They peered cautiously into the hall and Bet snapped on the light, and let out a scream of laughter.
"It's just Auntie Gibbs! I forgot that she takes her daily exercise at this hour. She's always prowling around to see if the doors and windows are locked."
"What are you children doing?" demanded Auntie Gibbs. "Get into bed this minute or you'll get your death! I'll tell Colonel Baxter when he comes home."
This was the daily threat that the old woman made to Bet, who, not having any fear of her father, smiled serenely. All went to their rooms. Shirley and Joy cuddled down under the covers and were soon asleep. And when Auntie Gibbs was in her own room, Kit and Bet began their watch.
"Bet Baxter, you're cheating!" came Joy's sleepy voice from the blankets.
"I just this minute closed my eyes," exclaimed Shirley.
"Waking us up the minute we fell asleep! A trick like that isn't funny. You just think it is!" pouted Joy.
The three girls commenced to giggle and soon Joy was wide awake and enjoying the joke at her expense.
"What are we going to do today?" asked Joy as they went down to the dining room. "Let's think up something specially nice, for school begins on Monday. This two weeks' vacation just flew by!"
"Whatever it is that we plan, it will have to be something we can do right here at home. I do not intend to go out of the house today."
"That's all right. We've had lots of good times here in the Manor. Maybe we can manage to have one more," Shirley laughed happily.
"You know what I'd like to do, Bet?" said Joy, clapping her hands. "I'd just love to call Bob and Phil. They'll be so glad that the fan is found."
For a moment Bet was about to object, then fearing to arouse the suspicion of the girls toward Phil she agreed.
What would Phil do when he learned that the fan had been recovered? Would he try to pass it off and appear innocent in the matter? Just how could he face the Merriweather Girls, knowing what they stood for: honor, loyalty and friendship?
But Bet kept these thoughts to herself. Her chums must not know anything about it. She would be loyal to that extent.
Joy called up her brother and then impulsively said, "Just a minute, Bob! Bet wants to tell you the news!"
"Hello, Bet," came Bob's voice over the phone.