"There is really no doubt, boys. We just want--oh, I don't know what we
want!" exclaimed Mollie, who was excited and unstrung and nervous.

Soon after that they all went to bed, having first decided to make a more
thorough search of the woods in the morning and take the postponed trip to
the head of the falls.

They slept fitfully and were glad when at last they woke to find the sun
shining in their windows. For once Amy and Grace did not have to be coaxed
or wheedled or forced to get out of bed, but dressed quickly and were
ready almost as soon as Mollie and Betty.

"You know I rather hated to leave the boys in that room last night," Betty
confided to Grace, stopping before the mirror for one final little pat of
her hair. "I was afraid that--he--might come back--"

"Oh, Betty, what a horrid idea," said Grace. "Come on, let's see if
everything is all right."

But they found that their fears had been wasted. The boys were in the
kitchen hilariously helping Mrs. Irving get the breakfast to the
accompaniment of continual good-natured scolding from that flushed and
perspiring lady. It was Amy's day to get the breakfast, but, as usual, she
was late in getting down.

"You make a good deal more trouble than you mend," Mrs. Irving was saying
as the girls came to the door, then added relievedly as she caught sight
of them: "For goodness' sake, get these young ruffians out of the kitchen,
my dears, or we'll not have any breakfast until noon."