“Good night,” said her father, and Shirley ran into the house. There, at the foot of the steps stood Mabel, waiting for her.
The two girls ran quickly to their room. Later, when Mr. Willing looked in to see them, they were sleeping soundly.
“Poor children,” he said softly. “They have had a hard night. I shall let them sleep late to-morrow.”
But Shirley and Mabel, in spite of the hardships of the night before, were up bright and early, and down in the kitchen talking to “Aunt” Charlotte, the old colored cook, while she prepared breakfast.
Shortly after breakfast, Shirley, with an air of great importance, drew Mabel back to their room.
“Now,” she said, “I shall explain the plan I have formed to save Jimmy Smith.”
“What is it?” asked Mabel eagerly.
Shirley seated herself comfortably before she spoke and told Mabel to do the same. Her reply was a question.
“Have you ever noticed,” she asked, “how closely Jimmy Smith and I resemble each other?”
“Of course,” said Mabel. “Father and I have often spoken of it. Others also have noticed the resemblance. Why?”