“Yes, and maybe they’re trying to get Mr. Hardack and Jessica into trouble,” put in Ned.
“Jealous, eh?” asked Jerry.
“Well I guess you don’t like to see Noddy Nixon paying attention to Jessica, or to any other nice girl for that matter, any more than I do. I don’t know as that’s jealousy.”
“No, you’re right,” came from Jerry, who spoke in a serious tone. “Of course we have nothing to go by, but I think there’s something in the wind. I am almost certain Bill Berry stole that diamond ring from the bath house, and I’m going to tell Professor Snodgrass what I know about it. I shall also inform him where Bill is, and he can do as he pleases about having him arrested.”
“What about Noddy?” asked Ned.
“We’ll see what develops. Maybe Noddy is mixed up in it, though I don’t really believe he’d steal.”
That night the boys, in their boat, went to the amusement resort, where they had first seen Noddy walking with Jessica. There was a minstrel performance scheduled, for the benefit of the local hospital. As they tied the craft to the dock, among a score of other boats, Ned remarked:
“I guess I’ll stay here, fellows. I don’t much feel like taking in the show.”
“Want to sit and think of Jessica,” said Jerry, with a laugh. “Well you are certainly getting moony, old chap. You’d better take some liver medicine. Come on, Bob, we’ll see the fun.”
“Yes, and get something to eat, too. Better come, Ned.”