CHAPTER XVIII

THE CONVOY.

When the picnicers returned to Miss Vaughn’s they found Ethel and Marjorie waiting for them on the porch. Lily rushed impetuously towards her chum, anxious to find out immediately what she had been doing in her absence; but Marjorie checked her with a glance towards Miss Vaughn.

Did you have a good time? asked Marjorie, carelessly, as if she and Ethel had been at home all afternoon.

We certainly did, replied Lily, taking the hint. And have you made all your arrangements satisfactorily?

Yes, answered the other. We haven’t so much to buy as we had for our trip out, because we’re not planning to do any camping.

What? demanded Milton Crowell, in astonishment. Then you have changed your plans?

Marjorie drew down the corners of her mouth in amusement at the young man’s instant display of interest. Surely she was correct in her surmise that this concern was not prompted by mere idle curiosity!

Yes—the car would be too crowded if we loaded it up with equipment, she explained. Besides Mrs. Hart is not keen about it, and we must consider her wishes.

Naturally, he agreed.

Lily put an abrupt end to this conversation by reminding the girls of their need to retire early m view of the morrow’s strenuous program. In reality, she wanted to be alone with Marjorie to see whether she would reveal anything about her occupation during the afternoon. But both Marjorie and Ethel refused to divulge the secret.

You really expect some sort of midnight raid from the Crowells? Lily asked carelessly just for something to say.

To tell you the truth, Lil, replied Marjorie, I don’t know what to expect. Since we’re not going to camp out, I can’t see just how they can work it. But I feel confident that they’ll try something.

Marj, said the other girl, seriously, I begin to think that it’s sort of dangerous for you even to attempt the trip back. What if they’d shoot you in a lonely place—?

Nonsense, Lil! We’ve got to take some risks. Think what it means to us—to Daisy and Flos—and to the whole Girl Scout organization!

And as usual you’re ready to defy consequences! retorted Lily.

But we always came out all right before, and we surely will now!

But we always had the boys to help us, objected Lily.

Marjorie stole a glance at Ethel, but said nothing.

But perhaps nothing will happen, put in Ethel, in amusement. After all, the whole thing is only a matter of conjecture.

Then since you persist in carrying out your plans, announced Lily, I have decided to go along with you. You’ve got to pack me in somewhere!

No, no, Lily! protested Marjorie vehemently. We’d love to have you, but you think that it’s dangerous and maybe you’re right. Remember you’re an only child!

You’ve used that argument before!

And it’s still true!

Well, I’m going, anyhow. Now—listen to this: I haven’t made any reservations to go on the train with the others!

What? demanded Marjorie in surprise, realizing for the first time that the girl was in earnest.

No, I haven’t! So you have to take me along with you.

The argument proved conclusive; Marjorie had no idea of subjecting her chum to the weariness of a journey to the east alone. Accordingly, when the party passed the following morning, Alice and Mrs. Remington were the only ones left behind to return by rail.

The seven-passenger car in which they had travelled to the Pacific Coast had been completely overhauled and pronounced by an expert to be in perfect condition for the return trip. But this time not one of the party, except possibly Mrs. Hart, looked forward to a smooth and uneventful tour. Marjorie even wondered secretly whether they would not all be a trifle disappointed if nothing did happen.

And yet when she thought it over she did not quite see how an attack could be planned. The schedule had been carefully prepared so that there need be no driving at night; each sunset was to find them at some inn or hotel, and the car safely stored for the night in a garage. Whatever took place would have to be planned for broad daylight, and there seemed to be too much traffic to allow any measure of success. Nevertheless she made up her mind to keep a sharp look-out for trouble.

In order to have a change of scenery the girls decided not to take the Lincoln Highway, but to go home by another route. In her shopping tours about San Francisco Marjorie had picked up a very complete book, in which was printed not only a map of the trip, but a description of the best hotels and inns along the way. She had made it a point to purchase two copies, one of which she had marked for Miss Vaughn’s benefit. So, if the Crowell boys chose, they could figure out approximately where the party would be at each hour of every day. Lily had reprimanded her for her daring, saying that she was only putting temptation into the young men’s way and making things more dangerous for herself; but with her usual spirit Marjorie had replied that she loved adventure.

But by the time that two days had passed without the slightest accident to disturb their progress, and the Girl Scouts had left the state of California, Marjorie herself began to doubt whether there would be any excitement. On that very day, however, they met with the first noteworthy experience.

It was a hot day; the sun was shining brightly and the road upon which they were travelling was hard and dry. The girls looked in vain for shade; as far as they could see in the distance there was no promise of relief.

No wonder there are so few cars, remarked Ethel, listlessly. If I had my choice, I’d rather stay at home today too.

There must be at least one behind us somewhere, muttered Marjorie, in a tone too low for anyone else to hear. The boys aren’t far away.

No, replied Ethel. I think, by the way, that they must have stayed at that hotel across the street from us last night. I think I caught a glimpse of them on the porch when we drove away.

No doubt you did. Doesn’t it seem funny not to wait for them, and speak to them?

It must be torture for poor John Hadley! teased Ethel. You certainly can be cruel, Marj—

Hush, Ethel! remonstrated the other. You’ll let the cat out of the bag.

I wonder, remarked Lily, loud enough for the whole party to hear, whether we wouldn’t dare turn aside here at the next crossroad. This seems to be shady, and the guide-book says that it is all right, and not out of our way.

I’m doubtful of detours, laughed Marjorie. Our experience before wasn’t so good.

Oh, there can’t be anything like that, said Lily. Unless you hate to leave the beaten track, I don’t see why we shouldn’t.

I’ll take a chance! agreed Marjorie, turning into the crossroad.

Just as the guide-book stated, the route did prove more attractive; but, as Marjorie for some unknown reason suspected, a surprise awaited them. Hardly had they proceeded half a mile before two armed men on horseback suddenly appeared from the brushwood on the side of the road.

I knew it! whispered Marjorie, her eyes alight with expectancy. The Crowells!

Never! whispered Ethel. They’re too old, even to be bribed—

We demand a search! thundered the larger of the two men, peering from under his wide hat right into the startled eyes of the scouts. Everyone get out, please!

A search for what? faltered Mrs. Hart, her voice trembling with emotion.

For booze! We are sheriffs of the state of Nevada!

Let’s see your badge! challenged Marjorie, fearlessly.

Both men immediately pushed back their coats in amusement, and, to the consternation of all the scouts, displayed their silver stars. Lily gasped in wonder, and Marjorie informally broke into a laugh. It was Mrs. Hart who had to remind them that they must make haste to comply with the command.

We really don’t expect to find bootleggers among young ladies, apologized the milder of the two officers, but it’s a rule to search everybody.

Oh, we don’t mind a bit! replied Marjorie. We’re so thankful that you’re not bandits or thieves. You see we’re used to meeting such people on our way.

What? demanded both officers at once. We thought that these roads were safe for motorists, added one.

Safe for everybody but us, it seems, explained Marjorie. On our way out we were robbed of money and food and clothing and a car—

At different times?

Yes.

And by different persons?

That we don’t know, answered Marjorie. We never caught anybody.

I should say that you need a detective—or a body-guard, remarked the officer, as he indicated that the scouts should get into the car.

I guess we have one, muttered Marjorie to herself; for, just as she started her engine, a touring car with two young men passed the car. To the amazement of all but Marjorie and Ethel the girls recognized Jack Wilkinson and John Hadley!

Am I dreaming? gasped Lily, or were they really Jack and John?

Marjorie and Ethel both laughed heartily.

The very same, replied the latter.

But how—? began Daisy.

Marjorie put her finger over her lips, in warning to the girls not to ask any enlightening questions before Mrs. Hart. The girls took the hint, and though they were sincerely puzzled, kept quiet.

Don’t forget Chicago! remarked Ethel, enigmatically.

But why Chicago? demanded Lily.

Because John happened to be there on business, Marjorie explained, so Jack went with him, both expecting to use their vacations for a lake trip. John wrote me from there.

Thank Heaven! cried Lily, settling back into her seat with a sigh of relief. For in her subtle manner, Marjorie had conveyed to the girls that they now had protectors.