"We'll discuss that later," replied the Colonel.
Making an appointment for an interview the next morning, Colonel Baxter bade goodbye to the Chief.
"Oh Daddy, what a relief it is to have you around to attend to things!" cried Bet when they were alone.
The party broke up very soon after they reached the Manor. The girls were tired from the excitement of the last week and ready to go to sleep. And when the door closed after his young guests, Colonel Baxter said, "Now Bet you look as if you'd had a hard week. Get into bed and call when you're ready and I'll sit with you a while."
It was good to have her father here, to feel his hand clasping hers with a firm grip that assured her of protection and love. She had hardly said good-night when her hand relaxed and sleep overcame her tired eyelids.
Bet was having her first untroubled sleep for over a week, and her pale face showed the effects of the strain. Her father mused: "It's been a big problem for my little girl, but she handled it well, even to guarding the fan last night! She's a great girl! I'm glad she's mine!"
Colonel Baxter slept in the guest room instead of going to his own chamber. He had promised Bet to stay near her. She waked him early the next morning.
"I'm going to school after all, Dad! I've had a good night's rest and feel fine," she announced.
"And Dad, I forgot to tell you. On Saturday just before we found the fan in Hermit's Hut, Shirley set her camera for a wild animal picture. You see we planned on going back there Sunday and getting it. It's still there."
"I'll get it today. I have an idea that Chief Baldwin and I will take a trip out there and look over the ground. I'll get the camera."
Bet spoke earnestly: "Don't try to find out who stole the fan, Daddy! Let the matter drop."
"Daddy, it might be someone we liked and trusted and if it was, we'd--we'd--well life wouldn't be so good after that. Let's drop it! Say yes!"
Bet's father straightened up in bed and took the face of his daughter between his two hands.
"I see that you are still troubled. There is someone you fear has been false. Is that it? Some friend?"
"But that's all the more reason why we should investigate and make sure about it."
"Bet, dear, can you trust your father? I've never failed you, have I?"