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But the party from the old Corner House was careful in more ways than one.
Strapped to the side of the automobile just over the step, was a folding tripod of light lacquered steel rods. From the apex of these when they were set up, the kettle was hung, for Mrs. Heard insisted she must have her tea.
First, however, Neale ONeil produced a small shovel and prepared a patch of sand on the grass, on which to build the fire. He was an old hand at camping out and knew very well that fire could not spread from a sandpile.
Neale had always shown himself to be quick and handy; but Mrs. Heard was immensely pleased with his despatch in getting water boiled and his part of the camping arrangements complete. Of course, the girls set the table, and even Sammy was made use of. He gathered the supply of dry fuel, and if Neale had not stopped him he would have piled up sufficient at the camp site for a Fourth of July bonfire.
It was after the older girls had washed the few dishes they had used and while they were resting after the lunch that the first incident of real moment on this tour of the Corner House girls occurred.
A man came tramping through the brush with a rod in his hand and a creel slung from his shoulder. He wore long wading boots and he walked through the brook into which the waters of the spring trickled, and so reached the automobile party. Tom Jonah stood up, but did not growl at him.
The man was lifting his cap and going right by when Dot Kenway uttered a squeal of surprise.
Oh, Tess! Oh, Aggie! she cried. Heres my sick man now.
At the same moment Neale ONeil recognized the fisherman and shouted to him:
Hi, Mr. Maynard! What luck to-day?
The other turned a single glance at Neale and nodded, his attention immediately becoming fixed on Dot. He approached her with a smile warming his countenance, which seemed rather saturnine in repose.
This is my kind little friend, he said; and although his face was deeply flushed it was not from the same cause as when the smallest Corner House girl had previously met him. So you remember me?
Oh, yes, sir, Dot replied, a little bashfully, giving him her hand.
And how is the dollys health? But this isnt the one? asked Mr. Maynard, showing that he had a good memory for some incidents of that former unfortunate afternoon.
Oh, yes; this is my Alice-doll, said Dot, eagerly.
Why, she doesnt look the same, the man declared, warmly interested.
She has new clothes on and a new hat.
I never would have known her again, went on Mr. Maynard.
And you couldnt ever guess whats happened to her, said Dot, seriously.
Her face ?
Shes been completely cured of a dreadful bad complexion, confided Dot. Neale took her to a hospital. It is wonderful what they can do to you nowadays at hospitals, said the little girl.
It is indeed, agreed Mr. Maynard, taking the Alice-doll tenderly in his arms.
I saw the place myself, went on Dot, eagerly. There was a big gold sign over the door, Dolls Hospital. Why! I didnt know there were such places.
Indeed? responded the man, very much interested.
Yes. And they fixed Alices face and her hair. Of course, she wasnt a real blonde before; but its fashionable. Like our Aggie, you know, pursued the talkative Dot.
Meanwhile Agnes had been whispering eagerly to Neale and now they both approached Dot and her friend.
Mr. Maynard, said Neale, have you see anything of Saleratus Joe again?
My goodness, Neale! exclaimed the fisherman. You could have seen both him and Jim Brady on this road this very morning. They passed me as I came along to the pond, in that big car of Bradys.
Mrs. Heard had been attracted by this topic of conversation. She said:
I believe that horrid Brady brought about the stealing of my nephews car. And hes shielding the men who actually did it.
I dont know about that, Mrs. Heard, said Mr. Maynard, who evidently knew the widow. He surely didnt have the car stolen for his own
use, and he smiled, for that French machine of his cost him forty-five hundred dollars. He told me so the other day.
Are you very well acquainted with Brady, Mr. Maynard? queried the woman, rather suspiciously.
Why no! he replied, slowly. I know most of the men who hang about the court house; and Jim thinks he can get me back in the surveyors office. Of course, I should be grateful if he could.
I dont for a moment suppose that Brady wanted my nephews car, said Mrs. Heard, sharply. You know that?
Why yes, responded the fisherman again.
But if Brady had it stolen, why hasnt the car been found? Neale put in, wonderingly.
I told you before, said Mrs. Heard, promptly. They expected to find those road maps. And I guess they didnt find em, she added, with a nod of satisfaction.
You may be right, Mrs. Heard, agreed Mr. Maynard, but evidently desirous of saying no more.
He handed the Alice-doll back to Dot, who, with Tess, had not been much interested in this discussion, of course; and he picked up his fishing rod to depart.
I am sorry I did not happen along before you ate your luncheon, he said, smiling. I could have supplied you with a nice mess of yellow perch.