Jones, who had sat with his back to the door, jumped to his feet and faced the intruder. Jimmy, at first sight of Shirley, had turned white; but he kept his seat.
“Jimmy,” cried Shirley, rushing up to him, “surely you do not mean what you have said.”
Jimmy did not reply.
“Of course, he means it,” declared Jones, striding forward. “Why shouldn’t he, after the way you people have treated him?”
Shirley ignored Jones, and again spoke to Jimmy.
“We have done you a great injustice,” she said simply, “and Dad and I are both as sorry as we can be. I have come to take you back home.”
Jimmy looked at her in great surprise.
“Take me home?” he repeated. “Has Mr. Willing discovered his error?”
“Frank has confessed,” said Shirley quietly. “He is dead.”
“Frank dead!” echoed Jimmy, springing to his feet.