that four of Margaret's old intimates--the T. Illington Frarys and
the Josiah Dunnings--were taking a little motor trip in the
Dunnings' big car, through the northern part of the State. Just
outside the little village of Applebridge, something mysterious and
annoying happened to the car, which stopped short, and after some
discussion it was decided that the ladies should wait therein, while
the men walked back in search of help.

Mrs. Dunning and Mrs. Frary, settling themselves comfortably in the
tonneau for a long wait, puzzled themselves a little over the name
of Applebridge.

"I can just remember hearing of it," said Mrs. Dunning, sleepily,
"but when or where or how I don't know."

They opened their books. A brilliant May afternoon throbbed, hummed,
sparkled all about them. The big wheels of the motor were deep in
grass and blossoms. On either side of the road, fields were gay with
bees and butterflies. Larks looped the blackberry-vines with quick
flights; mustard-tops showed their pale gold under the apple-
blossoms.

Here and there a white cloud drifted in the deep, clear blue of the
sky. There had been rains a day or two before, and in the fragrant
air still hung a little chill, a haunting suggestion of wet earth
and refreshed blossoms. Somewhere near, but out of sight, a flooded
creek was tumbling noisily over its shallows.

Suddenly the Sunday stillness was broken by voices. The two women in
the motor looked at each other, listening. They heard a woman's