[Chapter VIII]
The Robbery
"Let's don't say anything about our little mishap," whispered Linda, as the flying couple got out of their plane. "For one thing, I'd just as soon not boast about stunts in front of Aunt Emily. She would be worried all the more."
"And I'm not any too proud of the fact that I was so careless about a valuable necklace," returned Ralph. "So we'll keep it our secret."
There was no time for further words. Everybody rushed at them, shouting joyous welcomes. Louise was the first to kiss Linda—then all the others, and finally her aunt.
"Thank Heaven you're safe!" cried the latter. "I couldn't eat a bite of lunch, I was so uneasy."
"Of course we're safe," assured Ralph. "And maybe if we'd come by motor, we should have had an accident. There was a big smash-up—two automobiles—outside of Spring City this morning."
"Isn't the air up here wonderful!" exclaimed Miss Carlton. "After that stuffy town of ours!"
"I think the airport is wonderful," replied Linda, "for so small a place. But as for the air—well, don't forget Auntie dear, that Ralph and I have been having marvelous air—up in the skies!"
"Hope you didn't give him the air," remarked Maurice Stetson, solemnly.