epay her. I am simply going to see that they get the
chance to do it. The rest I feel certain I can leave to them."
"We do want to help mother," Walter replied with sincerity.
"I know you do; both of you have proved it this summer. From now on I
intend your mother shall have no anxiety about her finances. We'll put
her where she will be perfectly independent of those uncles of yours,
and of summer boarders as well."
The lip of His Highness trembled and he could not speak.
"Some day I expect Dick and Nancy will be looking out for their mother
and me just this way," continued Mr. Crowninshield half humorously.
"There will be Lola to support, too."
Dick burst into a peal of laughter.
"You will have to cut out indulging in so many detectives if I'm to
pay the bills, Dad," answered he.
"Oh, you must not deprive me of my little luxuries," returned his
father. "One must have some amusement, remember."
"I'm afraid you will have to choose a cheaper one then."
"I'll think it over. If, however, I discover you cannot maintain me
and my trifling pleasures I may abandon you and turn to Walter to
support me in my old age."
Lighting a cigar he strolled away.
The boys ambled toward the boathouse. There was still three hours
before the Boston train, bringing O'Connel, would arrive. In the
meantime they indulged in a swim; took the dogs for a run; had
luncheon; paddled round the bay in Dick's canoe; and did everything
they could think of to hurry the moments along.
And when the car bearing Mr. Crowninshield and O'Connel did actually
roll into the drive what a state of excitement they were in!
Yes, there was Lola--there was no contesting that! She was a weak,
wretched little dog but it was she.
"However did you manage it, Mr. O'Connel?" cried Mrs. Crowninshield
who had come racing down the steps and gathered her favorite into her
arms.
Breathlessly the group clustered about the wee puppy.
"Well, the first thing I did was to convince myself the dog aboard
the yacht was really the one we were after. One day when the party
went ashore I hunted up the supposed Trixie and called her by her real
name. You should have seen her prick up her ears, poor little mite! I
had her licking my hand inside a minute. From that instant I began to
scheme. I found I couldn't send you many radio calls because they
watched me too closely. I think the mate suspected something--just
what, I could not make out, for I don't think h
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