Part 20 (1/2)

”Well, it isn't,” said Grace, adding, as she dug her toessand: ”And if we don't hear more news of Will pretty soon, I'll just die, that's all I can't stand it!”

”There's your e the subject ”I think she's calling us, too Coot to their feet, shook the sand from their suits, and hurried to the bluff where Mrs Ford stood awaiting them

As they clambered up toward her they noticed that she looked excited and was holding a yellow envelope in her hand

”The trunks have co red-haired fellow brought theht this,” indicating the envelope in her hand

”What is it?” they cried, a strange preram for Mollie!”

Mollie turned a little pale under her tan and took the yellow envelope gingerly, as though it had been poisoned, or contained soan, then interrupted herself, and with treirls watched her, wide-eyed and tense

”It's from mother,” she cried, then crushed the paper in her hands and looked around at the syrown dark with fear

”Girls,” she said, ”I--I'm afraid to read it--I--”

CHAPTER XVI

THE SHADOW OF DISASTER

Betty put a steadying arently:

”Would it make it any easier if I were to read it, dear?”

”No, oh, no!” cried Mollie, then sh while her face grehiter and her lips closed in a tense line With a queer little sound in her throat she turned away and handed it to Betty

”Read it,” she commanded in a choked voice

Mrs Ford put an arirls crowded closer

It was a brief, paralyzing one Were not ho ho possible to find theasped Amy

”Gone!” added Grace, stupefied ”Oh, Betty, are you sure you read it aright?”

For answer, Betty handed her the telegra bitterly

”I knew I shouldn't have gone away,” she was saying over and over again

”I knew I should have stayed at ho at houed Betty soothingly