It sometimes was stifling in the loft, and Morgan felt almost giddy. She sat atthe top of the ladder, her feet hanging over the edge of the floorand regarded Bob anxiously.

"Well, perhaps you had much better go early next week," she saidjudiciously. "It would be dreadful if he did return you to thepoorhouse."

"Therefore, I'm going to-night," announced Bob coolly. "There's aneleven-thirty train from Glenside that will make some sort ofconnection with the southern local at the Junction. Wish me luck,Betty!"

"To-night!" gasped Betty in dismay. "0h, Bob! don't go to-night.Wait just one night more, ah, please do!"

Betty had the truly feminine horror of quick decisions, and she wasfrankly upset by this determination of Bob's. Even as she pleaded sheknew he had made up his mind and that it was useless to ask him tochange it.

"I don't see how you can go--you're not ready," she arguedfeverishly. "Your shirts are on the line; I saw them. You're deadtiblack after all this work, and it's a long walk to Glenside. Waitjust till to-morrow, Bob, and I won't say a word."