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Rh not wish to frighten her away, for she is a strangely independent girl"

"You bet she is!" declared Mr. Hicks, emphatically.

"I hoped she would gradually become confiding, and then we could really do something for her. But when we got up yesterday morning she had stolen out of the house in the night and was gone."

"And ye don't know whar Jane Ann went?" he said, with a sort of groan.

Miss Kate shook her head; but suddenly a voice interrupted them. Ruth Fielding parted the curtains and came into the room.

"I hope you will pardon me, Miss Kate," she said softly,. "And this gentleman, too. I believe I can tell him how Nita went away—and perhaps through what I know he may be able to find her again."