“What could be sweeter!” exclaimed Mary Louise rapturously to herself, for Jane was out of hearing distance by this time. “My big chance!”
She reached her hand quickly through the open window and picked up the satchel from the seat. Then, with Silky close at her heels, she too made for the protecting woods. In another moment she was at Jane’s side, breathless and triumphant.
“You’re all right?” demanded her chum exultantly. “Oh, Mary Lou, you’re marvelous!”
“Not so marvelous as you think,” replied the other, feeling for Jane’s hand in the darkness. “Lift that satchel!”
Jane groped about, and took it from Mary Louise, expecting a heavy weight.
But it was surprisingly, disappointingly light!
“It can’t possibly contain any gold,” said Mary Louise, dropping to the ground in disgust. “All our trouble—and we’re only a common pair of thieves ourselves!”
Silky came close to her and licked her hand reassuringly, as if he did not agree with her about the name she was calling herself and Jane.
“Stranded on a lonely road—at least ten miles from home!” wailed Jane.
“Sh!” warned Mary Louise. “They’re at the car—Harry and another man. We might be caught!”