They were soon at the boys’ camp, and in the gathering dusk the girls were shown where a box containing the provisions had been broken open, and a considerable quantity of supplies taken. “Did they only take victuals?” asked Mrs. Bonnell. “I guess so,” answered Phil. “We didn’t look after we found that our grub—I beg your pardon, ladies, I should say our choice viands—were taken,” and he bowed low. Blake who had gone into the sleeping tent came out with a woeful face. “It’s gone!” he cried. “It’s gone!” “What?” demanded Natalie. “My best silk handkerchief!” cried Blake. “I paid two dollars for it—all the colors of the rainbow, too! Oh, woe is me!” “Well, if I’m glad of one thing, I’m glad that’s missing!” fairly yelled Jack. “Of all the gaudy Italian opera effects that was the limit! You could hear it halfway across the lake. I couldn’t sleep with it in the same tent. Now, we’ll have some peace!” “Is it really gone, Blake?” asked Alice. “It sure is.” “And I was hoping I’d fall heir to that to make a sash of,” his sister went on. “But it proves one thing.” “Oh, yes!” Blake exclaimed sarcastically. “As long as we get some proof out of it, no matter whether or not our whole camp is looted—notice that word looted. Well, sis, what is it that’s proved?” “The Gypsies were here.” “Huh! We knew that before.” “But this makes it certain. Gypsies, as you know, are very fond of bright-colored articles—especially to wear. They could not resist your handkerchief.” “Encyclopædia Britannica—volume Gyp to Jap!” exclaimed Blake. “With marginal notes on colored handkerchiefs and silk weaving in particular. Sis, you’re a wonder! Fellows; bustle around and see what you’ve missed. Maybe she can build up a theory to prove that a fish climbed out of the water and took my handkerchief to make a hammock for the little ones. Is it not mar-vee-li-ous!” “Horrid thing!” pouted Alice. “I was trying to help you.” “I think she’s right,” announced Natalie, and, as she was no one’s sister, the boys at once changed their viewpoint. “Well, there may be something in it,” admitted Blake. “Gypsies sure do like bright-colored things. But why did they stop at my handkerchief? Why didn’t they take some of those rainbow neckties that Phil insists on tearing the atmosphere with; or some of Jack’s——” “That’ll do old man!” came from the latter quickly. “There are some objects too sacred to mention. Let us have peace.” “I say let’s have supper,” broke in Marie. “We’re nearly starved. If you boys are coming over with us, come on. We can theorize later.” “Good idea,” declared Phil. “Lead on—we’ll all follow.” “Perhaps the ladies have a few more deductions to make,” suggested Jack, politely. “I think we have discovered enough for one day,” spoke Natalie. “We have been doing all the discovering. Why don’t you boys do some?”