Part 40 (2/2)

”Wasn't Walter dressed up like Marc Anthony?” de up onder in her eyes

”No He was the clown Paul was the Ros had come about

”That explains it,”actually have my initials in?”

”It isyou to call for it”

”Where is it now?”

”Home, in our safe”

”Then keep it there!” exclaimed Ida, a new determination in her voice

”But we cannot keep it,” objected Cora ”It is not ive it back to Sid?”

”Neither is it his,” went on Ida ”He gave it to me, and now I ask you to keep it--in trust”

”I don't see hoe can do that very well The reason I ainst Jack's wish, was that I wanted to get rid of the responsibility of keeping it Suppose it should be stolen? It is quite valuable”

”Well, I cannot take it,” insisted Ida ”Mother would not allow me to have it in the house Sid said it cost five hundred dollars”

”It is certainly a very valuable ring,” adive it back to Sid”

”Well, perhaps I shall--soone through with in the last month!” and Ida pressed her handkerchief to her swollen eyes

”I am sorry,” said Cora sih New City, and were back again in Chelton

Ida had asked to be let out at the post-office, and as Cora--drew up in front of it for her to alight, Ida extended her hand, and the two girls looked into each other's eyes, each trying to read her neighbor's thoughts

”Coca, you can help me, and I will soon ask you to do so,” said Ida almost in a whisper; ”but now--I cannot tell you now,” and she hurried out of the car

CHAPTER XXIII

THE MYSTERY SOLVED

Ida Giles had always been unpopular, and the kindness shown her by Cora Ki opt the tiirl like a revelation

For the first time in her dissatisfied life Ida determined to do what her better nature pro into trouble She deter so heavily over the heads of Cora and her friends

”I--I don't care what Sid thinks--or says,” murmured Ida, ”I'm done with hi alley, where she was pretty sure she would find Sid Within the little office in front one ht buy confections or ice cream, and at the saaway at the pins

Ida sent in word by the clerk, and Sid came out at once when he heard ished to speak to him Ida was struck at his appearance