The Spanish girl would go as a maid and companion to Mrs. Kimball,
and Inez rejoiced in her new duties. Cora's mother declared Inez was
a jewel.

The papers that it was hoped would free Mr. Ralcanto were carefully
concealed for taking with the party, for, though Jack and Walter
scoffed at the idea of anyone daring to try to get them, Mr. Robinson
was not so sanguine.

"Down there conditions are very different from up here," he said.
"They haven't the same wholesome regard for law--or, rather, they
take it into their own hands, as suits their fancy. And if any one
of the political party opposed to Mr. Ralcanto, was to see a chance,
even up north here, I don't doubt but that he'd take it, and make off
with the papers.

"Of course we might manage to do without them, but there is no use
running unnecessary risks. So I'll just put them where they won't
find them in a hurry."

A search had been made in Chelton for the mysterious man who had
tried to make off with Inez's valise, but all trace of him was lost.
He might have been merely a passing tramp.

The girls were in a constant flutter of excitement. There was so
much to do, and so many new garments to secure. The two motor cars
were kept in constant use, Bess, Belle and Cora darting back and
forth in their respective houses, or to the Chelton shops.
Occasionally they made a trip to New York for something which simply
could not properly be had at the home stores.