CHAPTER XXVI

HOW PHOEBE’S CONSPIRACY TRIUMPHED

As they rode homeward Phoebe said thoughtfully:

“Who will break the news to Toby?”

Mr. Spaythe and the governor exchanged glances.

“I think that must be your task, Phoebe,” said the latter. “No one has done so much for Toby Clark as you, nor has anyone been so instrumental in establishing his good fortune.”

“I--I don’t think I could do it!” exclaimed Phoebe. “Toby is so proud and sensitive that he--he might make a fuss, and that would break me all up.”

Said Mr. Spaythe, after a moment’s thought:

“I’ll make it easy for you, Phoebe. I’ll give a little dinner party at my house, in Toby’s honor, on Wednesday evening and invite all those friends who have stood by him during his time of need. Then you can make a speech and announce the good news.”

“Just the thing,” commented the governor. “Wednesday. That will give me time to accomplish something I have in mind.”

And so the matter was arranged.

Toby Clark had grown more restless as the day approached when he was to be tried for stealing Mrs. Ritchie’s box. He knew of the recent evidence against him--the finding of the money and bonds in his house--and fully realized that his guilt would appear conclusive to a jury. He was ashamed to go out of the house except for a brief walk after dark and whenever he met Mr. Spaythe or Eric at mealtime he would study their faces for some sign that would indicate hope. They seemed cheerful enough and laughed and talked as if no tragedy was pending; but both father and son refrained from mentioning Toby’s trial in any way. The boy had not seen Phoebe since she had rescued him from the hoodlums; Sam Parsons kept out of sight; Mr. Holbrook, who used to visit him regularly, now remained absent, and so poor Toby imagined himself deserted and neglected by all his friends.

Wednesday noon the banker said at luncheon:

“Toby, I’m giving a little dinner party to-night and I want you to be present.”

“Oh, sir! I--I----”

“Not a word, Toby. I won’t listen to any excuses. You will find the guests old friends and must be prepared to assist me and Eric to entertain them.”

The boy was astonished. He had never known Mr. Spaythe to entertain anyone before and this dinner party, given on the eve of Toby’s trial, seemed to him a cruel mockery. But he could not refuse Mr. Spaythe’s request, having been a guest in the banker’s house for so long and knew he must face these people as bravely as he could. He wondered, vaguely, who would come to the Spaythe dinner party, and toward evening grew very uneasy and despondent.

The first arrival was Janet Ferguson, and the sight of his old employer’s daughter did much to relieve his nervousness. Then came Nathalie Cameron and Lucy Hunter and following them closely he heard the eager voices of “the Daring tribe,” including Miss Eliot, Phoebe, Becky and Don. These were first greeted by Mr. Spaythe and Eric and then engaged Toby in conversation, surrounding him in a group--as if he were the hero of the occasion, he reflected bitterly, instead of an accused criminal in danger of a prison sentence!

From his seat in the long drawing-room Toby saw Mr. Holbrook arrive, and then Sam Parsons and Will Chandler--surely a mixed assemblage. Mr. Spaythe had refrained from inviting Hazel Chandler and Dave Hunter, thinking the ordeal would be too severe for them. Finally came Doris and Allerton Randolph and then Mr. Fellows, the editor, and with these the list of guests seemed complete, for they were all straightway ushered into the dining-room to partake of an elaborate feast.

Toby was in a daze. He could not understand it at all. On all sides were bright and happy faces and no one seemed to remember that on the morrow he was to be tried in open court as a thief.

With the dessert Mr. Spaythe looked up and said casually, but in a voice loud enough for all to hear:

“I believe Phoebe Daring has a few remarks to make to us, and this seems a good opportunity to hear her.”

Phoebe rose from her seat, rather red and embarrassed at first, as she marked the sudden silence around the table and the earnest looks turned upon her. But she resolved not to falter in the task she had undertaken.

“This is a joyful occasion,” she began, very solemnly--so solemnly that Becky giggled. “We have met, at Mr. Spaythe’s kind invitation, to extend congratulations to our friend Toby Clark.”

Don thought this a good time to yell “Bravo!” but the reproachful look of his sister promptly “squelched” him. Toby stared at Phoebe in wonder, but she refused to meet his pleading gaze.

“It is a joyful occasion,” she resumed, “because the absurd charge trumped up against Toby has been withdrawn, as perhaps you all know.” It was news to Toby, indeed! “Mrs. Ritchie has issued a signed statement, which Mr. Fellows is going to print in the paper, saying that she was mistaken about her box being stolen, as it was merely mislaid. Her property has all been recovered and she is very sorry that poor Toby was ever accused of a crime that neither he nor anyone else ever committed.”

There was something of a sensation around the table, for few had known of this statement until now. Toby was trying hard to comprehend his good fortune. He could no longer see Phoebe because his eyes were full of tears.

“Just before I came here this evening,” continued the girl, “I received a telegram from our governor, dated from the state capital. I will read it to you.” She unfolded a telegram and read in a clear, deliberate voice: “‘Probate Judge Fordyce to-day appointed Duncan Spaythe administrator of the estate of Toby Clark, and his guardian. Congratulations to all concerned.’”

An intense silence followed. A secret was here disclosed that had been unknown by any but Phoebe and the banker. Curious looks were cast upon the girl and then upon Toby. The lame boy half rose from his chair, pallid and shaking in every limb.

“I--I haven’t any estate,” he said. “It’s all a--a--cruel--joke! I----”

“Sit down, please,” said Phoebe. “I believe you were as ignorant as the others--as we all have been until recently--concerning this estate, which was bequeathed you by your father, Alonzo Clark. The preposterous charge against you led us to a rigid investigation of the Clark family history, and we--your friends--discovered that a certain mining property once owned by your father and left to you by his will, had become very valuable and for the past seven years has been paying you big dividends. So in your case trouble has led to prosperity. As you are not yet of age, it was necessary that an administrator and guardian for you be appointed by the court. The governor kindly interested himself in this matter, with the result that Mr. Spaythe is now your guardian and the custodian of all the money belonging to you.”

Phoebe, quite breathless now, sat down. Mr. Spaythe rose from his chair and was greeted with cheers.

“Around this table,” said he, “are gathered only loyal friends of Toby Clark--those who have supported him and watched over his interests during the past two months, the darkest period in his young life. Especially do I wish to congratulate Phoebe Daring and the energetic organizers and officers of the Toby Clark Marching Club for their good work on behalf of our young friend, who has so unjustly suffered because of a false accusation. But Toby’s troubles are over, now; for all time, I hope. Once more his good name stands unsullied in the eyes of the world. He has proved his mental caliber and courage by the manly way in which he has faced the wicked charge brought against him. With ample means, such as he now possesses, to back his highest ambitions, I predict that Toby Clark will in time become a great man and a power in our little community.”

The banker stood bowing until the thunderous applause that greeted his speech subsided. Becky smashed a plate by pounding it upon the table and no one reproved her. Then she pinched Don’s leg and his howl merely increased the sounds of jubilation. When, at last, comparative quiet reigned, Mr. Spaythe said:

“We will now hear from Toby Clark.”

Toby, still bewildered but trying to grasp the reality of the good fortune that had befallen him, responded in a few broken words:

“You won’t hear much from me,” he said, “because my heart is too full for anything but gratitude for the kind friends who have done so much for me. I wasn’t worth all your interest in me and trouble on my account, you know; but I’ll try to be more worthy in the future. I--I’m very happy and--I--I thank you all!”

More wild applause, and then Don’s voice was heard asking:

“Say, who gave the Marching Club that fifty dollars?”

“I did,” replied Mr. Spaythe, “and it was the best fifty I ever invested. But,” he added with a smile, “I’ve an idea of charging it to the account of Toby Clark.”

Here Mr. Holbrook rose to his feet.

“Toby Clark once applied to me for a position in my office,” he said, “and I was obliged to refuse him. But as my business is growing nicely I would now like to have him for my clerk.”

“No,” said Toby, with something of his old-time whimsical humor, “I must refuse the nomination, with thanks. I’m going to college. Some day, though, I’ll be a lawyer, too, Mr. Holbrook, and then--who knows?--we may go into partnership together.”

Azalea

_By_ ELIA W. PEATTIE

The first book of the “Blue Ridge” Series

Azalea is the heroine of a good, wholesome story that will appeal to every mother as the sort of book she would like her daughter to read. In the homy McBirneys of Mt. Tennyson, down in the Blue Ridge country, and their hearty mountain neighbors, girl readers will find new friends they will be glad to make old friends.

This book marks a distinct advance in the quality of books offered for girls. No lack of action--no sacrifice of charm.

_Four half-tone illustrations from drawings by Hazel Roberts. Attractive cover design, $1.00._

The second title in THE BLUE RIDGE SERIES will be published in 1913

Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago

_Exhilarating Books for Girls of Today_

The Flying Girl Series

_By_ EDITH VAN DYNE _Author of “Aunt Jane’s Nieces” Series_

Capital up-to-the-minute stories for girls and young people, in which the author is at her very best. Thrilling and full of adventure, but of that wholesome type parents are glad to put in the hands of their daughters. Two titles:

The Flying Girl

Orissa Kane, self-reliant and full of sparkling good nature, under-study for her brother, prospective inventor and aviator whose experiments put the Kane family into great difficulties, in the crisis proves resourceful and plucky, and saves the day in a most thrilling manner.

The Flying Girl and Her Chum

This story takes Orissa and her friend Sybil through further adventures that test these two clever girls to the limit. A remarkably well told story.

_12mo. Bound in extra cloth with design stamping on cover and fancy jacket. Printed on high grade paper. Illustrated in black and white._

_Price 60 cents each. Postage 12 cents._

Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago

The Aunt Jane’s Nieces Series

BOOKS FOR GIRLS _By_ EDITH VAN DYNE

SEVEN TITLES

_Aunt Jane’s Nieces_ _Aunt Jane’s Nieces Abroad_ _Aunt Jane’s Nieces at Millville_ _Aunt Jane’s Nieces at Work_ _Aunt Jane’s Nieces in Society_ _Aunt Jane’s Nieces and Uncle John_ _Aunt Jane’s Nieces on Vacation_

* * * * *

DISTINCTLY girls’ books and yet stories that will appeal to _brother_ as well--and to older folk. Real and vital--rousing stories of the experiences and exploits of three real girls who do things. Without being sensational, Mrs. Van Dyne has succeeded in writing a series of stories that have the tug and stir of fresh young blood in them. Each story is complete in itself.

_Illustrated 12mo. Uniform cloth binding, stamped in colors, with beautiful colored inlay. Fancy colored jackets. Price 60 cents each._

Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago

The Boys’ Big Game Series

=THE GIANT MOOSE.= The monarch of the big Northwest; a story told over camp fires in the reek of cedar smoke and the silence of the barrens.

=THE WHITE TIGER OF NEPAL.= The weird story of the man-killer of the foothills. Tinged with the mysticism of India, dramatic and stirring.

=THE BLIND LION OF THE CONGO.= A story of the least known part of the earth and its most feared beast. A gripping tale of the land of the white pigmies.

=THE KING BEAR OF KADIAK ISLAND.= A tale or the bully of the Frozen North and his mysterious guardian. A game-and-man-story that makes a good boy-story.

_The topnotch of production in boys’ books. Remarkable covers and four-color jackets. Illustrations and cover designs by Dan Sayre Groesbeck._

Price, 60 cents each

THE REILLY & BRITTON CO. PUBLISHERS, CHICAGO

The Boy Scouts of the Air Books

_By_ GORDON STUART

Are stirring stories of adventure in which real boys, clean-cut and wide-awake, do the things other wide-awake boys like to read about.

_Four titles, per volume, 60 cents_

THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR AT EAGLE CAMP THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR AT GREENWOOD SCHOOL THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR IN INDIAN LAND THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE AIR IN NORTHERN WILDS

_Splendid Illustrations by Norman Hall_

Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago

_By_ H. L. SAYLER

_SEVEN TITLES_

1. THE AIRSHIP BOYS Or, The Quest of the Aztec Treasure

2. THE AIRSHIP BOYS ADRIFT Or, Saved by an Aeroplane

3. THE AIRSHIP BOYS DUE NORTH Or, By Balloon to the Pole

4. THE AIRSHIP BOYS IN THE BARREN LANDS Or, The Secret of the White Eskimos

5. THE AIRSHIP BOYS IN FINANCE Or, The Flight of the Flying Cow

6. THE AIRSHIP BOYS’ OCEAN FLYER Or, New York to London in Twelve Hours

7. THE AIRSHIP BOYS AS DETECTIVES Or, On Secret Service in Cloudland

Fascinating stories of that wonderful region of invention where imagination and reality so nearly meet. There is no more interesting field for stories for wide-awake boys. Mr. Sayler combines a remarkable narrative ability with a degree of technical knowledge that makes these books correct in all airship details. Full of adventure without being sensational.

_The make-up of these books is strictly up-to-date and fetching. The covers are emblematic, and the jackets are showy and in colors. The illustrations are full of dash and vim. Standard novel size, 12mo. Price $1.00 each._

Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago

_The Best Aviation Stories for Boys_

The Aeroplane Boys Series

_By_ ASHTON LAMAR

These are the newest and most exciting books of aeroplane adventure. A special point is the correctness of the aviation details.

_1. IN THE CLOUDS FOR UNCLE SAM Or, Morey Marshall of the Signal Corps_

_2. THE STOLEN AEROPLANE Or, How Bud Wilson Made Good_

_3. THE AEROPLANE EXPRESS Or, The Boy Aeronaut’s Grit_

_4. THE BOY AERONAUTS’ CLUB Or, Flying for Fun_

_5. A CRUISE IN THE SKY Or, The Legend of the Great Pink Pearl_

_6. BATTLING THE BIGHORN Or, The Aeroplane in the Rockies_

_7. WHEN SCOUT MEETS SCOUT Or, The Aeroplane Spy_

* * * * *

_Fully illustrated. Colored frontispiece. Cloth, 12mo. 60 cents each._

* * * * *

Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago

ANNABEL

_By_ SUSANNE METCALF

A girls’ book with a clever, quick-moving plot is unusual. ANNABEL is that kind. The heroine is a lovable girl, but one with plenty of snap--her red hair testifies to that. Her friend, Will Carden, too, is a boy of unusual qualities as is apparent in everything he does. He and Annabel make an excellent team.

The two, the best of chums, retrieve the fortunes of the Carden family in a way that makes some exciting situations. The secret of the mysterious Mr. Jordan is surprised by Annabel, while Will, in a trip to England with an unexpected climax, finds the real fortune of the Cardens.

ANNABEL is a book whose make-up is in keeping with the high quality of the story.

_Beautiful cover and jacket in colors, 12 mo. Illustrated by Joseph Pierre Nuyttens. Price 60 cents_

Publishers The Reilly & Britton Co. Chicago

Transcriber’s Note:

Punctuation has been standardised. Changes to the original publication are as follows:

Page 76 spoke argumentively and there _changed to_ spoke argumentatively and there

Page 135 Don broke in the assist her _changed to_ Don broke in to assist her

Page 185 look in the faces o’ them childern _changed to_ look in the faces o’ them children

Page 269 fiancè. I can see no _changed to_ fiancé. I can see no

Page 280 and there were afforded an _changed to_ and they were afforded an

Fourth page of book catalogue designs by Dan Sayre Grosbeck _changed to_ designs by Dan Sayre Groesbeck

Seventh page of book catalogue Aero-Plane _changed to_ Aeroplane