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They immediately broke the news of Pete's desertion to Merrill Frank

received it without any appearance of surprise But he announced, with a

sudden boo voice, that he expected thereement Billy answered for the rest that they had no

intention of doing anything else But the four were now in high spirits

Aer said, "If we capture them," but "When

we capture them"

The stress of the situation at once pulled Frank away froroup He was a natural

disciplinarian, as they had learned at the time of the wreck Now his

sense of responsibility developed a severity that was almost austerity

He kept them constantly at work In private the others chafed at his

tone of authority But in his presence they never failed of respect

Besides, his remarkable unselfishness compelled their esteem, a shy vein

of innocent, humorless sweetness their affection "Old Frank" they

always called hi walks which latterly he

had abandoned He left three of his underlings behind Pete painted a

water-color; Clara, weaving back and forth, watched his progress Ralph

worked on the big cabin - they called it the Clubhouse - Peachy whirling