It was surprising to the visitors at the camp that the old woman should have such influence over these black-browed ruffians. But she did possess a power; it was self-evident!
Soon preparations were begun for shifting camp. The tents were struck and all the paraphernalia of the camp was returned to the three vans.
"Something has happened," whispered Ruth to Helen. "Perhaps Tom has raised the hue and cry for us, and they are afraid of being caught here with us in their possession."
"Mean old things!" snapped Helen. "I wish they would all be caught and put into jail."
"The little children, too?"
"The little ones will grow up to be big ones—and they are all bad," declared Helen, with confidence.
"I can't believe that Roberto is bad," said Ruth, thoughtfully. "I wish he was with them now. I believe he would help us get away."
"Maybe these are not his people."
"I think they are," returned Ruth. But she did not say anything then to Helen about the pearl necklace, and the cashbox of Queen Zelaya.
The necklace was never out of Ruth's thought, however, for she was sure it had been stolen. The girl of the Red Mill would know the necklace again; wherever she might see it.