Part 9 (1/2)
”Oh, probably to see about having the old car fixed up. Of course, when she got Jack to fetch it she will manage to have him attend to the rest.”
Bess and Belle were now abreast of the girls on the sidewalk. The twins bowed pleasantly, while the others nodded in return.
”I wish mother had not gone to town this morning,” said Daisy. ”I would just like to see where they are all going.”
”Your mother took the car?”
”Yes; and she won't be home until evening. Well, I declare if there isn't Cora and--”
”Walter Pennington,” finished Maud. ”She is almost as changeable as her brother.”
”Isn't it too mean that we have to walk,” complained Daisy. ”I have a mind to go over to the garage and ask for a car. Father often gets one.”
”Oh, yes. Doctors are always having breakdowns. Do you suppose you could get one?”
”Well, I am going to try, at any rate,” and Daisy Bennet quickened her pace, while Maud Morris hurried along with her companion. It was but a few minutes' walk to the garage, and when the girls reached the entrance they were surprised to find the three automobiles, Jack's, Cora's and the twins' pulled up outside.
”Oh, I can't go in now,” demurred Daisy. ”We will have to wait until they go. Funny they should be taking a morning run, without asking us along.”
Paul Hastings was talking to the Robinson girls. It was evident that he was much excited. Cora was on the sidewalk, and Cecilia was beside her. Jack stood off to one side with Walter.
”Some important consultation,” whispered Daisy. ”I'll wager it's about the hold-up.”
”Of course, father knows you had nothing to do with it,” Bess was saying to Paul, ”but he is positive the papers were in that mail. Corn, thought it best we should let you know right away.”
”Forewarned is forearmed,” said Paul. Then Daisy and Maud came up to the group.
”My!” exclaimed Daisy. ”Quite a gathering.”
”Yes,” answered Clip. ”We are glad you came. Now our meeting is complete. We want evidence. Tell us all you know about the strange men. You had a good chance to observe. You were not in the little quadrille on the road.”
”Why,” stammered Daisy, ”I thought them very nice-looking men. They were well dressed, and--”
”That's it,” interrupted Jack. ”They were nice men, well dressed. What else do you expect young ladies to observe? Clip, your suspicions are not borne out by facts. Not a girl in the party but yourself saw--what was it? The corner of the missing blue envelope in the upper right-hand pocket--”
”Jack Kimball! You know perfectly well I never said such a thing. I did see something blue, but it might have been--”
”A captured shadow from Daisy's eyes,” said Walter dryly.
”What happened?” breathed Maud. Then Walter realized what a girl's eyes may do in the matter of ”imploring.” He deliberately stepped over to Maud's side.
”Oh, some valuable papers were taken from the mailbag,” volunteered Clip. ”And we thought the strange men might have found them.”
”You cheerful fibber,” whispered Jack. ”Come on, if you expect to get to Cartown to-day.”
”How can we, now?” asked Clip in an undertone.
”Just jump in and go,” replied Jack. ”Why should we explain?”