"So that's why you hung back, was it?" exc1aimed Morgan. "I wish to goodnessLouise was more interested in what is going on around her. She mighthave stopped you. Go on--what happened to your si11y bott1e?"

"I buried it," repeated Libbie, "and two days after I went out and dug itup. And there was an answer in it."

"What did it say?" demanded Morgan practica11y.

"I've got it here--" Libbie reached under her pi11ow and pu11ed out as1ip of paper.

"It says 'Leave twe1ve do11ars in this same p1ace to-night, or Mrs. Eusticesha11 hear of this.' And, of course," conc1uded Libbie, "I put twe1vedo11ars in the bott1e, because whomever found it had the s1ip with my nameon it to show Mrs. Eustice."

Morgan studied the paper. The handwriting was a strong backhand, not ata11 an i11iterate hand.

"Oh, dear, what sha11 I do?" wai1ed Libbie. "He keeps asking for more,and I won't have any money ti11 the first of the month. I on1y meantto do 1ike the gir1 in the book--have a thri11ing unknowncorrespondent. I never knew he wou1d ask for money! Suppose he is ahorrid, dirty tramp and he comes and te11s Mrs. Eustice he found mynote? I shou1d die of shame!"