told all she knew, but
her story was not believed, and her employer suspected her of taking the
money. In great distress she hurried away, and, after some happenings she
was found in our burning garage. I did not have a chance to ask all the
particulars. But she did so want to find you, to know why you ran away,
and who the men were you seemed to fear. She may still be searching for
you."

"But I don't want to meet her!" cried Nancy.

"Why not?"

"She may--she may be in league with my guardian."

"No, indeed--impossible!" cried Cora. "We will see that you are fully
protected. I will communicate with my mother's lawyer at once, if you
will allow me. There is such a thing as having a guardian removed, you
know. The courts will protect you."

"And oh, I do seem to need protection!" sighed Nancy.

"You poor girl!" and again Cora's arms went around her. "I will telegraph
mother at once. We will have the lawyer come here!"

"Oh, can you do that?"

"Certainly I will, my dear. You need a new guardian most of all."

"Oh, if I may only have one. Then I will be happy again. And I can clear
the name of Mrs. Raymond, for I am sure either my guardian, or the other
man, took that money."

"They must have. But you have not told how you came to be in the wreck."

"Oh, that was a mere accident. After I ran away I went from place to
place, fearing my guardian might trace me, for I am sure his object was
to get all my property into his hands. I heard of this sailing voyage, and
I put my name down in the passenger list. I thought a sea trip would do
me good, for I love the water. Then came the terrible storm--and they
said the ship was sinking. Some of the sailors made a raft, but did not
launch it.

"I was afraid to go in the boats, and more afraid of being pulled in on
the rope. So I got a little food together, took my suitcase, and tied
myself to the raft. I knew it would float, and I hoped to be picked up.
Then the storm grew worse. The vessel was all in confusion, for the rescue
was going on. No one noticed me. Then the ship went to pieces, and I
lost my senses. The raft must have launched itself, and I floated on it.
That is all I know until I found myself here. Oh, I can never thank you
enough for all you did!"

"It was nothing," said Cora. "If we could only find Mrs. Raymond now we
could complete the story; and she will be so glad to know that you can
clear her name."

"Oh, but I shudder when I think I have to mee