Part 19 (1/2)
The girl was Ida Giles, and as Cora watched theleam of an incandescent lamp It was evidently a letter
CHAPTER XI
MOTORING OUTFITS
For days following the loss of theof the empty pocketbook every possible clue was followed up, both by the police of New City and Chelton, and by many detectives, ere lured on by the offered reward of five hundred dollars
Nor were suspicious tongues idle If Cora was not openly accused, it was because she had a brother ould vigorously defend her
Nor did the Robinson girls altogether escape, though it was generally hinted, in the case of all the young ladies, that they ht have hidden the money ”just for fun,” and when they sahat excitement it caused they were afraid to return it
”As if that was a joke,” said Cora, when she heard this version
Of course, the boys who took part in the race had to answer numerous questions for the police, but at the end of a week, which was an unpleasant one for all concerned, the detectives were as far off the track as ever Sid and Ida had their share of the ”third degree” of police questioning in a nant and refused to answer questions, he finally gave in There was an unofficial verdict of ”not guilty” in the case of all, and Ed's little fortune seemed likely never to be found
When, about teeks after the loss, Cora took a hundred-dollar bill to the bank to get it changed, and the teller looked at it rather longer than seemed necessary, Jack, ith his sister, asked:
”What's the , for the finger of suspicion see at his faood,” was the sovernave it to me for my birthday,” explained Cora ”I haven't had ti my auto No one ever questioned a bill of hers before”
”Neither have I questioned it,” declared the teller ”I wasa note of the number We have instructions to take a e deno that”
”Since as that rule in effect?” asked Jack
”Since the Foster robbery”
Jack started Then he ree denomination
”Suspicion even here,” he muttered to Cora as they went out
”Hush, Jack, dear,” she said softly ”Some folks will hear you”
”Well, I don't care if they do It's fierce--the way people believe that you--and I--had a hand in that robbery”
”Never mind,” replied his sister ”Oh,” she added quickly, ”there are the Robinson girls outside,” and she hurried down the bank steps The two sisters alking slowly along, and from a certain air about Bess it was evident that she had so important to tell Cora
”Any news of the--robbery?” Bess asked Jack
”Not that I know of,” he answered rather glooht be able to throw additional light on it are away Sid has gone--no one see, and we haven't been able to find that old farot his tea him on the road, and he spoke to hiot in Cora's car”
”No,” said Elizabeth with a sigh ”But where are you going, Cora?”