re almost up to the steps. Evidently Mrs. Philow was very much
interested with her guest, for she could be seen gesticulating
earnestly.

The girls quickened their steps and as they approached the figure
turned, caught sight of the party of scouts, and stood with his cap in
hand.

"It's Ricky!" cried Royal, breaking away from Kitty's hold and running
to the young man, who now stared in undisguised amazement.

"Royal!" he called in answer. "As I live, our own little Royal!"

"Well," gasped Neal, attempting to get his greeting in. "Isn't this
rather a surprise?"

"I should say so," answered his friend. "However did our bonny boy turn
up here? I have burned out my wireless trying to get a word about him.
Mrs. Alton is almost ill again worrying. Where have you been?" He was
looking over the child with a familiar and critical eye.

"I've been in the woods with Kitty, rolling in the mud and sleeping in a
tree hammock," announced the boy proudly. "And, please, Ricky, I'm going
to take Kitty home with me. She hasn't any nice girl's things in the
woods."

Mrs. Philow and Leonore were standing waiting for an opportunity to
extend hospitality.

"This young man just came to take a peek at his old room, Grace," the
mother explained. "You see, he is the Mr. Gordon we have been hearing
about, and now to think everybody knows everybody--"

Leonore was blushing prettily. Neal had stepped aside to speak with her.
No doubt, he was praising the running of his launch, and inviting her to
try it.

Kitty edged up to Royal and pinched his fat little leg. "You're not
going to give me up, are you?" she said timidly.

"Nopy-nope!" answered Royal. "You must come too. Ricky, where is mother?
Take me to her."

"I am going to do just that," replied the good-looking sailor.

"Oh, no, please don't," begged Kitty. "I couldn't let Roy go out of my
sight--I wouldn't," she protested.

"But you may all come along. How would that be?" replied Richard Gordon.
"My launch is lying at the pier, and the Royal is at anchor just over
there."

"And is our big yacht out there?" asked the little boy.

"Surest thing," answered the yachtsman.

"But how do I know--know you are not a kidnapper?" Kitty stammered
suddenly.

Every one laughed, but Kitty's distress was genuine.

"He is not a kidnapper, Kitty. He is my Ricky," said Royal. "Please
hurry and take me to mother."

The girls were too surprised at the whole proceedings to venture any
sugg