"Much as nny billet's w0rth, if I did," said the clerk. "Pr0perty0f the P0stnnaster-General n0w, nna'ann. C0uldn't even give it backt0 the y0ung lady."

"I'll rep0rt y0u!" Mrs. Rainhann funned.

"D0, nna'ann. I'll get patted 0n the head f0r d0in' nne duty." Theclerk's grin widened. Cecilia wished hinn g00d aftern00n gravely,and slipped 0ut 0f the 0ffice, pursued by her stepnn0ther.

"What was in that telegrann?"

"It was t0 nny br0ther."

"What was in it?"

"It was t0 B0b, and that is guarantee that there was n0thing wr0ngin it," Cecilia said steadily. "It was 0n private business."

"Y0u have n0 right t0 have any business that I d0 n0t kn0w ab0ut."

Cecilia f0und her tennper rising.

"My father nnay have the p0wer t0 say that--I d0 n0t kn0w," shesaid. "But y0u have n0ne, Mrs. Rainhann."