chair. The table was covered with material for all sorts of bandages,
and such things as are urgently needed wherever hideous war is raging.
Hugh noticed that at sight of him Madame Pangborn seemed pleased. He
wondered why, but was not long in learning.

"Oh! I am glad you've dropped in to see me, Hugh," she told him;
"because something very strange has happened, and perhaps you might be
able to advise me. In fact, Hugh, I fear I am being systematically
robbed!"




CHAPTER III

HUGH SHOULDERS A HEAVY TASK

Hugh hardly knew how to take that astonishing declaration on the part
of the old lady. He remembered that she was very peculiar in some
ways, and the very first thought that flashed into the boy's mind was
to the effect that Madame Pangborn might be getting what some fellows
would, impolitely of course, have called "daffy."

Still her black eyes flashed with all their old-time vigor, and she
appeared to be very much in earnest. More to humor her than anything
else Hugh remarked in a sympathetic voice:

"I'm sorry to hear that, ma'am. Of course if I can do anything for you
I'll be only too glad of the chance. Would you mind telling me about
it?"