The realization that she was safe brought a nervous reaction, and though she had been plucky and brave in the hour of danger, she now collapsed with emotion.
"I'll tell you all about it," said King, grasping his father's hands.
"Midget was the bravest, pluckiest girl, and she saved both our lives." "What!" cried Mr.Maynard, "have you been in danger ?" Marjorie stopped her sobs a moment, and lifted her head from her mother's shoulder.
"It was P-Pompton saved us! I didn't do any saving,--I only s-screeched!" "And you screeched good and plenty, Miss Marjorie," said the chauffeur, "which was what saved the day; and, Mr.Maynard, by your leave, I'll take the car a minute, to see if there's anybody in authority in this village.
I've a matter to put in their hands." Without waiting for further explanation, Pompton whizzed away in the big car to find the public officials, and set them on trail of the gypsies.
For though unsuccessful, their base attempt at kidnapping ought not to go unpunished.
Kingdon told a straightforward story of all that had happened.

Unlike Marjorie, he was not overcome by emotion, and though somewhat excited after the experience they had had, he gave a clear and direct account of it all.
Mrs.Maynard held Marjorie closer as she heard of the danger they had been in, and Mr.Maynard laid his hand on the shoulder of his tall son, and heartily exonerated him from all blame in the matter.
"I suppose," King said, a little dubiously, "we ought not to have gone on to the camp; but Mops,--I mean, we were both thirsty,--and we thought it was a farmhouse." "Of course you did," said Mrs.Maynard; "you did nothing wrong whatever." "I did," said Midget, penitently; "after we passed the horrid basket-man, King sort of thought he was a gypsy, and he thought we'd better turn back, but I insisted on going on." "Nothing of the sort!" exclaimed King.

"Mops isn't a bit to blame! I did think maybe the man was a gypsy,--and I ought to have insisted on going back." "Well, well," said Mr.Maynard, "don't strive so hard for the honor of being to blame.

It's all over now, and for the present let's forget it, while we eat our luncheon, because it might interfere with our digestion.
We're truly thankful to have you back, and we're going to show our thankfulness by not worrying or lamenting over what might have been." Mr.Maynard's gaiety, though it was really a little forced, had a good effect on the others.

For, had he taken a melancholy attitude, they were quite ready to follow suit.
As it was, they all cheered up, and with bright faces followed Mr.
Maynard to the dining-room.