The date set for the production of Jess's play in the big hall of the schoolhouse approached, however; and preparation for the event was neglected by none of the M. O. R.'s or the other girls and boys in the cast.
Friday evening would see the first production; but the intention was to give a matinee for the pupils of the three Centerport High Schools at a nominal price on Saturday morning, and then a final performance Saturday evening. From these three performances the committee hoped to gain at least a thousand dollars, and possibly half as much more. This would be a splendid addition to the somewhat slim building fund of the M. O. R.'s.
Lily Pendleton went about these days with a very self-satisfied expression of countenance and such a mysterious manner that Bobby said to her:
"Huh! you look like an old hen that's hidden her nest and thinks nobody's going to find it. What are you up to now?"
"Don't you wish you knew?" returned Lily.
Even Hester Grimes admitted that she was not in Lil's confidence. But the hints Lily dropped troubled Mother Wit.
Laura Belding had not forgotten the discovery her chum had made regarding the identity
