y to turn homeward. Across the
sandy hillocks, through pine-shaded stretches of woods, along the road
walled in with June roses they raced and chased, stopping now and
again to look back and make certain that their masters were following.
When the spit of sand narrowed to a ribbon and the entrance to
Surfside was reached they halted, lying down to cool off in the fresh
sea breeze until they should be overtaken. At the gate Dick and Walter
parted.

It was amusing to see the Airedales waver, then lured by hunger,
desert their owner and pursue Walter and Achilles.

They came up with lolling tongues at the kennels just as His Highness
was unlocking the door.

While he fumbled with the latch he noticed they sniffed excitedly
about and that Achilles barked.

"You're starved, poor old chaps!" remarked he aloud. "Well, no matter.
You shall have your dinner right off now."

Coaxing them in he banged the wicket behind him and passed through
into the pen where the Pekingese, clamoring for their food, came
yelping to meet him.

Instinctively he scanned the fluffy-coated group. Lola was not there.

The discovery, however, caused him no concern for often Mrs.
Crowninshield carried the prize-winner up to the big house or took her
for a ride in the car. Therefore, although her bright eyes were
missing he did not worry, but fed the other dogs and gave them fresh
water.

The task completed, he sauntered toward the garage.

How still it was everywhere. With the exception of Dick's racer every
car was gone and all the chauffeurs with them. Even Jerry was nowhere
about; and the gardeners were far down on the south slope where he
could just detect the clip of their shears as they trimmed the privet
hedge.

The grounds were as deserted as if the earth had swallowed up every
inhabitant. Surfside, deprived of its accustomed hum and bustle, was
actually lonely. With uncertain step the boy loitered in the sun,
glancing at the expanse of sea and at a knockabout that heeled
dangerously in the rising wind. Thinking he might find Jerry and thus
banish solitude he meandered up the avenue toward the house.

Jerry, however, was nowhere to be seen but the silence was broken by
the siren horns of approaching motors and the Crowninshield cars came
rolling in through the broad entrance.

Since he chanced to be on the spot he may as well go up to the
veranda, meet the family, and bring Lola back with him to be fed and
tucked up for the night