lf-appointed delegates, and the twilight hour a
most opportune time for their conference.

"I am going to do two things first----" began Cleo.

"Oh, I wouldn't," mocked Grace. "I would do one thing first, the other
way would be woozy."

"Now you know what I mean, and this isn't a grammar test," pouted Cleo.
"Well, then, first, I am going to write to Uncle Guy. He knows so much
about detective work--all writers do, you know, and I feel he could
help us solve the mystery. I am going to send him that picture we took
the other day, so he can see what Mary looks like."

"I think that is really a brilliant idea, Cleo," said Grace, seriously.
"There might be some reason for Professor Benson noticing the name
Dunbar. Even if I do take the risk of you getting in a claim, still, I
have to be fair," and she squeezed the arm that lay over her own. "I
think the pictures are splendid. I sent one to Margaret. Somehow I
feel a little lonely for Margaret, don't you?"

"Yes, it would have been lovely for her to share all this, but perhaps
they may come to New York before the season is over. Let us hope so.
Now, for my second big idea: I am going to make inquiries at the New
York museum about exploring parties. They may have records of the
scientific men who went to the tropics for orchids, and I may be able
to solve some of the mystery that way."

"Say, Cleo," said Grace, dimpling and making pretty faces at the
slanting rays dipping into the brook from the early nightfall, "I do
believe you are related to your Uncle Guy, the writer, for you have
such original ideas. However did you think of that?"

"Oh, it is not original, really, Grace. I saw an account of a report
of such an expedition in one of Uncle Guy's magazines, and that gave me
the idea."

"But it wouldn't give me such an idea in a thousand years," admitted
Grace. "However would you go about it?"

"I'll try to get some dates and other facts from Mary, and then I'll
just write a letter. Maybe I will ask you to do the writing, as your
hand is much better than mine."

"Oh, I'll be glad to help out even as your secretary, but suppose we
accidentally betray Mary's secret--then what would happen?"

"I have thought of that," Cleo reflected, "and I have decided, since
Professor Benson and Mary are both so good, nothing but good can
eventually be discovered about them. Even a lot of mistakes can't be
really held against one, and I am hoping there won't even be