I am not sure--I--"

She paused, painfully self-conscious.

"I spoke of it," said Belle, gently. "We are going there on a winter
cruise, and--"

"Pardon me--but to Sea Horse Island?" and the girl's trembling voice
seemed very eager.

"We are going there--among other places," put in Bess, and her voice
grew rather colder than her sister's, for the manner of the lace
seller was passing strange.

"--Oh, to Sea Horse Island--in ze West Indies--Oh, if I could but go
zere--my father--he is--he is, oh, Senoritas, I crave your pardon,
but---but--"

Her voice trailed off in a whisper, and swaying, she fell at the feet
of Cora, who sprang forward, but too late, to catch the slim,
inanimate burden. The little lace peddler lay in a crumpled up heap
on the floor.




CHAPTER IV

JACK ARRIVES