DORIS FORCE
AT LOCKED GATES
Or
Saving a Mysterious Fortune

By
Julia K. Duncan

THE GOLDSMITH PUBLISHING CO.
CHICAGO NEW YORK

Copyright MCMXXXI
H. A. Co.
MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

CONTENTS

Chapter Page

I A Queer Invitation 5

II A Friendly Note 12

III A Prospective Visit 22

IV An Aviation Meet 28

V Kitty Arrives 35

VI Locked Gates 42

VII A Strange Reception 53

VIII A Visitor 59

IX A Conversation Overheard 66

X Memories 75

XI A Sorrowful Romance 82

XII An Interlude 91

XIII An Important Request 99

XIV A Valuable Find 108

XV Questionable Characters 118

XVI A Pleasant Adventure 125

XVII A Dog’s Discovery 135

XVIII The Floor Above 141

XIX Under the Window 149

XX A Picnic 154

XXI An Unusual Procedure 168

XXII A Narrow Escape 179

XXIII An Accusation 187

XXIV Face to Face 195

XXV Vindication 200

DORIS FORCE AT
LOCKED GATES

CHAPTER I
A QUEER INVITATION

“What are you waiting for, Doris? You’ve been hanging on that gatepost all afternoon.”

“Marshmallow” Mallow, a chubby, pleasant-faced youth flung away the core of an apple and came slowly down the walk toward the girl he had just addressed.

“Oh, I’m waiting for the postman,” Doris Force, an unusually pretty miss of sixteen, tossed carelessly over her shoulder as she continued to gaze down the street. “He just turned the corner.”

“Must be you’re expecting a very important letter,” Marshmallow drawled. “I’ll bet it’s from Dave!”

“Oh, go eat another apple!” Doris retorted goodnaturedly. “I’m looking for a letter from Kitty Norris, my chum at boarding school. I’m anxious to find out what she’s planning to do this vacation.”

“It’s sure going to be dull here at Chilton this summer.”

“I wish something exciting would turn up.”

“So do I, but nothing ever does.” Gloomily, Marshmallow thrust his hand into his coat pocket and brought out two candy bars. “Have one, Doris?”

“No, thanks. I don’t see how you can enjoy eating all the time! Why, if you keep on, you’ll land in the circus!”

Doris knew from past experience that her gibes would be accepted in the