surprise.

"Yes, in a way I want to see her," was the faltering reply. "But if
she wants to take me away, I don't want her to come. Oh, don't let her
take me, grandad," and Rod sprang to his feet, and stood beseechingly
before the parson. "Why should she come for me now? If she wanted me
very much, why didn't she come before?"

"There, there, dear, don't worry," Mrs. Royal soothed. "It is hardly
likely that your mother will wish to take you away from us. It is only
natural that she should long to see you. There must be some good
reason why she could not come before. You had better go to bed now,
for you must be tired after your busy day."

The scouts were anxious to know what plan Whyn would suggest for
raising money, and so they were earlier than usual at her room on the
following afternoon. It was a beautiful day, and through the open
window drifted the scent of flowers, and new-mown hay. It was a cool
refreshing spot, this little room, where the bright-faced girl received
her visitors. Captain Josh was not present, as he had work to do in
his garden.

Whyn greeted the boys with a smile, and after they had seated
themselves upon chairs and the floor, she plunged at once into the
subject of special interest.

"Let's give a concert," she abruptly began.

"A what?" the boys exclaimed.