human
I'm afraid our trip's been in vain, moaned Louise.
gpt
Somebody is imitating the work--somebody right here in New York. Of course they can afford to sell it cheaper than your father--with no tax to pay!
human
There's something fishy about the whole thing! she said.
gpt
Because if this man Hofstatter didn't buy from the Convent, who did? They had nothing left to sell to Daddy!
human
Maybe he lied to Carwein! exclaimed Louise.
gpt
Anybody can see that my handkerchief is exactly like yours.
human
Yes! I think this man Hofstatter has smuggled the stuff into the country, avoiding the tax. That's what I believe!
gpt
Now our job is to trap Hofstatter!
human
You mean to try to find him in Plattsburg?
gpt
I don't believe he's there--Or any lace-makers, either. We might stop and find out--and then go on to Montreal--to the Convent--and try to catch him, or find out something about him there.
human
He probably won't be back for a good while, if he has just bought out the supply,
gpt
True, admitted Louise.
human
But let's fly to Plattsburg anyhow, and investigate. We've gotten along O.K. here in New York. If we can only do as well there!
gpt
Well, it's only December twenty-seventh. We have plenty of time before school starts again.
human
Now to send Ted a night-letter! Louise reminded her chum.
gpt
New York to Plattsburg--Plattsburg to Montreal--Montreal to the Convent, with the time figured as closely as possible, and a telegram to him each night if we are safe.
human
Righto! We'll stay all night at Plattsburg tonight. And we ought to be at the Convent tomorrow--December twenty-eighth.