Part 13 (1/2)

Just then the door opened, and Andrew MacPeters ca very ahen he saere in the shop The visitors all watched him as hethat he wanted; and when he ca from here lately, Andrew?'

The leam in his eyes but did not answer After ahiie triumphantly, 'did you see what a bad conscience he has?' and they all looked at each other in silent assent

Declining Mrs MacAlister's invitation to stay to tea, they trooped out of the post-office

'We'll watch that an to walk on the tips of her toes in anticipation

'Hulloa, young people, glad I've overtaken you,' said the doctor's voice behind the to pour with rain, and you're due at my house to tea, I believe It's lucky I have the closed carriage; jump in as many of you as it will hold, and the rest of you can sit on the box'

By the time the doctor's house was reached the rain had stopped, and the sun was peeping out again A scrap of white paper fluttering on the ruins attracted Reggie's attention, and he ran across the garden, cliave a violent start, then ran towards the house

'It's a postal order,' he said, giving it to the doctor; 'what's theof this?'

All clustered round, and the doctor took the piece of paper and exa,' he exclaimed; 'this order bears the nuht of the robbery How did it come there? It's ith the rain, but not very dirty; probably hasn't been there long This ought to shed soht upon the case

I'll have the police to h search of the ruins'

CHAPTER VI

A DISCOVERY

'Reggie,' said Allan, 'there they are at last'

Reggie slid down froarden wall, looked towards the road, and said, 'Where?'

'They're behind that hill now They'll be here in no time You'd better call Tricksy, and tell her to be ready'

Reggie went into the house, and called, standing at the foot of the staircase, 'Tricksy, it's Graham major and Graham minor with their Pater; and they're almost here'

Tricksy came downstairs and waited in the hall, somewhat shyly, beside her brothers

'Oh, I do hope they will be nice,' she whispered apprehensively to Reggie, as the dog-cart drew up at the door

A tall pleasant-faced gentleman was beside the driver, and two boys were on the back seat wrapped in Inverness capes, and with caps drawn over their brows as a protection against the wind

As Mr and Mrs Steere receiving their guests in the hall, Reggie and Tricksy had an opportunity of observing the boys One was dark, about twelve years of age; thin, alert, with bright, restless hazel eyes; and the other was about as old as Reggie, with blue eyes and reddish-golden hair; alht; while Tricksy said to herself that he looked rather ”nice”'

After greeting the grown-up folk, the new-coie's bright, twinkling ones

Tricksy shook hands very shyly, and Reggie a little stiffly; then the visitors were taken upstairs to prepare for lunch

Tricksy turned to Reggie, whose countenance wore a non-committal expression; then she looked at Allan and heaved a little sigh