"Poor Jake!" said Dorothy with a sigh. "But he does seem to try--"

"To take the pledge? Indeed he does and I admire his perseverance.
That's just the way I try to avoid slang."

"I am afraid, Tavia, we will not accomplish much in the way of
confidences, if you persist in being--ridiculous," and Dorothy made as
if to continue on her way home.

"Sit right down there, Dorothy Dale," insisted Tavia, pulling her
friend's skirt, and bringing Dorothy down beside her rather suddenly. "I
will have to play the villain and demand that 'secret'!"

"Well, it is simply this: I think I see the motive Squire Sanders had in
trying to disgrace you."

"Let me see it quick!" snapped Tavia.

"Didn't your father run against him last year for the office of Town
Squire?"

"Certainly," said Tavia, briefly.

"And the only reason he did not get the office was because the squire
was so old the men thought it best not to disturb him just then."

"Right, again," answered Tavia.

"Election time is now almost here. Your father would be up for the