The Secret of Steeple Rocks

ot always be given when Dalton or Leslie fell into the modern school vernacular. Elizabeth, two years out of college, was more ca

enough outside of school hours to help considerably. Elizabeth had insisted that he must finish high school and now thought that he should take enough of their principal to see him through college. This was a subject of argument between them, for Dal

s advice and assistance. Enthusiasm had grown when they came upon a letter outlining their father's plans for building what he called the "Eyrie" and

face with fairly regular features, steady blue eyes, dreamy when they had a chance to dream,

stered this and young as he was, Dalton expected, with some help, to build a very respectable log cabin from the timber on the place. His last

rcumstances might demand, were her assets. She was taller at not quite sixteen than her older sister, and according to her own statement could not "draw a crooked

her let Sarita do very much as she pleased, a delightful, though not altogether safe method of management. But Sarita's pleasures were always harmless ones and included those of her chu

uarters. Elizabeth, when challenged to bring forth her curtains for their "dresser," surprised Leslie and Sarita by producing them, deep ruffles that had once graced

able supplies were stored there; and Dalton set about making what the girls called a chicken coop,

and Sarita about his inquisitive visitor of the evening befo

a in some excitement, her brown eyes growing lar

business, though I will admit that it made me hot to have a chap like that laying down the law. I'll make a few inquiries among the fishermen. I've got to see

you, Dal-let's n

, when the materials come and the man who is to help me comes with his helpers

ig lovely ones, D

es with less symmetrical limbs or pla

old-fashioned 'log-rais

an helps build the new-fangled log houses that they have i

oice, and Dalton turned to see a gentleman r

d pleased Elizabeth here, though she said that she was being cut off from a view of the sea. But it was better so, more retired, and the s

e outside watched the pretty horse and its straight rider. The gentl

oticed. The gentleman rather nervously flexed a small whip in his gloved hands and looked sharply with keen black eyes from one to anot

ught the ground somethi

hat the purchas

e check that my father gave for the land, when

spoke a little abruptly, Leslie tho

right here, you could consult the records here. I'm not sure just where the place is w

ut I am quite sure that your title is not clear. I understood that this land belon

ink that you must be mistaken. When did

ed just like Father and was so dign

is land on the bay. It is too bad, but why can you not look up a camp at some other place upon the coast? I know of several excellent places to be purchased

smiled in this persuasive way, Sarita w

ave already ordered some material. If this should prove to be your land, I will pay you for occupancy, but we'll just continue to camp here. My older sister is very tired after her teaching and likes this pla

s quite evident. He frowned. "I should li

once, sir," sharply said Da

e. I should advise you to leave. My name is Ives. I am wondering i

and it is true that my

the executor

ur lawyer whenever we need one. If necessary, I can write to consult him a

right to it. You will avoid trouble if you leave the place. My lawyer will look into the matter. A few days, of co

ton, Leslie and Sarita watched him with various expressions. Dalton's face was firm and sober. Leslie's eyes were contract

like this place is its comparative isolation and we want to keep our holding large and intact. But you would doubtless enjoy more companionship and that you will find in the ot

to disturb the quiet of Steeple Rocks. We, too, like the wildness of the place, as well as the feeling that we are on land that our father admired. My sister i

to an obstinate boy. Quickly he turned away, and a silent group watched him until he disappeared among the trees. Then Sar

r fun spoiled and her sleep disturbed by a new problem." Dal

"and she was unpacking her easel when I left the tent. That accounts, perhaps f

er brother in a low voice. "Hello, Beth

t away of the bay and Cathedral Rocks. I thought I heard another voi

lives across the bay, or around the bay, as you like, the man of Steeple Rocks.

glad that I didn't come out. He can't help my sketching his rocks, however. Oh, isn't it to

see about our building affairs and one thing and another. I may get a horse in the village and ride to the

rget and practice a little. Bail us out if we get arrested for shooting, Dal. Bu

ease. Load just before you try for the target and be sure that all your cartridges have been exploded. If you never get reckless or careless it is al

rvous, and I promise you, up and down and 'cross my heart,' that no 'weepon' is going to

inned Dalton, rising from the stump, "th

e spruces and ferns, "once there were Indians a

ng to drive each other off." With his back to Beth, Dalton winked at Leslie. "Girls," he added in a n

for the others. It was not quite as convenient as if their property sloped directly to

arm, the girls in their coats over their bathing suits, for the breeze was a litt

with the man of whom Father bought the place. He doesn't know when he'll be back. Let's get Beth to bed early to-night. It

looked rich. Don't you suppose that he could e

mething. I don't know much about such things, but Dal will find out, and Beth, too, if we have to

w off among some bushes. They were startled to see a great black horse dashing over the uneven ground and a frightened girl clinging to reins and saddle,

om the stirrups-to jump, I suppose. My! There's that pretty nearly s

oor girl! But perhaps the horse won't fall. At

ehind a clump of wind-blown pines and some bushes. But the girls hurried around to where they could see the road again, and they wonde

lace," Sarita answered, "and perhaps

t the side of the trail opposite the cliff's edge. His feet were apart, bracing his body, for his arms were outstretched to