Page:Betty Gordon in Washington.djvu/50

40 shirts on the line as I go in. By to-morrow morning I'll be as far away from Bramble Farm as the local can take me."

"But—but—I'll miss you so!" protested Betty, the catch in her voice sounding perilously close to tears. "What shall I ever do all alone in this hateful place!"

"Oh, now, Betty!" Bob put a clumsy hand on her shoulder in an effort to comfort her. "Don't you care—you'll be going to Washington as soon as you get word from your uncle. Maybe I'll be there when you come, and we'll go sightseeing together."

"Are you going right to Washington?" asked Betty, drying her eyes. "And are you sure you have enough money?"

"Oceans of cash," Bob assured her cheerfully. "That's right, brace up and smile. Think what it will mean to have one peaceful breakfast, for the last week Peabody has ragged me every meal. Sure I'm going to Washington to dig out a few facts from this Lockwood Hale. Now I'll throw down a little more hay for good measure and we'll go on in. Mustn't rouse suspicions by staying out too long. Peabody will probably sit up for me to come in to-night."

Betty waited till the hay was pitched down, then followed Bob to the main floor of the barn.

"Couldn't I walk just a little way with you?"