“‘So I had a talk with her,’” Dimitri read on from the letter, “‘and I decided it wasn’t right to Melissa to keep her here with me. Not that I’m going to be here any more. I’m leaving. But before I left I told this Emma Tash she could take Melissa and bring her up the way her aunt wants her brought up. So that woman took her off.’”
“Then the poor child will have something in life after all,” murmured Arden. “I’m so glad!”
“She may even become a champion swimmer,” suggested Sim.
“Oh, you and your swimming,” laughed Terry. “Let’s find out about the snuffbox.”
“That’s right here,” said Mr. Uzlov. He read on:
“‘Melissa has always been different from other girls. Mrs. Landry and the three young ladies know that. One day Melissa came home to me with this gold box that I’m leaving back in your cupboard. She told me she had broken open your cupboard and taken it from your houseboat, Mr. Uzlov. Melissa always loved bright things. Well, I was struck all of a heap when I saw she had it. I didn’t know what to do. In a way it was stealing, but not for Melissa. She didn’t mean to steal it. She just couldn’t help taking it once she saw it. I love my daughter. Nobody shall ever say I don’t. Anyhow, here’s your gold box back and I’m going to clear out and Melissa has gone with that good detective woman. That’s all. From George Clayton.’”
There was a little silence following the reading of the strange letter.
“But it isn’t all,” said Arden, looking at Dimitri. “How did he get you and hold you a prisoner?”
“I suppose that is my part to explain,” said Dimitri. “Well, it shall not take me long. First we shall begin with Olga.”
“Who is she?” burst out Sim impulsively.