Cora laughed a little. Ed put things so nicely. He never
presumed upon her own intimacy - it was always just "Jack's
friend."

"Besides," he pressed, seeing, in, Cora's eyes, his advantage, "I
feel I can do more alone. I have got to take Hazel back to her
brother, then I promise you I shall not rest until I have found
Clip, and made sure of her exact situation."

"Oh, I know, Ed, you will do everything possible. But it seems
like treason for me to go on a pleasure trip and leave two very
dear friends in such trouble. Even Jack may be implicated."

Ed turned away to hide his own tell-tale face. He knew perfectly
well that Jack was implicated, knew that Rob Roland had
deliberately accused him of taking Cecilia Thayer out to the
Salvey cottage for the purpose of gaining possession of the
promise book. For this very reason Ed wanted Cora to go on - to
escape, if possible, the anxiety she must experience if she should
have to know the real story.

"Well," sighed Cora, "it is getting late. I suppose it will be
best, Ed, as you say. Take Hazel back, and find Clip. Have her
'phone me at Breakwater, tomorrow."

"That's the girl!" exclaimed Ed, taking both her hands in his own
strong clasp. "See, the girls are looking at us. They think you
have accepted me."

"I have," she answered, "accepted you, and your terms. Good luck,