that I can't stop trying to
solve it."

"Oh, you mean that old affair of the hidden fortune. I don't believe
there's any at all. I think the old man who pretended to hide it was
merely guying them."

"Oh, no! That can't be. Why, it all sounds so real and natural. The story
of the hiding, I mean."

"Yes, but why should he want to hide it? Why not bank it decently, like
other people?"

"Oh, because he was eccentric. People who are naturally queer or freakish
are always hiding things. And I know it's silly of me, but I'm going to
try to find that money."

"I've lots of faith in your energy and perseverance, but I can't think
you'll succeed in that job. Better try something easier."

"I don't think I can say I expect to succeed. But I'm going to
try--and--who can tell what might happen?"

"Who, indeed? But you know,