“You’re teasing us!” she said.
But the look on Ethel’s serious face assured the girls that she was not jesting.
“It’s the honest truth, girls,” she declared; “it’s gone, and neither the proprietor nor the garage-man knows a thing about it.”
With the exception of Marjorie, the girls grew hysterical as the meaning of the whole situation dawned upon them. Unsatisfied with Ethel’s scant report, they rushed to the garage to make inquiry for themselves.
“It’s a fact,” said the man, in answer to their numerous questions, most of which were put to him at the same time. “And we haven’t a sign of a clue!”
“But how did the thief get in?” demanded Marjorie. “If you have the only key? Was either lock broken?”
“No, ma’am.”
Marjorie looked at him keenly; it was impossible to accuse him of the theft. And yet how else could the car have left the garage? She felt baffled, defeated; here was another mystery which looked as if it never would be solved!
“So the whole trip is off!” wailed Daisy, bursting into tears as they returned to the hotel. “And you girls have all lost your rewards—just on our account!”
“No, no, don’t feel badly, Daisy,” said Lily, putting her arm around the other girl’s shoulder. “We’re not blaming you—”