The Secret of the Sundial / Madge Sterling Series, #3

nknow

been noted, but to their relief, the man looked away again. H

ered the instant h

he vine-covered wall until the

that time," Cara said nervously

have to rush home at the exciting

ening in the side fence and slipped through. They breathed easier as they emerged on

hbor's car and taken on a picnic which Mr. and Mrs. Brady had promised to attend earlier in the week. School opened as usual

he ground at the Swenster Mansion," Cara declare

ly seemed fair. Then too, the old house at night was not the most pleasant place t

er in no mood to expose herself to chilling night air. As sev

ound of sugar which Mrs. Brady had forgotten to order, she was start

come off by itself,

te and looked inside the grounds. To her further amazement, she saw the fro

g!" said a p

lady, standing by a mock orange bush slightly to the left

r apologized in embarrassment. "I

quickly to her rescue. "The house has been closed for so man

ed, yet aching to do that very

ly. "I was wishing only a moment ago that someone would drop in

in to sorrow cross her face. Immediately s

ndition but within a few days I hope to have them in b

ired nothing more than an opportunity to talk with the w

the gate, "but I'm not very good at suggestions abo

m Agatha

she lost all feeling of embarrassment. They wandered slowly about the ruined g

ming back to your old home,

ry pleasant, others less so. Now that I am here again I should like to remain. Howev

ess, modern owner who might tear down the shutters, do away with the old-fashioned garden and relandscap

old an auction sale in a few weeks. The house is furnished with really lovely piec

possessions," Madge said with honest re

must raise money and this

changed the subject. They continued their tour of the garden, pausing near the sundi

her worked out the plans before his death, and

t wishing to dwell upon a subject wh

hich had been going on in the garden but after a moment's con

had observed during their prior visit to the mansion. As Miss Swenster paused to issue orders in regard to trimming the hedge

er Miss Swenster doesn't know any more about that digging than I do.

and dust was everywhere. Miss Swenster lifted several white sheets to disclose that they

must go over everything, sort out the pieces I mean to ke

know of an excellent one," Madge off

embarrassed face and realize

afford it," Miss Swenster said quietly. "I am

sework. She was tempted to offer her own services gratis but realized that

ter. "I know Cara will be glad to do what she can too. And if we should happen to learn something