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 of the matter to the meeting. But with whom could she have gone? Not with John Bishop, for he was at his shop until late that day, and again, cheerful and unconcerned, early the next morning. Had Robert Pearson seen any suspicious conditions when he saw Ruth on board the shallop? Matthew Watson asked himself this question, and determined that he would repeat it to Robert and press him for an answer; then, too, it was her cousin who had taken her in his cart to Bordentown, and so the last to talk with her.

Sympathizing friends soon gathered about Ruth's afflicted mother, and, leaving her to their care, Matthew hurried to the Pearson house, acting so well the part of an anxious parent that he favorably impressed every one whom he met. He was glad to find Robert at home, and not a little surprised to see how slight an interest he took in the subject when Ruth's disappearance was mentioned. Robert replied in detail to every question put to him by Matthew. Ruth had said nothing about such a madcap scheme, and was very