heads mournfully over the hoydenish ways of maidens of the
present day.
The afternoon slipped away, and it was nearly dusk when they
decided to turn back. They were then skirting the edge of a
large estate whose magnificent trees and smooth sloping lawn, to
gether with the fine mansion, proclaimed it to be the possession of
some old and wealthy family.
Just then a rattling sound was heard, and in an instant Helen
Stratton was lying in the huddle of the road with her wheel near
by. Her friend dismounted and hurried towards her. But
Helen, more frightened than hurt, was soon on her feet and they
both turned their attention to the wheel. On examining it they
found that the chain had separated on account of the connecting
pin's having lost its burr, and the chain had clogged the wheel.
Of course it was useless to look for the burr now and the girls
sat down under one of the large trees to discuss the situation.
It was an accident that they had not looked for. Being nearly
ten miles from the hotel, with a broken wheel and night coming
on, they were certainly in a predicament. They saw the mansion
through the trees, and were just ready to start out in that direction
when some laborers were seen returning from their work. The
light was now very uncertain.
As the men came up, Miss Kingsley made some inquiries about
the house its and occupants. Then seeing the figure under the
tree, the workmen questioned her about " that young fellow over
there." .
Now this mistake was not so unpardonable as may be supposed,
the deception behig made all the more probable by the short hair
of the " young fellow " referred to.
Helen heard all and she was very much amused at the mistake.
Then the mischievous idea came into her head to palm herself off
as a young man when they went up to the house.
Eva explained to the men that her companion's bicycle had
broken and that they were in search of a conveyance to take them
to the hotel that night. The laborers told them to inquire at the
house and then proceeded on their way, while Eva went back to
her friend.
The girls made their way up to the mansion with their wheels,
laughing at the ludicrous mistake of the men. Helen now divulged
her plan to her friend. At first Eva would not consent, but finally,
won over by Helen's pleadings, she agreed to lend her assistance.
The Free Lance
[ JANUARY,