Before they came back, however, Monsieur appeared to grow a trifle easier. But the only word he said during the absence of the others was just before they came back with Miss Yvonne. "It is useless!" they heard him murmur, and the Imp, bending over, asked him what he had said and if they could do anything. But he acted hardly aware of her presence, and went on murmuring something in French. Then the others returned, bringing Miss Yvonne, breathless and excited, but carrying a bottle and spoon. A few moments after taking the medicine Monsieur seemed easier, and with the help of all he managed to get back to the house. "It's all right now," Louis told the girls. "He says he will go to bed and rest, but the worst of the attack is past. Don't you worry." The three girls wandered back across the Green, subdued and upset by what had happened. Even the Imp was apparently forgetful of her past grievances toward the others. "I wonder what he was trying to say?" marvelled Sue, as the three roamed aimlessly toward Carol's barn. "Did you catch it, Bobs? You were nearest to him, and I think he spoke in French." "Yes, I caught it," said the Imp, turning to them suddenly. "And look here, girls, I believe I might as well tell you the whole thing now, if you care to hear. I'm getting tired of the worry of carrying this thing around by myself!" If she had exploded a bomb in their midst, she could not have startled them more. "Gracious! What has made you change so?" demanded Sue, wonderingly. "Well, I feel kind of upset by what has happened this morning," admitted the Imp, "and so I feel like getting this thing off my mind. Do you know what he was muttering in French, as he sat there? It was this: 'It is useless to try any longer to keep the secret. I must tell him at once'!" "So you see, if he tells Louis," went on the Imp, "there's no reason, so far as I can see, why I shouldn't tell you _now_. Come up into your den, and I'll tell you all I know!" She began to climb the ladder to the haymow, and the two followed her, silent with amazement. CHAPTER XII WHAT THE IMP KNEW The three filed into the den off the haymow, and Carol solemnly padlocked the door on the inside. As there were only two chairs, the Imp perched herself on the old desk, curling her feet up under her. The one window was wide open, and through it was wafted the scent of lilacs and the sound of a lawn-mower propelled by Dave somewhere across the Green. For a moment after they were seated no one spoke. "Well?" said Carol, impatiently. "Go on, Imp! Begin _some_where." "I was just wondering where to begin," admitted the Imp. "I was trying to remember what you actually _do_ know, but I guess, except for the fact as to who that picture is, you don't know a single thing."