Polly picked up a third paper.
“This one says, ‘Because pianos are expensive.’” She tried not to laugh when she read this. She recognized the writing as Artie’s.
“Here’s another,” she said hurriedly. “‘Pianos bear the noblest characters because they are grand, upright, and square.’ Why, that must be right!” added Polly, in surprise.
“Correct!” said Mr. Williamson. “See if that last paper has solved it, too. No? Well, then, will the prize winner please step forward and receive the prize?”
To the utter astonishment of the roomful, Margy came forward.
“Margy Williamson, you never guessed a riddle, did you?” gasped her mother.
If it had been Fred, no one would have wondered. But Margy! She who always complained that every riddle was too hard, that she couldn’t spell the words in them or do the arithmetic they demanded of her. Margy!
“It isn’t very complimentary to be so upset, Margy,” said her daddy, putting a little white box in her hand; “but I must say you are the last member of the Riddle Club I thought would solve a prize riddle.”
Margy grinned and opened her box. In it were two beautiful five dollar gold pieces.
“One goes in the bank,” she said, slipping it in as she spoke, “and the other goes on the tray for the school collection,” and she put the gold piece on the silver tray Mrs. Marley had loaned for this special occasion.