"So that's why you hung back, was it?" exclaimed Morgan. "I wish to goodnessLouise was more interested in what is going on around her. She mighthave stopped you. Go on--what happened to your silly bottle?"

"I buried it," repeated Libbie, "and two days after I went out and dug itup. And there was an answer in it."

"What did it say?" demanded Morgan practically.

"I've got it here--" Libbie reached under her pillow and pulled out aslip of paper.

"It says 'Leave twelve dollars in this same place to-night, or Mrs. Eusticeshall hear of this.' And, of course," concluded Libbie, "I put twelvedollars in the bottle, because whomever found it had the slip with my nameon it to show Mrs. Eustice."

Morgan studied the paper. The handwriting was a strong backhand, not atall an illiterate hand.

"0h, dear, what shall I do?" wailed Libbie. "He keeps asking for more,and I won't have any money till the first of the month. I only meantto do like the girl in the book--have a thrilling unknowncorrespondent. I never knew he would ask for money! Suppose he is ahorrid, dirty tramp and he comes and tells Mrs. Eustice he found mynote? I should expire of shame!"