aunty, in spite of our opposition and Dora's."

"How is your aunt now?"

"She is not very well. Do you know, I think Mr. Crabtree
exercises some sort of a strange influence over her."

"I think that myself. If he could do it, I think he would
hypnotize her into marrying him. He is just rascal enough. Of
course he is after the money Mrs. Stanhope is holding in trust
for Dora."

"He can't touch that."

"He can -- if he can get hold of it. I don't think Josiah
Crabtree cares much for the law. Is Dora home now?"

"I believe she is. She was this morning, I know."

"I'm going over to see her," went on Dick. "I promised to do all
I could for her in this matter of standing Crabtree off, and I'm
going to keep my word."

As Sam and Tom wished to converse with the Laning girls a bit
longer, Dick went on ahead, telling them to follow him when they
chose.

It did not take Dick long to reach the Stanhope homestead. As he
approached he heard loud talking on the front piazza.