ran her down. And we haven't any more real chance of finding them than--"

"A celluloid dog has chasing an asbestos cat in--" began Grace.

"That will do," cried Betty primly, though her eyes danced. "After this,
you will kindly answer when you are spoken to, Miss Ford, and at no other
time."

"Oh, is that so?" mocked Grace. "Well, I'll just tell you, Miss Nelson,
that although I am extremely fond of you--mistaken as that may be--I will
take no dictation from you or any one else."

"I'll give you more than dictation, if you don't stop maundering,"
threatened Mollie. "A girl has about as much chance of saying anything
sensible--"

"Did you ever try?" queried Grace innocently, and Betty and Amy had to
form a human barrier between the two enemies.

"Goodness, please don't kill her, Mollie," begged the Little Captain, her
eyes twinkling. "Not till after breakfast, anyway. I want to give you a
chance to think it over."

"Yes, they're punishing murderers terribly," added Amy. "I heard Major
Adams say--"

"All right," Mollie agreed, "I'll let her off until after breakfast, but
for one reason and one only--"

"And that?" they queried breathlessly.