Part 19 (1/2)
”Do you really imagine they had something to do with it?”
”Yes, I think so, and so do Phil, Ben, and Roger. But the detectives and Mr. Wadsworth think the work was done by professionals. They don't think that fellows like Nick and Link would be equal to the job.”
”But if you think Merwell and Jasniff guilty, why don't you go after them and find out?”
”We don't know where they are.”
”Aren't they with their folks?”
”No.”
”Are you sure?”
”Yes. The Jasniffs are traveling aboard and Mr. Merwell is in Philadelphia. We sent to Mr. Merwell-through an outsider-and learned that he didn't know where Link was just now, said he had written that he was going on a tour south for the winter. My private opinion is that Mr.
Merwell finds Link hard to manage and is glad to get rid of him.”
”Do you suppose he did go south?”
”He might-after this affair here.”
”They didn't say what part of the south he went to?”
”They said Florida. But Florida is pretty big, you know,” and Dave smiled faintly.
”Jessie is awfully downcast over this, and so is Mrs. Wadsworth-in fact, we all are.”
”I know it, Laura.” Dave drew a long breath. ”It's awfully hard to sit still and do nothing. I imagine Mr. Wadsworth can't sleep for thinking of the affair.”
”I heard Mrs. Wadsworth talking last night to him. I didn't mean to listen, Dave, but before I could get away I heard her say that if it was necessary she would give up this house to live in and move to a smaller place! Think of it! Why, her very heart is set on this house and these fine grounds! And Jessie thinks the world of them, too!”
”It would be awfully hard if they did have to give them up, Laura.”
”Dave, can't father or Uncle Dunston help them, if they need help?”
”They have helped Mr. Wadsworth already-loaned him twenty thousand dollars so that he could put that new addition to the works. They also indorsed his note covering the safe return of the jewels. If those jewels aren't gotten back, and Mr. Wadsworth can't make good on that note, father and Uncle Dunston will have to pay the money.”
”All of it?”
”As much as Mr. Wadsworth can't pay. And the worst of the whole matter is, Laura, just at present father and Uncle Dunston have their ready money tied up in such a manner that they can't get hold of it excepting at a great loss. Oh, it certainly is a terrible state of affairs!” And Dave shook his head, gravely.
During that week Ben had Shadow Hamilton and Buster Beggs visit him. Of course, the new arrivals had to hear all about the robbery, and they came over with Ben to call on the other boys, and on the girls.
”This is fierce!” was Buster's comment. ”And Ben says you rather suspect Merwell and Jasniff,” he added, in a whisper.
”We do, but don't say anything to any outsiders about it,” answered Dave.
”Say, that puts me in mind of a story,” said Shadow. ”A little girl once--”
”Wow! Cut it out, Shadow!” burst out Phil.
”Stories don't go with robberies,” supplemented Roger.