"See," she said, rolling up her sleeve just above her elbow. "It is a mere scar. I have had it ever since I was a child. I don't know how I came by the thing, and neither--neither do--any of my friends." She hesitated at the word. "No, I'm afraid the mark I am looking for isn't that kind," said Mr. Blackford slowly. "The one spoken of in the missing part of the letter is very definite. I am sorry." Amy was too, but she did not speak. "Oh, isn't this too bad!" exclaimed Betty contritely. "I am sorry I spoke, and raised false hopes. But I remembered that mark on Amy's arm----" "Well, better luck next time," said Mr. Blackford, as cheerfully as he could. "If you girls will continue to be on the lookout----" "We'll do all we can for you," said Mollie, Amy did not speak again. It might be that she was wishing she had some such clue so that she could locate her missing parents or relatives, whoever they might be. Mr. Blackford, who had been in Deepdale a few days before setting out for the camp, told the news and gossip of the village. "Did you hear anything as to why Mr. Jallow brought his folks up here?" asked Grace. "Nothing definite--no. There was talk that they had come here, and folks were speculating as to why. I wondered if it had anything to do with the dispute over the land." "We think so, but we can't be sure," said Will. "I have written to father about it, and he has asked us to be on our guard. Jallow may be planning some trick to get more land away from dad." "Oh, I wish this unpleasant dispute was all over!" sighed Grace. "It makes it so uncertain!" "Well, don't worry," advised Allen. "We're having a good time up here." "And we'll have more fun when I get what I've sent for," said Will mysteriously. "What is it?" asked Grace. "Another box of chocolates?" "Nonsense! Always chocolates!" cried her brother. "No, this is better. Did you inquire about it when you were in town, Mr. Blackford?" for Will had been corresponding with the young man. "Yes, and they said it would be shipped this week." "Good! Then I'll get it next, and we'll astonish the girls." "Mean thing--not to tell!" pouted Grace. But Will was obdurate. The storm kept up all night, and part of the next day. The snow was so deep that skating and ice boating were out of the question. But the young people could go on sledding excursions, which they did, Mr. Franklin furnishing the horses and sleigh. This was a new kind of fun, and was enjoyed to the utmost. They went to near-by towns, and had oyster suppers, going to informal dances afterward. Mr. Blackford stayed, and as he could do little business while thus snow-bound he made arrangements to remain in camp a week or two. The boys and girls were glad to have him, as he was good company, and knew no end of games for an evening entertainment.