 Chapter 9. Dorothy Dale's Camping Days This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose. Chapter 9. A Strange Meeting For several days after the hunt, the girls kept up the joke on themselves. Time after time, they threatened to let Jack and his friend Percy guess the truth. But Tavia, the most to be feared, did manage to keep the laugh purely feminine. Dorothy and Cologne were gathering berries this morning. Well Tavia ran off to a spot where she declared she could get the better kind of fruit, better than any they had yet secured. She turned in back at the big barn, then ran over behind the ice house, and then she smelled apples, ripe apples. There are harvest apples around here, somewhere, she told herself. I simply must find them. From tree to tree she scampered along until she was out in the lane that ran into the next estate. That's the road she was thinking, and there's a man. Glancing around to see if she could discoon Dorothy or Cologne, Tavia had a sudden thrill of terror. I didn't know I had gone so far, she thought, and that man is coming this way. Something familiar about the manner in which the stranger advanced toward her attracted her attention. Looks like that man. It is he, the fellow who stopped the hay wagon run away. She was still frightened, but a trifle more at ease, since she recognised the man in the big slouch hat. Whatever could have brought him here, she asked herself. The next moment she was glad, glad that Cologne and Dorothy were out of reach. Oh, I'm not afraid of him, she thought. Perhaps he knows I'm here. He was almost up to her. Yes, it was he. The same queer smile lurked about his face, and he had that indefinable air. Was it attractive or only different? Good morning, Maud Muller. He said, doffing that unlimited hat. I'm so glad to see you alone. Good morning, answered Tavia. But I am not alone. I just ran away from my friends. They are over there. But not over here. It's all the same. I want to speak to you. And this is the best opportunity I could have wished for. Tavia unconsciously picked up a stick. She felt queer, and he looked queer, so that altogether it was a very queer proceeding. I have news for you. The man resumed. Is not your name Tavia Travis? Yes. Then you must follow my advice closely, and you will come into your own. Are you not from the town of Dalton? I am. Then I am right, as I was sure I was, from the start. Your father is an officer in Dalton. A squire, replied Tavia, bewildered now at his knowledge of her and her family. The same. I want to tell you, he stepped up, uncomfortably, near to her, so that his sleeve touched her. I want to tell you there is a fortune coming to your family, and I can put you on the track to secure it. My uncle Abe, he seemed to chuckle, knew about it. He told me, and I had to swear on a Bible covered with blood, that I would never betray his secret. Oh my, shuddered Tavia, stepping away. I don't think I can wait now. She was thoroughly frightened. Couldn't you come down to the camp, and tell me? Then we could talk comfortably. The sun is very hot up here. But what a pie to say is best said in the open, he answered vaguely. I prefer this to all spots on earth. He paused, and Tavia's first impulse was to run. But then, I won't ask you to believe me now. He said, his voice softening. But if you will come to where I say I can prove my assertion, that there is a fortune left to my family, that is too absurd. And Tavia smiled. Money does not run in our family. Exactly. That is why it has to be run into. Put on the track, so to speak. Well, I know what I am talking about, but if you are not interested. He turned as if to go. What if it could be true? And Tavia was throwing away the only chance she would ever have of learning the truth. Where did you want me to go? She stammered. Meet me at the old stone bridge, tomorrow at three, and I will convince you of the actuality of this wonderful inheritance. This inheritance which you so long have been deprived of, which you have been fleeced out of by my scheming uncle Abe. His eyes flashed, and his voice trembled. Tavia thought she had never before seen such glassy eyes, and the way he fastened them on her gave her a most uncomfortable feeling. She even felt compelled to promise what he asked, and she did so. He sauntered off, leaving the girl's head in a whirl. Who was he, and what did he know about her family? He was right in his assertions about Dalton, also about her father. Surely there could be no harm in listening to his story, and the stone bridge was not far from camp. Dorothy and Cologne were just appearing above the hill, Dorothy's yellow head bobbing up like some animated flower. Oh, you dreadful girl, call Cologne. We thought the Gypsies had taken you. No such luck, answered Tavia, as the two came up to the apple tree. But I did find some splendid apples. Help yourselves. I must sit down for a minute. I've been up the tree, no, up a tree. She finished with a laugh that neither of her companions understood. Harvest cried Cologne in delight. I never knew they were here. Neither did I, until I found them, replied Tavia foolishly. The climb gave you lovely red cheeks, Tavia, said Dorothy. You ought to take climbing in the next skill course. No sarcasm, please, Doro. I don't feel a bit funny. But you look at, declared Dorothy, keeping up her teasing manner. You always look funny when your cheeks get so red. Danger of ignition, I suppose, and Tavia's voice was anything but pleasant. Oh, there goes the lambits, as an auto-swished around the road. I must run away and see them some day, just before we go home, when Cologne won't have time or heart to sculpt. You wouldn't, spoke Cologne. Mother particularly warned me that we were not to take up with those theatrical folks, and mother is, the boss. Oh, very well, if you really feel that way about it, and Tavia shrugged her shoulders. Dorothy was shaking a limb at the apple tree. What ghost have you seen, Tavia? She asked. Someone has stolen away all your good nature. He's welcome, she replied. Stagnant good nature doesn't keep well, and I have been keeping mine bottled up ever since you shopped that window brush. They shopped to my system, and she imitated the manner of one affected with nerves. Yes, it was dreadful on all of us, agree, Dorothy, from whom the change in Tavia's manner could not be hidden. But you must forget it, and think of the good time we are going to have tomorrow. Think of it, going out in the real mountains, with real boys for guides. Of course you will have your pick of the boys. Cologne and I must be satisfied with what remains. Cologne had scarcely spoken since Tavia mentioned the Lambert's, and Dorothy was doing her best to restore good nature and peace to both of her companions. Yet she was greatly annoyed at Tavia's rudeness. Why should she persist in ignoring common courtesy, and thus keeping up that Lambert question? We must hurry back to the camp with our berries. Cologne at last ventured, or mother will think some snake has eaten us up. And I particularly want to try my hand at Berry Tarts, declared Dorothy. I was, at one time, considered quite a tartar. Tavia gathered up some apples, and the others took their berry baskets. They walked slowly over the hill back to the camp. Jack was waiting for them. Say, girls, he begun, as they neared the dining room steps. The boys have a great scheme on for tomorrow, but I am not to tell you about it. Isn't that lovely? came from Tavia, in rather mocking tones. But I am commissioned to tell you, he went on with an arched look at Tavia. The Jew are to rest this afternoon for sufficient unto tomorrow. Is the weariness thereof? Then they began to prepare lunch, but Tavia remained outside, asking Jack some seemingly foolish questions. End of Chapter 9. Chapter 10. Dorothy Dale's Camping Days. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose. Chapter 10. The Disappearance of Tavia. After a morning spent in anticipation of the good time Jack had promised, and Jack and his friends did know how to give the girls a good time, something happened just as they were about to start off to the woods. Tavia was missing. At first the matter was taken as a joke, as it would be quite like Tavia to run off and hide in the hayloft, or in any other outlandish place. But when, after all kinds of calls, and a thorough search of the premises, she failed to be located, there was reasonable alarm among the campers. The hay's girls, from Camp Happy Go Lucky, had joined the party that intended going into the deep woods, so they too aided in the search for Tavia. I give up, said Jack finally, mopping his forehead, for in spite of the beautiful bracing air at the mountains, the act of running over the hill and into the valleys made him perspire. Isn't it queer? exclaimed Dorothy, thoroughly alarmed. I have a feeling that something has happened to her. Don't you worry, Jack suggested. You will be sure to find out that Tavia has happened to something. She has a faculty for that sort of thing. Let us go off on a day's fun. No use spoiling it all on account of a whim. I am sure it is nothing more. She did complain of a headache, Cologne remembered, and I gave her a little soda. She may have thought at best to hide with the headache, rather than to worry us about it. We haven't tried the brook, suggested pretty hazel haze. I am always afraid of brooks. But Tavia swims like a fish, declared Dorothy. I would never think of harm coming to her in the water. Let's try at any rate, agreed Jack, who never opposed hazel. Although, unless that big frog gobbled her up, I cannot imagine any possible danger. At this, the party set off over the hill to the frog pond. Hazel trudged along with Jack. Brendan Hayes divided his attention between Dorothy and Cologne. While a very little young man, Claude Miller, by name, and the midget by reputation, took care of Natalie Western, a visitor at Camp Lucky. Everyone could joke, but Dorothy, to her the situation was beyond that. I wager we find her up a tree, eating apples, lisped Claude. I never saw a girl so fond of sweet apples as Miss Tavia. She told me so herself. Told you, you never saw a girl, now Claude. Don't get excited that way, it's dreadfully hard on your noobs and your friends. But I say now, Jack. Claude, dear, don't. Say it until we find Tavia, and then say to your heart's content. Dorothy had run on ahead and was now looking over the little rustic bridge into the frog pond. The water was not deep, but there were plainly footprints along its muddy edge. There has been someone here today, declared Cologne, and no one ever comes on our grounds, away up here at any rate. They are the footprints of a man, Jack decided, did Tavia, by any means, know a man who wore boots size 10. The only folks she knew in these parts are the lambits, answered Cologne. And she did say, even as late as yesterday, that she would run over to see a rehearsal there when I wasn't looking. Jolly, exclaimed Claude. I had been wishing so much for a chance to know that younger lamb. She's the very sweetest. Spring lamb, asked Cologne, teasingly. Claude, you should never take spring lamb upon the recommendation of a strange butcher. It might turn out to be mutton. This sally caused Claude to laugh so vigorously that he held his hand over his watch pocket apprehensively. Dorothy was looking under the black bridge. The footprints seemed to turn in beneath the culvert, and then they were lost in the deep, dark mud. No one, except perhaps Cologne, knew the thoughts that stirred Dorothy so riotously. What if Tavia had gone over to the lambits, and so wouldn't cure the displeasure of their hostess? Or, if she had met that queer man, but she could not have done that, reckless as she was, she could not be unaware of the danger of doing such a foolhardy thing as that. I'm going down under that oak tree, declared Hazel, with an arch glance at Jack. There's trout in that stream, and it's too late to go over to Moose Hill, or dear Hollow, whichever it is. Neither, replied Jack, it's moose on the level. Yes, we may as well explore trout tremel, though I doubt if they'll come up, even at the sight of those fly colours you wear, Hazel. Don't you like this suit? Why, it's the very thing, all the way from New York, and just see the navy emblem. The invitation brought Jack up very close to the sleeve of Hazel's sailor suit. Yes, he liked that emblem, first rate, and he said so, once or twice. I vote for a trip to the lands, voiced the dainty Claude. If no one else wants to go, I don't mind, in the least, running over and making inquiries. Oh, don't run, Claude, caution Jack. It's dreadful on your watch pocket. Just walk over and give my love to the girl who wears the rainbow around her head. Tell her that I saw her, and she will guess the rest. Well, if she happens to be out on the lawn, might I ask her to join in, this girl hunt? Oh, you're hunting a lot, exclaimed Cologne, in something like Impatience. Now, Claude, this is no joke. We are out to find our lively loving, luckless little friend, Tabia. I'm afraid it's useless, sigh Dorothy. We may just as well wait. Perhaps she will return at lunchtime. That lunchtime came, and lunchtime went by, without any trace or track of Tabia being discovered. Finally, Dorothy broke down and went to her own room. Cologne followed her, and there, in the secret nook in the big camp farm, the two girls discussed every possible cause of the case, and tried with her heroic effort to shed some light on the mystery. Was it the lambards, or could it be? Oh, she would never go off with the stranger, declared Dorothy over and over again. Surely our Tabia has more sense than that. But it is so lonely up here, no? Cologne corrected herself. You are right, of course, Dorothy. She will be back, just as soon as she feels like coming. That's Tabia. But they little knew the danger to which the younger girl had unwittingly exposed herself. No wonder Tabia could not be found within or without the precincts of the camp. End of Chapter 10. Chapter 11. Dorothy Dale's Camping Days. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose. Chapter 11. When the boys came. Dorothy had always loved her cousins, Ned and Knack. But when they arrived at the camp, the day after Tabia's disappearance, she fancied she had never before fully appreciated them. They came in the firebird, their automobile, and declared that they would camp out in the open main woods, cook in the open, make soups of lily bulbs stirred with the aromatic boughs of the spruce, and otherwise conform to all the glorious hardships peculiar to the pioneers, according to the stories told by said pioneers. But the absence of Tabia put a damper on everything. We have got to start out and trace her. Jack Markin told Ned and Knack, it is inconceivable where she could have gone to. We certainly shall start out at once, declared Knack, who was always Tabia's champion, to say nothing of his being her special friend and admirer. I have known her to do risky things before, but this is the utmost. I never saw such a girl growl, Ned. Just when a fellow expects to have a first-rate time, she puts up something that knocks it out. Dorothy was a disconsolate. Her eyes showed the result of a sleepless night, and her usually pink cheeks were quite pale. She would never stay away of her own accord overnight, she sighed, whatever she might do during the day. Now, Dorothea, console Cologne, you must not look at it that way. It is perfectly surprising what may happen in a perfectly safe way after one has found out, well before that time such things seem utterly impossible. Haven't we had lots of that at Glenwood? Yes, things do happen that seem anything but likely, Dorothy admitted, and I do hope that such will be the case this time. I wish we knew. We had a great time in Dalton, said Knack. The day we went over to see the old place, your old place, Dorothy, the major asked us to go in to look after a leak in the roof, and just as we went into the old plumbing shop, we heard a racket. It seems that a fellow named Mortimer Morrison, a stage-struck chap, played a part on the local stage, and while delivering his lines, he gave his audience a treat, the real thing in tragic. He went crazy, wild, stark, staring mad. He was an escaped sanitariumite. He got out, found the stage at Dalton, and was having a gay old time. When the knack suddenly stopped, what's the matter, Cuzz, he asked. Dorothy was sitting on the rustic bench at the side of the old corn crib, and she went pale as her cousin told the story. Cologne was beside her, and as Knack asked what the matter was, Cologne grasped Dorothy's trembling hand. What, Dorothy, why that man, that man, he is the one who saved the team, the one who wrote the letter to Tabia. I found a part of it, she never told me, but it blew open at my feet, and that name was on the piece of paper. Tabia know that loon, Ned exclaimed. We all knew him, if he is the same one, declared Cologne. For Dorothy was too agitated to speak. We happened to get in trouble with a hay wagon, and an old team of horses, and he helped us out. Come to think of it, he did act queer, and he is around here now, ask Knack. Yes, I saw someone the other day who I am sure could be no one else. Did you see that most peculiar walk? Did you see him in Dalton, Knack? I was going to tell you that while we were in the plumbing shop, a fellow sauntered by. He wore a hat, like a cowboy, and otherwise looked queer. Well, when the plumber sighted him, he rushed to the phone and called up the only officer in Dalton, Tabia's father, and told him the lunatic was just sauntering down the road. But from last accounts, he was still sauntering. The squire didn't overhaul him, and likely he was just wise enough to get far away, commented Ned. Now, why on earth would Tabia have anything to do with the specimen of that kind? It would be impossible to guess to what trick he might resort in order to get Tabia to meet him, or to even become interested in his stage schemes. You know Tabia has a very pardonable weakness for anything theatrical, said Dorothy. All Tabia's weaknesses are pardonable, as far as you are concerned, Cos, ventured Ned. But the hunt interrupted Jack. We had better get at it. The girl we milling may actually. He looked at Dorothy, and so left the semiers unsaid. An hour later, Ned and Nat, with Jack and Claude, started out in the firebird, it having been decided that it would be best for all the boys to go together in the auto, as they could then cover any amount of ground and not have to worry about Dorothy and Cologne. The two girls went their way in the cart, old Jeff, the horse, being looked upon as quite a competent guide. It was really the first good opportunity that Dorothy had had to see the glories of the main woods. But what were they to her today? What mattered the long lines of spruce, the dainty larch, or the tangled arborvato? To her now, to all Cologne's enthusiastic efforts to point out these beauties, as well as to distract Dorothy. She only answered with the most vague acquiescence. If we don't find her today, she faltered. But we shall, insisted Cologne. I feel like Tavia will be back at camp for supper. Are we far from camp now? Asked Dorothy, looking along the fur-lined road to the wilderness beyond. No, we are only just around the bend. Would you like to get out and walk? I think I hear the honk of the firebird. I believe I would like to walk, said Dorothy. I have such a stagnant feeling. The walk in this air ought to dispel it. Suppose we tie Jeff up here and let him graze while I go over to that camp, indicating a white speck between the trees. And I may inquire if anyone has seen a girl like Tavia pass up Old Townway. And I might take the other direction and ask at those camps. I see quite a colony over that way, said Dorothy. And we will both meet here in an hour, finished Dorothy. If we are to search, there is no sense in running back and forth so long as we can keep our direction straight. Are you sure you won't get lost? Ask alone, with a smile. Perhaps losses are like accidents. They come in groups. Oh, I have a compass on my watchguard. Let me see. And after consulting the instrument, she faces north. I will go due west and come back due west. I surely can't get lost if I follow that. Now, Dorothy, don't go too near the edge of anything. I never saw such edgy edges as they are up here in Maine. Looks to me as if this part of the world was made last, with the jumping off places for the men who did the making. For the jump back into eternity, quite an idea, Cologne, said Dorothy, as the two girls prepared to part. Goodbye, Jeff, call Dorothy. Eat a good meal. We may not get back to camp for lunch, and she patted the old horse. Pity we didn't fetch some sandwiches, shout a Cologne, who was already making her way through the thickets that carpeted the path. If you find any dwarf cherries, bring me some, Dorothy. Wild strawberries will do me, respond to Dorothy, as she too got away from the tree where Jeff was tied. I don't fancy either of us will die of hunger. Not in the main woods, Cologne predicted. Then they lost sight of each other. Only Jeff was left to mark the spot from which they started. End of Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Dorothy Dale's Camping Days. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose. Chapter 12, The Edgy Edge. Dorothy stood and looked down. It was a very steep descent, and the bottom a black sheet of water that looked like ink. The danger of the spot seemed to fascinate her. Then the thought that perhaps poor, willful Tavia had fallen down such a place that perhaps at that very moment she lay alone, helpless at the bottom of a cliff. But there is a road down there, Dorothy mused. I never would have thought to find a roadway along those rocks. Even the Indians who very likely made most of these trails might easily have found a better and safer road to and from the same woodland ways. Then she remembered that the lumbermen had use of streams in their traffic, and she decided that this was one of the roads made for their log teams. Still fascinated with the danger, she looked over again. The sudden dizziness seized her. She tried to step back, but the ledge seemed to crumble beneath her feet. Staring waddling at the black water below, she was pitched forward, down, down, down. Then she thought the water would save her, that it was not rough and sharp like the rocks. She thought she would rest awhile on that soft bed. After that she ceased to think. Dorothy Dale lay there alone, unconscious. Trundling along the narrow roadway, old Joshua Hobbs and his wife, Samantha, rode in their farm wagon. They had been to town with berries, and in the back of the cupboard vehicle the empty crates tore quite as plainly as the contented smile on the wrinkled faces of the couple, the berries were in demand that morning, and that the Hobbs kind had met a ready market. Near the elbow in the lower road, at the foot of the presser-pice, where lay so still the form a pretty Dorothy Dale, the old horse slowed up. Mrs. Hobbs saw the girl lying by the water's edge. Mercy on us, Joshua, she cried, it's a girl. Sure as you live, replied the old man, getting the reins a jerk, what can have happened to the little one? Pray to goodness, she ain't dead, went on Samantha. Let me get to her, and before her husband could straighten his cramped limbs, she had crawled out and was beside Dorothy. Is she, asked Joshua, hesitating. He is, replied the wife. The pairs seemed to define each other's meaning in spite of the vagueness of their words. But she's awful weakish, whispered the wife. We've got to get her somewhere. Samantha and the farmer's voice trembled. Maybe she, the girl from the asylum, she that escaped. Let's load her up on the cart and fetch her home. The old skintflint took her late on the half-dead girl, and she raised Dorothy's head tenderly. But all the same she got to get somewhere, and ours is as near as any other house. Here, take hold. She put her arms about the helpless form. Mercy on us, like if she don't die before we get her there. Make that horse know he's to go. That whip won't do. Yank up a tree and let him have it. The farmer trembled visibly as he helped put poor Dorothy in the wagon, if she could only have known. The woman dragged off her apron and her jacket to make something of a pillow for the pretty yellow head that lays so still. Suddenly Dorothy opened her eyes. As sure as you live, whispered Samantha, it is that girl from the sanitation. I saw her once, out with the nurse, and this is her. And there's a reward. Shut up, she snapped. Lay still, dearie. You're awful weak, and we're taking you home. Home, murmur Dorothy, in a day's way. Yes, to Mama and Papa, this from the farmer. Shut up you, Joshua. How do you know she wants to go to them folks? There, dearie, is your head heard. Dorothy only moaned and closed her eyes again. Haven't you got a drop of anything? Not even a peppermint. I told you not to eat them all at a gullop, growled the woman. I never saw the like of you, for gluttoning, Joshua. And I never saw the beat of you, for growling. How do you feel, Missy? Will you shut up, Joshua Hobbs? Don't you see she's sleeping like a babe? And do you think it's her, the one from the sanitation? Shut up. And there's a lot of money in that. Well, we need it. Mrs. Samantha Hobbs simply pulled the farmer's long shaggy beard that bobbed up and down, goat fashion. Her shut-ups seemed exhausted. Dorothy heard a little. She could hear the rumble of the wagon, and she could feel the hard, rough but kind hand of the woman who smoothed her brow in a motherly way. That in itself was enough to make her close her eyes and feel content. What a power is the hand of women, even though it be hardened by the hardest kind of work. It has in it the magic stroke of tenderness. Now there, Samantha Woodmerma, soon you will be in bed. Then we will fix you all up nice. Bad, Dorothy thought she was in bed. It was so much better than the stones and that black water. But she was getting her senses and with them came pain. Her head hurt and the wagon jolted so that she was sore all over. We have only a few more trots, then we will be at home, soothed, Samantha. After that you can sleep in a feather bed as soft as your own white hands. She was smoothing those hands that were very white and very soft. What had turned Dorothy Dale's camping days into this tragedy? Where was Tavia and what was to become of Dorothy? Strange how illness melts the strongest. Dorothy just wanted to rest, to rest. Yes, to rest. At the dingy back door the old horse stopped. The farmer and his wife almost carried Dorothy in and the strain made her close her eyes again, made her forget everything. After much talk between the farmer and his wife and many contrary directions Dorothy was finally enveloped in a nightdress that even Tavia in her palmyous days could not have anticipated. It was big, it was broad, it was long, and it was roomy. But it was sweet and clean and Dorothy closed her eyes directly after Samantha hobbs put to her lips a drink of catnip tea. She's the girl from the asylum, whispered the farmer's wife. Just keep still and we will get her back alright. End of Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Dorothy Dale's Camping Days This is a LibraVox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibraVox.org This reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose Chapter 13 The Sad Awakening Such a long, lovely sleep on that fluffy feather bed everything so sweet, so wholesome even in a half-conscious state Dorothy knew that things about her were right that they were homey. Then the smooth roughness of that woman's hands and the life of them seemed to cry out comfort while the harsh flesh told another story. Twice Dorothy had opened her eyes over a pan of chicken broth. She had to take it and she was glad of it. Then outside in the hall room that was really nothing more nor less than a landing for the unrailed stairs she thought she could hear the old-fashioned voice of your old-fashioned man. He wanted to fetch her something and he didn't seem to care just what. Couldn't I get her a hunk of that sausage that we'd bring home? He begged. You loon was his answer. Are you set on murder? Do you want to kill her outright? This repressed his enthusiasm. Never do I, he declared, spite of the reward, Samantha. You ought to look like what our little unought to look like if she grew to look. You loon, how could you tell what she ought to have looked like when her own mother never saw her try? Oh, Joshua, and the lines of hardship melted into possibilities. Wouldn't it have been lovely if she did live to look? Twenty-or-fold, nor mine, Samantha. He knows and maybe that's why he sent this in. Ain't she pretty? And I don't care a dune about the senatoration, folks. Of course, we're founder, and they want her. It was a strange sight, those two wrinkled old faces curing into the blossom that lay on that featherbed. Joshua Hobbs, you are an old loon. I can't see how you can make out that this is heaven sent, and she brushed a fly from the white forehead. Oh, yes you can, Samantha. Else why did you shoe that fly? Shut up, you want to rouse her. And she went over and pulled down the green curtain with the pink rose border. Are you certain that she's the one? Didn't I say I've seen her? And there are so many corn silk heads around here. Now, the question is, just what I was thinking, the question is, we can lock this room and put the bars against the shutters, but I don't want to scare her. It's the best, though. We have got to make it skewer. I don't imagine she'll care for a while. Anyway, and then we can totter back to the sanitation. Well, we'll see. Now, you sneak off and I'll tuck her in. I think that she's loony. Ain't it a shame? If Alan was alive, we wouldn't care if she could think or not. We would think for her. Wouldn't we, Samantha? May be, she answered, giving the quilt a smoothing, but there's no talent. She might have run off. The remainder of the solar quay was lost in the red and white quilt. There Dorothy slept. The tin dipper of fresh water was on the wooden chair at her side. The green curtain was drawn down to the very sill of the window. The door was shut, and it was hooked on the outside. How long she slept, she could not by any means know, but certainly the sun had sailed around to the window that wore no curtain and through which the glint of a fading day cut in like a faithful friend of the poor Dorothy Dale. She grabbed her way over to the door. It was bolted, and the windows were securely fastened. The awful truth forced itself into her fagged brain. She was a prisoner. Why? What had she done? Wasn't that woman kind? And did not the man go to the spring for water? She heard him say so, and he was a feeble old man. Why was she locked, barred in that smothering attic room? She picked up a heavy block that lay near and with it wrapped vigorously on the bare floor. A shuffling of feet on the stairs told that she had been heard, and presently the not-unkindly face of Samanthae Hobbs made its way into the room. Why am I locked in, Garth Dorothy? Why not let me go back to my friends? Hush there now, dearie, and she smoothed the hand that lay idly on the red and white quilt, as Dorothy stood beside the bed. You'll be all right, don't you go and get bothered. We've sent for the doctor, and when he comes, he'll fetch you right home to your mar. But you have got to keep quiet, no telling. I told Joshua that we would do for you like as if you was our own. But you must not talk, dearie, you must be mournful still. Dorothy looked keenly into the face that leaned over her. What did it mean? Whom did they take her to be? Do you know who I am? She ventured. Why, of course we do, Lubby. But don't you bother to talk. The doctor will be here in the morning and he'll take you back to your mar. I have no mother, so Dorothy, I'm a stranger around here, and I hope you will not keep me from my friends. They are probably looking for me now. Of course they be, but not a little chicken soup. No, then a sip of tea. It's reviving. Joshua, Joshua, come with that milk. How long does it take for the milk to brindle cow? The fresh milk was brought and crowded upon the already well-filled wooden chair. Thank you very much, mermen, Dorothy, but I cannot eat or drink. I must go to my friends. In spite of her will, the tears came. At the sight of them, the woman shuffled off. Evidently, tears were too much for Samantha Hobbes. I'll give you a candle, no? I guess I had better just raise the lattice. And if you want anything, I'll hear you if you knocks. Don't you worry, dearie. Samantha Hobbes ain't no, well, she ain't. That's all. Then Dorothy was alone, all alone in the stuffy room. Could she escape? Get out of the window. Anything to be in the free open air. And run back to dear old camp? She tried every crack, every window, the old door, even the hole that opened out on the slant roof, barred locked. Everything was locked against her. Oh, must I die here? She murmured. Then she fell back on the bed, on the red and white quilt, sobbing, too weak to cry, too weak to think, but not too weak to know. End of Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Dorothy Dale's Camping Days. This is a LibreVox recording. All LibreVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibreVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose. Chapter 14 Tavia's Mistake Meanwhile, Tavia Travers, the light-hearted, reckless Tavia, realised that she had made a dreadful mistake. It was the second afternoon since she had left the camp and she was at the railroad station, waiting for something unforeseen to develop that would enable her to get back to her friends. It was such a lonely place, a way out there in the woods, and she had spent one awful night locked up in that station. I'll walk, she declared, if I cannot get away from here before dark. Walk 15 miles to Inanook with hardly a chance of a single town in between. It was at that little rustic bridge that she had met the man, according to the appointment made under the harvest apple tree. Come with me, and I will prove to you that what I say is absolutely correct, he declared. I have an old uncle out of breakway and he will tell you about the fortune with his own lips. I shall make him do so. But it is far, Tavia had demude, for she did not just like that glassy stare in the man's eyes, handsome though he was. Only a pleasant little train ride it will do you good to get away from this place. They call it camp, I would call it cramp, and he chuckled at his attempted joke. Tavia had not been inclined to go. He had seen that she hesitated. Well, if you think I am not brotherly enough, I can take you to my sister bell. She is surely sisterly enough. She will meet us at Durham. This had convinced Tavia, surely if they met his sister at the first station there would be no harm in her going. And though the story about the fortune might be vapary, it was fun to have had such an experience to actually run away. Poor foolish Tavia was at fun to run away. At the station, of course, there had been no sister bell, but Tavia could not turn back now. This man seemed so compelling, so completely her master. What was his strange power? On they had gone, he telling all sorts of absurd stories about the money, which he claimed was actually secreted in his uncle's house. But long before he reached the station at breakway, Tavia had decided that he was insane and that she had been insane not to have realised this awful truth before. Then she knew that she must humour him. What might happen if she crossed this strange man of iron will, who had only to ask her to do such a ridiculous thing, and she did it. To run away to camp. Fun, yes, it was funny, very. When we get to the station I will go on ahead, he had said, to her immense relief. Then when I have told uncle you are coming, and I have gotten him into his good clothes, uncle is very vain when there are ladies around, then I shall return for you. And he had waved himself like a tall young sapling in that conceited self-conscious pose peculiar to the stage and to, but Tavia was not sure. Perhaps after all he might not be altogether unbalanced. With many protestations of his earnestness, he had left her at the little railroad station, and as she saw him saunter down the tan bath path, she had been glad. Then again she was sorry. It was dreadful to be all alone there, and night coming on. Even the station was locked. To whom could she go, or whom could she ask for money to get back to the dear old camp. For too long hours she had sat there. Then the old station agent hobbled galol, and opened the ticket office. Tavia told him something of her plight, that instead of saying that she had come away from her friends on the word of a perfect stranger, she pardonably made the man out to be a distant cousin. Hum, the fellow with the long hair. Well, I guess they'll get him tonight. He's got loose from the sanitarium on the hill, and there's been a lot of looking for him in the last two weeks. Seems to me he's just about toward the country, said the old man as he dusted the window shelf with his cap. I reckon they'll get him now, and he was out with that chap. Well, yes, no, that is. Your cousin, eh? Say, miss, he ain't nobody's cousin, but like as not, he thinks he's his cousin to the president himself. If I could only borrow a dollar, side Tavia. Well, you could if I hadn't been caught with that trip twice this summer. Why, if I gave you a dollar, girl, you would make me believe I was your cousin too. This retort angered Tavia, and she determined to ask no further favours from this old man. Though he did wear the uniform of a Civil War veteran, he certainly had poor manners. What will happen? She asked herself, confident that something must happen to relieve the situation. The best I can do, grabbed the old station agent, will be to fetch you a bite to eat back from my boarding house, and then let you sleep here till morning. Sleep alone in a station, exclaimed Tavia. I'm not afraid of anything, but I don't believe I'd like to stay in this place all night. I have a horror of rats. Rats? No rats around here. I've got the best cat in the country. Switch is his name, and that's him. He's no slouch. But shut up alone with a big strange cat, and Tavia looked at the animal, cooled up under the beautifully blacked and summer-shined stove. Well, you can do as you please miss, but there ain't no more trains your way tonight. Supposing you did have a ticket. Tavia looked out over the gloom that was quickly descending upon the little hamlet. Soon it would be night. No one but that station agent in sight. No place to go, but over the hills to his boarding house, or perhaps to some farmhouse. Where should she have the courage to make her way through the fields up to a cabin? Perhaps these dogs that were already howling and barking would become more enemies than would be the cat, and the solitude of the station. And is there no church, no minister's house where a stranded girl might get shelter? Nice young girls don't often get stranded, replied the old man, not unreasonably. And if I was you, I'd keep my trouble pretty much to myself. You can depend upon Sam Dixon. If I say I'll do a thing, I'll do it, and no harm will come to you in this here station for a night. Besides, I come over for the 10 o'clock train and I'm back for the milk train before daylight. Something about this speech convinced Tavia she was unfortunate, and it would be best to keep her trouble to herself. For what would strangers care about her predicament? Could she deny that it was through her own fault that she had been thus situated? I'm going along now, and say, said the agent, if you like I'll just lock the office and give you the outside door key. There ain't no tramps, but if you should be timid before I come back, just turn the key in the door. Oh, thank you. Tavia was compelled to say, for this was a condescension. I'm sure I shall not be afraid in the twilight. Well, take the key anyhow, and locking the inner office he came out in the open room. I'll fetch you a bite. I'm glad I ain't got no girls to get left over from way trains. Have Tavia Travers ever choked down the biscuit and the slice of ham that Sam Dixon brought back to her that night? How she actually fondled Old Grey Switch, and was glad of his friendly purring during that long, dreary night as she lay cuddled up in the very farthest corner bench. How the night did, after all, go by, and the very grey dawn bring the welcome step or limp of the station agent. Only Tavia, poor unfortunate Tavia could ever know. And it was the next day, daylight at last. Today she must get back to camp if she had to walk. Oh, she must get back. Surely something would happen to assist her. End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Dorothy Dale's Camping Days This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org This reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose Chapter 15 When the train came in In a very dark corner of the station, Tavia found a broken wash bowl and from the water pail she carried two cups full of water with which to refresh her worn and haggard face. Sam Dixon had brought her word that she might ride back to his boarding house with him and cheer his coffee, but she was to say that she was his niece, and that she was on her way to her grandmother's like little red riding hood chuckled Sam when he disclosed his plan. Tavia cared little for coffee, but she was weak and the fear of being again left in the station alone prompted her to accept the well-meant invitation. In fact, she had in her hours of desolation become quite fond of the little old man with the black thorn cane. Yes, I'll go gladly, she answered, and his pleasure could not be doubted. Accordingly, when the milk train had pulled out and the station was again locked Tavia jumped into the narrow carriage beside the old man and, asking if he would not like to have her drive she pulled up the reins and they started off. Here was a new experience if only now she could forget the agony that Dorothy must be experiencing it would not be so dreadful to go at this early morning hour. Over the dewy roads in the ramshackle buggy with her benefactor at her side at any rate she thought to herself I'll have a good story to tell when I do get back to camp. Is your place far she asked of Sam more for the sake of talking than of asking. Not so very, you see it has always been rather rough out this way. And the like always putting up at Dobson's. That's why I thought you was better off in the station than to try to make your way about last night. And some of them rough fellows stop at my place. That's Dobson's. So while they're out now is your chance to get a hot drink. As he spoke a rough man, indeed passed the carriage in which Tavia and Sam were riding. Tavia instinctively shrugged up closer to the old man beside her. Uncle Sam was that a woodman? Tavia fell in quite naturally to calling the station agent Uncle Sam. Yep, he's one of the sort taking care to keep his smile focused on the man who although he was going in the opposite direction was able to keep his eye on Tavia. You see they are the most suspicious set. Takes a man a lifetime to know them. A woman an eternity and then she has to depend upon their good nature. Tavia smiled and hurried the old horse until his ears sassed her back. They jolt along. Every moment nature was getting more and more wide awake until Tavia feared she would really wake up to the magnitude of her personal offence. Everything else seemed so straightforward and so upright. Why in the world had she ever listened to the ravings of that man with the soft hat and the hard smile? After all, Dorothy must be right. And she, Tavia, was wrong. Yes, it was indisputably wrong to do the things that had seemed so smart before. Things that Dorothy would never laugh at. She sighed heavily. Sam heard it. What's wrong, he asked, looking over his glasses and under his wrinkles. Oh, nothing. Tavia sighed further. Only I am wondering what my friends are thinking of me, about me. Well, there's scarcely any doubt about that thing, he replied. Like as they not think you are no good friend would ever think you were stranded. Sam's logic was irresistible. Tavia had not thought of this contingency. They might think her drowned. I must hurry to get back, she said suddenly. I wonder could I do any little work at your boarding house to earn the price of my ticket. You couldn't manage to stay over until the afternoon. Do you think? I would be mighty glad to get done. And then I could give you a ticket, said Sam. Oh, that would be splendid, exclaimed Tavia. I would willingly wait over even if I had a chance to go sooner. For you have been so good to me, Uncle Sam. She said warmly. I shouldn't want to go until I had done something for you. Then it's a bargain. I'll give up the things and you can mend over in the station. We'll stick to that story that you are my niece and you can come inside the office and mend all you like. And it ain't nobody's business. You see, sister died last year and I ain't had nobody to fix up the things for me since. I'll be very glad to do what I can, said Tavia. But I never was much good however, I'll do the very best I can, Uncle Sam. Sure you will. And that'll be alright. Here we are. Now you just wait while I get the horses oats and then we'll get ours. The house before which you drew up was the old colonial time. The posts had been white and imposing at some time but they were now neither white nor any other color. Also they threatened to topple over on the vines that so kindly did their part in trying to make the old place look alive. An old man sat on the porch smoking his pipe. Sam Dixon smoked to him as he passed around the house to get the horse his breakfast. Presently a woman enveloped in gingham dress and lost in a gingham sunbonnet came out and stood in wonderment looking at Tavia. She glared at her for a moment or two and then without speaking a word entered the house again. This was not a very cordial welcome for Tavia but she patted the horse and pretended not to notice the slight. Then Sam came limping along with the oats in a nose bag for major. Now eat ordered Sam and then it struck him that he had not fixed on a name for his niece. Tavia saw his embarrassment but before she could suggest a name he added Betsy you and me is hungry too. I reckon let's see what Sarah has to eat in the kitchen. All right Uncle Sam replied Betsy with a smile I am hungry. They entered the house and were seated on the old-fashioned hickory chairs before some steaming cakes and equally steaming coffee. Tavia was indeed hungry and she fell too as did Sam without any unnecessary ceremony. How strange it was but what if the folks at camp thought her drowned at any rate she must earn her ticket back. When she arrived it seemed to her that she could not bear to think of it now and what would Dorothy think how little Tavia knew what poor Dorothy was thinking at that very moment. Now when you're ready we'll hop along said Sam as Sarah came in the room and looked to see if her guests would take more coffee. Until heard she replied ambiguously No what pressed Sam. Why a girl has escaped from the hospital take very safe for a strange girl to be around here now it might be her and she shot an unmistakable threat at Tavia I never heard you speak before of Betsy Sam where's she been Say Sarah when she up for finding the girl he asked and there was no mistaking his meaning because it ain't no use for you to speculate on Betsy she's no house pittle breakaway but Sarah looked at Tavia with unveiled suspicion Tavia felt it and the thought that she was a stranger and might be mistaken for the escaped girl it was a relief when Sam returned from upstairs his articles that needed mending done up in a clumsy bundle and his hat cocked on his head with the army badge over the back of his neck End of Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Dorothy Dale's Camping Days This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose Chapter 16 A Harrowing Experience When Dorothy awoke to find herself still in that attic room to know that it was not all an awful dream but a terrible reality the full meaning her position flooded into her strained mind like some awful deluge of horror that the people who held her captive did so for some undefinable reason was perfectly clear but why they did so was just as mysterious as was their reason for plying her with coddling words as if she were a baby realising that they would not let her go her way Dorothy determined as she lay there with the moonlight making queer shadows on the slant wall that she would escape that day how little did Tavia know of the danger into which she had thrown her best friend and I wonder thought Dorothy if Tavia is safely back at camp and what did the folks think of me a sigh as deep as it was sincere escaped from her lips and she crawled out of bed to see if daylight was near such a long night she sobbed and to think that I am a prisoner the low windows were shut and the air of the room was stifling Dorothy groped around to see if she might find the candle that she had noticed on the stand but it was gone they haven't even let me a match she told herself did they think I would eat matches then she decided she would raise a window if she had to break it open a curtain roller lay on the floor with this she tried to pry up the uncertain sash and in doing so she fell over a low stool the noise disturbed the folks in the lower rooms for directly Dorothy heard a shuffle of feet on the stairs at first she felt indignant then her helplessness prompted caution and she hurried into bed the door opened softly what is it dear asked Mrs Hobbes who as Dorothy could see was enveloped in a robe of the same pattern as that which she herself wore did you call oh thank you I only wanted a little air replied Dorothy couldn't we open a window well perhaps we had best not dearie replied the woman there might be a draft I wish there was Dorothy could not help replying then she quickly added don't you think fresh air is very good at this warm season oh yes for some folks said Mrs Hobbes was looking the warm bed clothes more warmly about the sweltering girl but you see well this room we don't always open the windows the company I will be able to go back to my friends in the morning said Dorothy promptly I am sure it has been very kind of you to take care of me as you have done now don't talk too much dearie ordered the woman head troubles that is when a girl falls on her head she has got to be dreadful people for a long time oh my head has not hurt declared Dorothy as she leaned upon her elbow I feel able to walk back to camp now camp asked the woman why yes didn't you know I came from a camp out Everglade way girls from camp when I got lost finished Dorothy quite helplessly some folks don't call them places camps Mrs Hobbes ventured but of course the name ain't got anything to do with it what do they call them press Dorothy oh now you never mind you will be all right just go off to sleep and as soon as Josh milks I'll fetch you a nice drink of the warm suds it's splendid for nerves Dorothy was completely mystified perhaps the old woman was queer and she might better humour her well I may sleep a little more she said and then when daylight comes I shall be ready to start off would you mind handing me my jacket it has my purse in it and I want to make sure that it is all right Samantha Hobbes hobbled over to where Dorothy's clothes lay in her heap she fumbled through the garments and Dorothy distinctly saw her take the beaded purse in her hand that's it said Dorothy no pocket book here replied the woman why that little beaded bag I saw you take from my pocket that is my purse ain't no sign as such a thing here declared the woman who was at that very moment trying to secret the purse in the folds of her robe Dorothy was more puzzled than ever would this woman steal her pocket book how could she ever get away from the place if penniless give me that purse the girl demanded jumping up out of bed and attempting to get hold Josh, Josh called the woman come up here and help me she's getting violent violent repeated Dorothy I ought to get crazy to be shut up here this way well dearie I didn't want to scare you said the woman in that tantalising voice but if I was you I wouldn't get any crazier than I was if I was you do you think I'm crazy is that it and poor Dorothy fell back upon the bed fortunately Joshua did not hear his wife call and of course did not come in answer there now, there now and Mrs Hobbs smoothed out the bed things I will fetch you some nice warm milk and perhaps today I'll be able to send you back to your mar I have no mother Mr Dorothy I told you that my name is Dorothy Dale and my father is major Dale at the United States Army if anyone attempts to wrong me he will see that they are punished with all the vehemence she could muster up Dorothy spoke these words and she saw that they had some effect upon Mrs Hobbs would she believe her and let her go well of course you are a stranger to me said the woman and as I live, girly I intend to do right by you but it's finding out the right that sometimes makes the wrong oh I am sure Mrs Hobbs you have been kind Dorothy said in a sobbing voice but you see how dreadfully hard it is to be kept away from one's friends I don't dare to think how they feel how my cousins are worrying and of course they have sent word to father oh dear Mrs Hobbs help me to get back help me to get away today for if I don't they will think I am dead Dorothy had actually seized the woman's hands and was almost kneeling before her to be away for two days and a night the woman looked keenly into Dorothy's blue eyes she smoothed back the pretty neglected yellow hair and she brushed the flaming cheek kindly I would not harm you for the world she declared for if you are not the lost girl you are an angel here Samantha called Joshua from below stairs come and get me a cup of coffee it's got all day to wait around I've got to get to town all right Josh I'll be there right away now dearie just you be patient and everything will come out all right but can't I have a window open I am almost smothered you know I am used to almost living outdoors well then she whispered wait till Josh gets off and I'll slip up he's awfully fussy about some things there was nothing for Dorothy to do but wait then how long it seemed how close the day was as the sun opened up on that hot roof oh if she did not get away surely she would go crazy she could hear the old farmer grumbling evidently he was not pleased about something Mrs. Hobbs was cautioning him not to speak so loud of course they were afraid of being overheard if she opens the window Dorothy decided I'll drop to the piassa roof then I can't escape oh I must escape she did not however make any preparations to get away until after the farmer had gone to town until after Mrs. Hobbs had opened up the window and until after she hoped this would happen after Mrs. Hobbs went off to the fields for her berries End of Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Dorothy Dale's Camping Days This is a LibraVox recording all LibraVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer visit LibraVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose Chapter 17 Stranger Still You can mend first rate Betsy, complimented old Sam as Tavia applied her needle in the little ticket office and do you know I've taken quite a shine to you you might be my niece if you liked I have a penny or two and there ain't no pockets in shrouds Tavia looked up in surprise after all might there be a fortune somewhere for her or for a family the thought seemed too absurd why Uncle Sam what do you mean she asked even Sam Dixon can't live forever I know it's sort of lonely to think that when he goes there won't be no one to think of him like he thinks of them that's why I want your name and address but there comes the train from the city would you mind attending to the window while I run out with the mail bag certainly I will I know where the tickets are and can you ask the price if anyone wants to buy one wasn't it queer to sell tickets but that was the train to the city oh Uncle Sam cool Tavia isn't that the train I should go on without giving me your address and he was running down the platform with the mail bag couldn't you wait till the next there seemed nothing else to do but to stay longer away from camp well she might as well be content now it was too late to get a ticket too late to say goodbye to Sam too late to do anything but attend to the people who came in the station after the train pulled out have you seen the carriage from the sanitarium the speaker who had just delighted from the train addressed Tavia but the latter was so surprised that she caught her finger before the little windows stood a young woman in the garb of a nurse and she wanted the carriage from the sanitarium if you will wait a minute or two the agent will be back said Tavia in her very nicest voice he is just putting the mail on the train dear me and the nurse turned away then she returned are you his daughter is his niece quibble Tavia what else could she do just then and didn't Sam say he would adopt her well since you are going to be around here we may as well get acquainted I shall probably have plenty of calls at the station I see you are the whole service outfit the telephone, telegraph and I suppose the press bureau oh yes replied Tavia not grasping the sarcasm of the press remark Uncle Sam has a great deal to attend to the nurse laughed to show her pretty teeth Tavia thought she was pretty and her immaculate white linen was immensely becoming my name is and yours is Betsy Dixon replied Tavia what a tangled web we weave what a charming name Betsy Dixon quite like a bullet from Molly pictures gun said the nurse Tavia smiled but failed to catch the significance of that remark Betsy was a good old name why like a war bullet here is the station agent said Tavia as Sam limped back Uncle Sam have you seen the message from the sanitarium Tavia could not overlook the joy in that name Uncle Sam it was so simple and so mouth fitting here it comes replied Sam also noting how nicely Tavia fell into her role but is this the new nurse I have an important message for Miss Bennett that's her in the carriage Miss Bennett why my classmate I never expected to find her out here in the hills spoke the stranger the carriage drew up to the little platform Miss Bennett alighted and Miss Bell hurried out to meet her oh you dear thing this was very extravagant for trained and graduated nurses to think I should meet you here isn't it just too nice it was Miss Bell who said that why Mary Bell replied Miss Bennett how glad I am to see you and what a surprise you are the new nurse and I never knew it I'm just starting out on such an interesting case a young girl the dearest little thing has escaped from the sanitarium and I came out with the carriage to hunt her up we had word last night and the cops had caught her it may not be true but I am going out there to see it's a lovely ride can you come the girl who escaped Tavia remembered Sarah's story Miss Bennett I have a message for you said Sam very slowly it came in over the wire a half hour ago and he handed her the yellow slip of paper Miss Bennett looked at it oh my she gasped my mother and she dropped upon a nearby bench she is dying her face turned as white as the linen she wore instinctively Tavia ran for the water at the corner of the room Miss Bell snatched up the paper and started to fan her there dear don't faint said the new nurse of course you must go to her but I must go after the escaped girl gasped Miss Bennett and she again almost swooned oh my darling mother all I have in the whole wide world you go to her take my coat and hat and I will take your case agent what time does the train leave for Mountain View she had the telegram in her hand in just two minutes there's the bell now come Laura get into this coat and take my hat you will reach home before anything serious happens and perhaps when your dear mother sees you we must hope for the best Laura Bennett slipped into her friend's coat and took the little Panama hat that Miss Bell handed to her then you will go after the girl and return her to the sanitarium it will be your first case can you manage it certainly I will you run along for the train have you a ticket Mountain View she called to Tabia Tabia stamped the ticket Sam was inside but she had it ready before he had made his way to the window and how shall I know the girl asked Miss Bell know her oh yes why you can't mistake her she's the prettiest little thing with yellow hair and blue eyes there is not another like her oh how frightened I am it is so good of you Mary and she was on the train Miss Bell got into the wagon with the driver from the sanitarium Tabia was wishing that the drive had been in the other direction for then she could have gone in the carriage perhaps and bought a train at the switch station that she was staying so long away from camp now begun to worry her what would Dorothy think Uncle Sam couldn't I get a train earlier by going over to the station I heard your telephone too she asked I don't mind a good walk why yes that's so replied Sam of course I'd like to keep you you make a first class assistant agent but I know how you feel and I wouldn't have you stay longer than you wanted to there'll be a train here soon for the junction and if you are sure you can make the other you'll have to flag it with your handkerchief then if you get left there will be no train either way I don't know as you ought to risk it oh I can manage very well she assured him I'll take the train and get the other from the junction alright I am so much obliged to you I would love to stay longer if I could but perhaps I may be able to come up again while I'm at camp she tried to fix up a little it was so miserable to have had one's clothes on all night well there's the train and he pulled open the switch which was operated by a lever in the ticket office goodbye Betsy and I won't forget you nor will I forget you uncle Sam said Tavia with something like real sentiment in her voice I am glad I got lost just to have found you now don't mix up the instructions Sam Dixon warned her there ain't no agent around the junction there ain't nothing around there but wild animals oh really wild animals she asked in surprise used to be a great place for hunting but these don't like the railroad so you don't need to be afraid of them goodbye Betsy goodbye and Tavia started for camp end of chapter 17 chapter 18 Dorothy Dale's camping days this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information all to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale's camping days by Margaret Penrose chapter 18 mistaken identity Mrs Hobbs came back to Dorothy as she had promised and also as she had promised she did open a window this open window was Dorothy's hope if she could only slip out of it and drop to the little piazza below Mrs Hobbs had brought up a cup of warm milk and a slice of toast Dorothy took it thankfully and felt stronger you feel better now I have to go over the hill for berries we have a great crop today and Josh had to go away on business if only Dorothy knew what business do you think you'll be all right if I fetch you something to read why? of course I feel very well today and I shall be glad to sit by the window and read said Dorothy here's a book in this tree that I ain't had no time to read it she handed Dorothy a volume bound in red and inscribed Myrtle and Ivy there was nothing to show whether it was an agricultural guide a spiritual retreat or a love song it's a pretty book said Dorothy and I'm sure I shall enjoy it yes then I'll be off I'll tell you one thing dear and the woman came up very close to Dorothy you must promise me not to try to get away until I can take you to the station Josh has the wagon all right reply Dorothy with an amused smile why should I try to get away? don't know dear only I must have your promise Dorothy felt queer and to be grateful to Mrs. Hobbes and to give a promise would involve an obligation yet she must make her escape some disturbance downstairs saved the girl further anxiety on the question of the promise Mrs. Hobbes ran down to the door and she did not return the summer morning hours sent in their greeting through the small window that opened above the porch Dorothy was nervous she must leave just as soon as she saw Mrs. Hobbes disappear over the hill when she would be out of sight of the house and her purse was gone well once out on the clear roadway surely someone would be friend her what a dreadful thing it was to be a prisoner and not to know why she was imprisoned her beautiful hair had not been for two days Dorothy did the best she could to make it smooth with her side comb but the depth of the hair and the size of the comb made the matter of actual hairdressing a difficult task but there was fresh water in the basin and she could wash which was one comfort if only I had my purse she thought with my little looking glass well it was scarcely matter how I look so long as I do not attract attention as if Dorothy could help attracting attention Mrs. Hobbes' generous form had dropped behind the hill there was nothing to wait for now Dorothy must get out of that window the window frame was that sort that runs to the roof and has not far to go it was really not half a window but it was large enough for the girl's slim form to slip through it was no distance to the roof then she could slide down the post Dorothy was out she sat upon the roof with a careful move slide toward the edge she must stop near a post as she could not stand up yes, what a blessing she was directly above the post Dorothy was not an athlete but she was always able to climb she swung around the post down, down to the ground but no sooner had her feet touch the welcome earth that a shrill screamed startled her she was puzzled and alarmed until she saw a big green parrot in a cage and the bird was screeching to the limit of its capacity Mrs. Hobbes could hear it there was a mat from the porch over its cage no, the door was open the bird was out and it was actually flying at Dorothy mama, mama, it yelled come quick, come quick snatching up a stick Dorothy made an attempt to strike the green thing as it flapped toward her but she could not hit it and if she turned to run it would likely settle its claws yet she must run Mrs. Hobbes without time for further thought Dorothy did run down the lane and into the road the parrot had not followed Dorothy was out on the road she could surely get back to camp now oh how glorious it was gratefully she raised her eyes to the clear sky her heart sent up its thanks to the friend who is never hidden from those who seek him and there comes a carriage she told herself as a rumbling of wheels took her attention perhaps the driver will give me a lift the wagon was hidden from view as the road turned sharply just under the oaks Dorothy waited yes and there was a young woman in the carriage wasn't that fortunate the carriage turned so close to Dorothy that she had no need to take a single step to hail it and it was almost stopped yes it did stop now the young woman in the carriage was garbed in white a nurse is this the Hobbes place she asked of Dorothy yes replied the girl in surprise then the nurse jumped out of the carriage she looked keenly at Dorothy do you stop there she asked curiously I had been stopping there answered Dorothy now completely mystified by the young woman's manner is your name my name is Dorothy Dale and for some reason I had been hidden away from my friends said Dorothy bravely I was just about to ask you to assist me to get back to them I was in camp at Everglade why of course I will assist you replied the nurse in the most defable manner get right into the carriage and we will have you back at camp in no time Dorothy hesitated the nurse consulted a small notebook come right in dear we are going straight down to Everglade and she touched Dorothy's arm to urge her strange I feel so nervous calling into traps said Dorothy honestly looking deeply into the eyes that were investigating every feature of her own fair face but you see I did fall literally and of course and you were hurt Dorothy could not understand that caressing manner it was identical with that exercise by Mrs Hobbs now come to the carriage we will drive along quickly so that we may reach camp before luncheon James hurry your horse for a few moments Dorothy felt as if she must collapse the strain of her escape from the old house then her fright from the bird and her fear that Mrs Hobbs would overtake her and now to be actually riding back to camp what would her friend say to her how good it would be to relieve them of all their anxiety and to be really going back well comparatively well at any rate I've had quite a time of it these last two days she remarked glancing timidly at the figure in white beside her but it seems all things come out right if we only have patience but I wouldn't talk dear the sun has been warm and I've quite overheated wouldn't you like to rest your head here on my lap Dorothy sat up erect this was surely unheard of who was this nurse where was she taking her I am perfectly well thank you she said in the firmest tones she could command and I really would like to know where we are going why do you treat me as if I were ill there there and the nurse touched Dorothy's hand of course you are perfectly well and of course we are going to camp James is your horse asleep but Dorothy was frightened there was something mysterious in it all another wagon approached it drew slowly along Mr Hobbes Dorothy's heart gave a leap as his old wagon stopped the nurse put her head out of the little curtain window and made signs to him alright alright he replied yes that's her that's her repeated Dorothy that's me what is this trick let me out of this carriage instantly or I will call for help if you do not keep quiet I shall be obliged to restrain you we are taking you back to the sanitarium I am your nurse sanitarium new nurse Miss Harrywell I am Dorothy Dale and I have never been inside a sanitarium the carriage dashed into a driveway a big brownstone building confronted them a corpse of nurses hurried out to the path when Dorothy saw them she fainted End of Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Dorothy Dale's Camping Days this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose Chapter 19 Camping Days Tabby got off the train at the junction but she did not get on the one that went toward Clamberton it flew by she waved her handkerchief she waved her coat she told herself she waved her soul but that train simply would not stop and she was miles from nowhere well I'll walk it she declared I don't care how I get there I'm going to keep my nose toward Camp to walk the Railroad Ties that was one thing Tabby elowed they were so regular so straight so abominably correct of course Railroad Ties were never built for human feet even the straight and narrow are not as straight as these she moved along for a hundred or so of Ties then she threatened to sit down Tabby el was desperate but even in her presence surprising state of mind the Railroad Ties were too much for her and she kept on I might fly she reflected looking boldly at the ocean of blue above but there isn't a machine in sight more and more Ties until she came to a small bridge well I suppose try to walk this thing I shall presently find myself holding a session with some slimy muddy frogs ah and she looked between the Ties at the lurking depths of mud and other things on either side of the Railroad embankment I just hate uncertainties she stepped cautiously a little farther well if I fall it serves me right I shouldn't have done this Tavia poor Tavia the place was very lonely Tavia realised this she knew instantly that she was in the woods it may have been her primitive hatred of the forest that inspired this sentiment but there was always something about the depths of solitude that made her want to laugh it was positively funny to her something must happen if there were a single human being in sight she sighed then she repeated I said single it was almost dusk she thought of old Sam wasn't that funny then her mending shearing socks when he tried them on he might change his mind about making her easier and that loon this lasts for a third to Morrison when I believed him I believed myself she picked out a few more ties and came to another and larger culvert suppose a train should come she gasped the strain of the past few days was having its natural revenge reaction her depression had soured into hilarity well I'll run the bridge I have always heard it is the only safe way she would have closed her eyes but that strange feeling of sight security which does not depend upon sight compelled her to look but not at the ties every time she planted her foot down she expected to go through foot and all but somehow she did not sink down between the ties it would take a funnel to put me safely down that way she decided I guess I would have to have a very big hole to drop through it seemed to Tavia that everything she had to do must be made easy for her even dropping through railroad ties she had crossed the bridge and now she stood for a moment mocking it I should burn my bridges behind me she mused but it takes time and talent even to burn bridges those who knew Tavia would scarcely have recognized her now could they have viewed her through the glass with which she was magnifying her faults Tavia had been tried she had tried herself and after having had an opportunity to board any of three trains going toward camp here she was again stranded I'm a first class simpleton she decided Dorothy was right I'm a rattle brain and they think I am drowned that is more reasonable and more charitable than to think I could be so foolish I guess I couldn't get along very well without Dorothy she went on thinking as she trudged forward she always kept me together but at least I'll try to do her training justice now I'll try to walk back to camp a narrow path ran beside the rails this, Tavia thought had been trodden down by tramps beyond there seemed nothing that would and it was getting dusk well there must be houses or huts somewhere and she would walk on peering through the trees Tavia thought she saw a white speck it might be a bird no it was too large what could it be now she could see it was not a person but it couldn't be anything else since there really were no ghosts but were there really none just now Tavia felt as if nothing was certain not even her own personality there it was again out in the clear path all in white oh it must be a spirit how silly it's a girl oh how glad I am to see the face of a human being it was a girl and she moved swiftly toward Tavia oh how do you do she begun I was afraid you would not come Tavia wondered did the girl take her for someone else I'm awfully glad to meet you answered Tavia noting how pretty the creature was what splendid blonde hair and such eyes I was just getting frightened frightened why we will soon be alright I have ordered my airship can you fly could she fly was the girl crazy then Tavia noticed a strange glare in the wonderful blue eyes she might be insane maybe she was the girl who had escaped from the sanitarium I love to fly that is my one ambition in life but they would never let me so I just came away by myself and isn't it sweet of you to meet me away out here there did you see that bird that's the way to fly and the strange girl threw her arms up and down until Tavia wondered whether she could be fooling or was really insane I have never tried to fly to Tavia feeling very silly but lots of people have gone crazy over it the moment she had said crazy she felt that she had made a mistake the girl turned on her as if to strike her crazy you call flying crazy it's crazy to walk crazy to stand but it is noble to fly and again she worked her arms bird like for the moment Tavia felt like running away then she thought that would not be wise for how did she know but that the girl might have the strength they say insane people have and that she might hit her with a stone or do something to injure her besides it seemed better to be with her than alone in that woods Tavia decided she would humor her of course we shall all fly someday she said as the girl turned almost upon her I would love to learn how you shall I will teach you my airship is not far away do you know the road to Everglade ask Tavia without the slightest hope of getting an intelligent answer why yes Everglade and her eyes set more deeply I have a friend in camp out that way in camp then she was not altogether insane for there were many campers at Everglade yes said Tavia so have I we can walk along together this seemed to satisfy the girl and she did start to tramp along Tavia noticed how neatly she was dressed and did not fail to see a beautiful chain and ornament about her slender white throat but it's a long way spoke the girl my name is bird of paradise what might yours be Betsy Dixon replied Tavia aptly yours is a much prettier name may I call you birdie certainly and I shall call you Betty I have a friend named Betty for some moments they walked along in silence the two girls were as different in dress Tavia and the latter noticed how much like Dorothy the strange girl was about the same height same coloured hair and the same deep blue eyes are there no houses near here asked Tavia I am afraid night will catch us soon oh yes there is a hotel over that ledge it is there I am taking you Tavia hoped it was true she had passed through the stage of sensitiveness and was now only anxious to get somewhere or near somewhere for the night she had made up her mind that she would ask the first person she met to help her with money all by directing her to shelter there was no longer any doubt as to her distress night was coming and she was almost worse than alone the girl in white walked along humming now waving her arms every time a bird passed and when she did speak to Tavia her remark seemed more rambling than ever we seen miles from every place remarked Tavia weakly I do wish there there exclaimed the strange girl there is my flying station see that presser pice pointing to a clip far out on the ledge of the hill over which they were walking just over there is my station I told you I was a bird of paradise I am not I am Madame Flyfly the French ballooness now watch me don't shriek Tavia but it was too late the girl had rushed to the edge of the clip and with a wild wave she had thrown herself over Tavia stunned at the suddenness of her tragic action stood for a moment looking down at the heap of white that lay so far below her then she turned cautiously and started down the dangerous descent herself clutching at brush and bramble as she tried to reach the girl who might be dead in the moss and rocks that made such a beautiful setting for the stream rambling on unmindful of the terror on its brink Tavia must reach the girl but what then? End of Chapter 19