grave.

Seeing that family matters awaited discussion, Amy and Betty soon took
their leave, after being assured that Grace was all right, except for
a stiffness and a few cuts caused by the fall. A carriage took the two
girls to their homes. Mollie had gone on with Paul.

"What will happen if we can't find the papers?" asked Grace of her
father, when she had explained everything.

"Well, there will be a lot of trouble," he said, "and of course the
whole matter will have to be held up. In the meanwhile, even if the
other interests do not get the documents, they may make it unpleasant
for us. I wish, Will, that you had done this errand yourself-- not
that I blame you Grace," he said quickly, "but Will knew how very
important it was."

"I'm very sorry, Dad. I'll never cut business for a ball game again,
and I'll do all I can to help out. I'm sure Prince will soon come
home, though, and it will be all right. I'll go out to the stable now,
and if he isn't there I'll saddle Toto and go hunting. I'll start from
where the accident happened, and trace Prince. Lucky he's pure white,
he'll show up well, even in the dark."

"No, I don't want you to do that," objected Mr. Ford. "You may go to
the stable, if you like, but don't start any search until morning. In
the meanwhile we may hear something, or he may come back. It's too bad
a night to go out. But let this be a lesson to you, Will."

"I will; yes, sir. Poor little Sis, I can't tell you how sorry I am.