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Show - Ill - occupants. Now, Penny was also beginning to realize that this was not the only'reason. The beautiful ghost had now become a friend, if that were possible and she truly wanted to help her. Would she ever be free of this terrible enigma that beset her? That evening, after dinner, their father called the girls into his study where he was reading the paper. It was not usual for Athena to join him as this was the one place he considered his very own, for relaxation, after a day's work. Penny wondered what the reason was that he had called them all together. Jim stuffed his pipe with tobacco, tammped it with his finger and then lit it. He puffed on it for a moment and when it was burning to his satisfaction, leaned back in his big leather armchair and crossed his legs. He appeared to be in a good mood. "Girls," said their father, "Your mother and I have been discussing .our vacation plans for this year. Now that we are fully settled in Gaven House and everything is in order, we can now start thinking about spending some time away from home," "Papa, will we be going up to the ranch soon? said Vicky, her eyes sparkling in anticipation. '"'Well now, Vicky," said her father, "That is what we want to discuss with you and Penny. I know how much you both enjoy spending time in the Vally and we will be going there, but some business has come up and I must make a trip to New York. In fact, a large shipment is coming in from Japan and I must check out the merchandise which I want sent out to San Francisco. Don't worry, there'll be some nice presents in it for the both of you, but we'll need your cooperation. ." • "It will take close to two weeks coming and going, by train, so all told the trip should extend to about a month or six weeks. I feel that it would be nice if your mother went along also. It's been quite a while since |