Doris and Kitty were at their wits’ end. In every manner possible they had tried to convince the Misses Gates of their innocence, but they realized that no matter how strong was the case against Ronald Trent, the ladies would give him the benefit of the doubt. Only positive proof would shake their faith in him, for in their minds they had built up a dream man. It was difficult for them to see Ronald in his true colors.
Realizing this, it seemed to Doris that the best thing the girls could do would be to leave the mansion at once. Perhaps later, the Misses Gates would realize their error.
“We have caused you enough worry and pain,” she said quietly. “Kitty and I will pack our things and leave at once.”
“But our lost papers!” Iris half sobbed.
“We can only tell you what we’ve said before,” Doris declared. “You’ll find them in Henry’s suitcase!”
“I don’t see why we shouldn’t look, at any rate,” Azalea murmured. “Ronald, don’t you think it would be the best way to clear up this frightful muddle?”
“I wouldn’t give that much credit to the trumped-up story,” he returned condescendingly. “My dear ladies, don’t take this matter so seriously.”
Azalea eyed him with the first glimmer of distrust.
“After all, it happens to beourpapers that are missing,” she told him tartly. “I think we shall have a look inside that suitcase!”
Cora and Henry, now thoroughly frightened, began to back toward the door.
“Where are you going?” Azalea asked sharply.
“We are leaving,” Cora told her sullenly. “We won’t remain in this house to be insulted!”
“You’ll not leave until we have examined your suitcase,” Azalea retorted, displaying more spirit than the girls had known she possessed.
“You’ll not find any papers there!” Henry cried. “Not unless these girls framed us!”
“That’s probably just what they did do!” Cora chimed in, catching at the straw. “I’ll bet they put them in our suitcase, so as to throw suspicion on us.”
“We’ll soon know if the papers are there or not,” Azalea declared.
Realizing that they could no longer bluff, Henry and Cora of one accord started for the door, hoping to escape. They were abruptly halted by a steel-like voice.
“Stand where you are!”
Doris and Kitty wheeled, to see Jake barring the door. And directly behind him stood Marshmallow and Dave!
Doris had never seen Jake look as he did at this moment, when he faced the group in the room. Ignoring Cora and Henry after his first command to them, he walked directly over to Ronald Trent.
“Your game’s up, Joe Jeffery,” he said in a hard, metallic voice. “We’ve got you cold. I’ve been waiting a long time to get even!”
Ronald stared at him a full instant and then, with a dazed expression, sank limply down into the nearest chair.
“You win,” he muttered weakly.
Doris ran quickly to Jake and caught him by the arm.
“Who is this man?” she cried eagerly.
“The police know him well enough,” Jake grunted. “There’s a reward of five thousand out for him!”
“Five thousand!” Iris gasped. “But what has he done?”
“Swindled folks out of their hard earned money. He’s been workin’ his little game for years!”
“And to think he might have robbed us, if it hadn’t been for Doris!” Azalea murmured. “Oh, what silly fools we’ve been!”
“You weren’t the first to be taken in by him, ma’am,” Jake responded. “He’s a slick one. Took me in once, but this is where we’ll square accounts.” He indicated Cora and Henry. “Who are these folks? Friends of his?”
“Yes, they’re all in the plot,” Doris cried.
Henry did not deny the charge this time. Instead, he made a sudden dash for the door. Marshmallow and Dave were too quick for him, however, and caught him roughly by the arms.
“Oh, no, you don’t,” Dave said grimly, forcing him back. “You’ll stay here until we’re through with you.”
“What’s he been up to?” Jake demanded gruffly.
“He took some valuable papers belonging to the Misses Gates,” Doris declared. “Kitty and I are sure he put them into his suitcase, intending to get away some time today before the loss was discovered.”
“Let’s have a look at that suitcase, then,” Jake directed.
“I’ll get it,” Doris cried.
She and Kitty hurried up to the third floor and entered the Sully apartment. Etta was sleeping and they did not awaken her, but quickly took the suitcase from beneath the bed and carried it downstairs.
Removing the articles of clothing, Doris took out the two envelopes and handed them to Iris. She ripped them open and brought to light negotiable oil bonds, an important deed, and several other papers.
“I’m glad we have them back,” she sighed in relief, “but I can’t understand why any one would wish to steal them.”
“Let me see one of those bonds,” Dave said.
Iris handed over one of the certificates. He studied it for an instant and then gave a low exclamation of astonishment.
“Why, these are Standard Condonite!”
Seeing that the name meant little to the Misses Gates, he hastened to explain.
“Standard Condonite is one of the new oil companies that has been growing like a mushroom. The stock has tripled in value during the last year!”
“Then our bonds really are valuable!” Azalea exclaimed. She looked accusingly at Henry and Cora who had the grace to hang their heads. “You knew this!”
“That man put us up to stealing them,” Henry muttered, indicating Ronald Trent.
“But I don’t understand how you knew we had them,” Iris murmured in bewilderment.
“My wife heard you and Miss Azalea talking one day and you mentioned your bonds,” Henry offered. “We didn’t think anything more about it until that man Trent came here. He gave us money to tell him what property you had. He wanted us to git this stuff for him. Said he’d give us part of it.”
“And you thought you’d hog the whole of it,” Trent added bitterly. “You were planning to get away before I got wise to your scheme.”
“I’m afraid there’s no honor among thieves,” Doris observed dryly.
“If only we had back the money we gave away!” Iris said regretfully. “We need it so badly.”
“How much did you give the rascal?” Jake asked bluntly.
“Nearly eight hundred dollars in all. Only yesterday we went to the bank and drew out five hundred. It was practically our last cent.”
Jake crossed over to the swindler and jerked him roughly out of the chair into which he had slumped. Quickly he went through his pockets and brought out a fat billfold. From this he extracted a number of bills which he placed upon the table.
Eagerly Azalea and Iris counted the money. In all it came to five hundred and fifty-two dollars.
“I’m afraid that’s all you’ll get back,” Jake told them. “He’s likely spent the rest.”
“It’s better than losing everything,” Azalea declared gratefully, “and we have our bonds which we can sell.”
“What do you want done with these birds?” Jake next asked. “I have a private grudge with Jeffery so he’s going to jail, but you can do what you please with the other two, for all of me.”
Azalea and Iris looked doubtfully at each other, and the Sullys, observing their indecision, began to plead for their freedom.
“We didn’t mean to steal,” Cora said tearfully. “You’ve always been so good and kind to us. For the sake of little Etta—”
“It seems to me you haven’t considered her yourself until now,” Azalea interrupted. “However, we are not without sympathy even for those who have plotted against us. Cora, I feel that you have allowed your husband to lead you astray. Your mother worked for us a number of years and I promised her that I would try to see that you never came to grief. For that reason Iris and I shall permit you and your husband to go free, providing you promise to lead a straight life from this day on.”
“We promise,” the two murmured together.
“Then take your things and leave the house immediately. You have demonstrated that you are unfit parents, so Etta must be left behind. You may go now.”
Cora and Henry, without a word of thanks, rushed out of the room. Within half an hour they had left the house.
“Now I’ll be gettin’ this fellow out of your way,” Jake declared briskly.
“Just a minute,” Iris said quietly. “You’re quite sure there can be no mistake. This man is really Joe Jeffery and not Ronald Trent.”
“There’s no mistake, ma’am. He’s just an impostor.”
“But how did he ever learn of John Trent?” Doris demanded. She turned to Ronald. “What do you know about my uncle?”
“Please tell us,” Azalea begged. “It will mean so much to know.”
“Go to Cloudy Cove and find out for yourselves,” he snapped, forgetting that he had ever treated the twins in a courtly manner.
“Oh, but we are too old to travel,” Iris sighed. “If only we could find out what became of John!”
“I’ll go,” Doris volunteered.
“How kind of you!” Azalea murmured gratefully. “You’ve done so much for us already. I don’t know how we can ever repay you.”
“I’m not looking for pay,” Doris returned with a smile. “I’ll be glad of an opportunity to look into the matter for you.”
Her promise was not an idle one. Very shortly, Doris and her friends were to go to Cloudy Cove, there to learn more of the details of John Trent’s strange career. Her adventures in this connection are related in the volume entitled, “Doris Force at Cloudy Cove, or, The Old Miser’s Signature.”
Jake telephoned to the police station and within fifteen minutes the officers arrived to take charge of Joe Jeffery. They positively identified him as a notorious swindler and assured Doris and her friends that the reward money would go to them.
“I think Jake and the Misses Gates should have it,” Doris declared. “The money will make up for what Ronald took!”
“Oh, we wouldn’t think of taking it,” Azalea and Iris protested. “You and your chum were really responsible for capturing the man. You saved our money!”
“I didn’t do anything,” Jake protested. “I just came here as Doris asked me to, and then when I saw that bird I recognized him. I don’t want any money.”
“What a situation!” Doris laughed. “Five thousand dollars and no one wants it!”
“Say, I have an idea,” Marshmallow broke in.
“Unburden yourself,” Doris laughed.
“Well, since no one of you is willing to accept the money, why not divide it equally among you?”
“Doris should have the greater share, though,” Jake protested. “She was the one who was responsible for solving the mystery.”
“But you landed thecoup de grace,” Doris insisted.
Jake scratched his head and grinned.
“The which?”
“Coup de grace—that’s French. It means the finishing stroke.”
“I reckon Joe Jeffery is finished all right,” Jake agreed. “He won’t try to swindle any more people out of their hard earned cash.”
After considerable discussion it was decided that the reward money should be divided between Doris, Kitty, the Misses Gates and Jake. The Misses Gates declared at first that they would accept no share, but Doris and her friends, realizing how badly they needed ready money, insisted that they take it. At last they gave in.
“We didn’t do a thing to help bring Ronald—I mean Joe Jeffery to justice,” Azalea murmured. “We even hindered you, Doris, thinking you were prejudiced against him. It doesn’t seem fair that we take anything.”
“If you and your sister refuse your share, then I’ll not take mine either,” Doris told her.
“Let us take one share between us,” Iris protested.
Doris shook her head.
“No, we must share alike. It makes easier arithmetic, too. An even thousand dollars apiece.”
“A thousand dollars!” Kitty gasped. “Am I actually to get that much? I think I’m going to faint!”
“Go ahead,” Marshmallow invited impudently. “I’ll catch you.”
“Two thousand dollars,” Azalea murmured, and looked almost tearfully at her sister. “Itwillmean a great deal to us.”
“Then you accept?” Doris asked.
“I suppose we must, but only on one condition.”
“And what is that?”
“That you accept a reward from us.”
“Another reward!” Doris gasped. “One is sufficient.”
“We don’t refer to money,” Iris said. “This is just a token of our appreciation.” She hesitated, and then went on with a brave smile. “Azalea and I would like you to have the ruby ring.”
“To keep?” Doris questioned in amazement.
“Yes,” Iris returned quietly. “You understand why we cannot wear it ourselves and you admire it so much.”
“I never dreamed of owning such a lovely ring!” Doris gasped in delight. “Why, I am sure it is very valuable, too. I really don’t like to take it.”
“Please do,” the twins begged. “We have no wish to keep it in the house, now that—well, you understand.”
Doris became aware that Kitty was nudging her vigorously in the back and recognized it as a hint that her chum hoped she would accept the gift. She debated an instant and then smiled.
“I can’t begin to thank you for it,” she told the Misses Gates gratefully. “It will serve to remind me always of our thrilling adventure here at Locked Gates. And if ever the time should come when you want it back—”
Azalea shook her head.
“That time will never come, my dear. It is yours with no strings attached. Beautiful jewels were meant for young girls.”
“The ring is so beautiful I’ll be afraid of losing it.”
“You can have it reset,” Azalea suggested.
It was some time before Doris thought about asking Jake if he had brought the money which she had requested.
“No, I didn’t,” he confessed. “When I received your message, I thought something was wrong, so I just left the money in the bank and brought Marshmallow and Dave instead.”
“I’m glad you used your own judgment,” Doris assured him, “although I never would have lent that man my money when it came right down to it. Now my bank account is still intact, and I’ll have another thousand to add to it. I guess Uncle Wardell will think I have the makings of a business woman!”
Doris and Kitty planned to return home with Jake and their friends, but the Misses Gates would not hear of them departing until after luncheon. After the excitement had died down and all questions had been satisfactorily answered, the girls escorted Jake and the young men about the grounds. Kitty and Marshmallow made excellent use of the opportunity to strengthen their acquaintance.
At one o’clock the Misses Gates served a delightful meal in the garden. Since Cora and Henry Sully had departed in great haste, the twins had been forced to prepare it with their own hands, but this they insisted was an honor and a pleasure. In spite of all that had transpired, it seemed to Doris and Kitty that Azalea and Iris were far happier than they had been a few days before.
Doris had not forgotten Etta Sully and wondered what was to become of her. She intended to bring up the subject but, before she could do so, Azalea mentioned it.
“Iris and I have been talking it over,” she said to the group after luncheon was over, “and it seems to us that Etta should be sent to a special home for cripples. She will need medical attention and of course her education has been sadly neglected. We have decided to use the reward money for that purpose.”
“That will be lovely of you,” Doris declared.
The girls insisted upon helping with the dishes and, as Marshmallow and Dave volunteered as “second assistants,” the work was dispatched with rapidity and a great deal of fun.
“I declare, I feel ten years younger with so many young people around,” Iris laughed. “We’ll hate to see you leave, Doris.”
“You will come back often, won’t you?” Azalea pleaded.
“Oh, Kitty and I shall be driving this way often, I’m sure,” Doris returned.
Not until late in the afternoon did the party take leave of the Misses Gates. The twins accompanied them to the car which was to take them back to Chilton, and waved until they rounded a corner and were lost to view.
“You know, after you accustom yourself to a place, it doesn’t seem so spooky,” Kitty commented as they rode slowly along the street. “I can honestly say I’ve learned to like Locked Gates.”
“It’s like olives,” Doris laughed. “The first taste is rather unpleasant.”
“I guess you didn’t know what you were getting into when you went there, did you?” Marshmallow asked. “Doris, your Uncle Ward will certainly be surprised when you tell him all that has happened to you.”
“And won’t he be delighted to see me coming home with reward money!” Doris exclaimed. “He was a little afraid this trip would prove an expensive one. As a matter of fact, it’s turned out to be an investment.”
“It was certainly the most exciting three weeks I ever spent,” Kitty said with a blissful sigh. “I enjoyed every minute of it.”
“So did I,” Doris agreed. “From now on, we won’t be always wondering why the mansion gates are locked, either.”
“Hardly,” Dave grinned. “You’ve unraveled all the mysteries and unearthed all the secrets.”
“Not quite all,” Doris corrected. “I must find out about my Uncle John Trent’s estate, and something tells me it may offer difficulties.”
“It may offer more than that,” Dave replied soberly. “Doris Force, when you go to Cloudy Cove, you may discover you’ve inherited a fortune!”
THE END