"It's a man from home," said Vera. "Home?" queried Mannie.

"From up the State," explained Vera, "from Geneva. It's -- Mr.
Winthrop."

With an exclamation of alarm, Mannie started upright.
"Winthrop!" he cried; then with a laugh of relief he sank back.
"Gee! You give me a scare," he cried. "I thought you meant the
District Attorney."

Mabel laughed sympathetically.

"I thought so too," she admitted.

"I do mean the District Attorney," said the girl.

"Vera!" cried Mabel.

"Winthrop -- coming here?" demanded Mannie.

"I met him at Mr. Hallowell's this morning," said Vera. "Didn't
Paul tell you?"

"Paul ain't back yet," said Mannie. "I wish he was!" His lower
jaw dropped in dazed bewilderment. "Winthrop -- coming here?" he
repeated. "And they're all coming here!" he exclaimed excitedly.
"Paul just phoned me. They've taken Gaylor in with them, and
we're all working together now on some game for tonight. And
Winthrop's coming here!" He shook his head decidedly,
importantly. As the only man of the family present, he felt he