"If I could only go away somewhere!" Billy said disconsolately, the next night. "I thought your mother would stand by me, but she doesn't. It's awful to be here in your house, when you are all down on me like this." "I wish your mother would come home," Theodora responded. "She won't." "Not if she knew?" "She couldn't very well. Besides, what good could she do?" "Everything. She'd believe you." "Of course." "That's something, and she'd find out, somehow or other. Send for her, Billy." "No; she'd only worry. She'll be home before long." "Not for two weeks. We shall all be dead by that time." "I wish I could go to her." "Why don't you?" she asked impulsively. His smile was very sad, as he pointed to his crutches. "I'm not up to a journey like that, Ted. I shouldn't make much of a figure, travelling alone." "I'll go, myself, and bring her home." "You can't. You're too young to take such a journey alone, Ted. It's good of you to think of it, but it wouldn't do. No; we'll stick it out somehow. It isn't as bad as if you weren't here to stand up for me." She rose and stood beside him, resting her hand on his shoulder. "It's not much I can do, Billy; but I'm bound to do something. My whole family appear to have gone mad over that old horse. I can't help their stupidity; but maybe I can help you out a very little. Whatever I do, remember what I said, only a few days ago, that I'd like the chance to fight for you, to show that I'm a friend in something besides words." He looked up at her gratefully. "You are a plucky champion, Teddy. I wish I knew what to do, myself; but they seem to have me on all sides. No matter; with you and Archie to back me up, I'll manage to pull through somehow." She patted his shoulder encouragingly. "That's right. Keep up your pluck, Billy. Something can be done about it, I know. You can furnish the brains and I the backbone. Good-night, old boy." She went away to her own room, but not to bed. For two hours, she could be heard moving stealthily to and fro, opening a closet door, closing a bureau drawer. Once the floor creaked softly, and a door latch clicked. Then silence fell again, and no one was the wiser for Theodora's sleeplessness. She was late in appearing at the breakfast table, the next morning. Mrs. McAlister rang the bell for a third time. Then she sent Phebe to call her sister. A moment later, Phebe came flying back, with staring eyes. "Oh, mamma," she panted; "Teddy isn't anywhere! She didn't answer, so I opened the door. The room is empty, and the bed hasn't been slept in at all." CHAPTER TWENTY LAKE LODGE, 28 _September_. To Dr. JOHN MCALISTER: Theodora reached here safely. My brother worse. Send for her. JESSIE FARRINGTON.