“I found it under the back door,” replied the young woman in a hoarse whisper.
“But you didn’t see anybody?”
“No.”
“When did you find it?”
“Early this morning. About half-past seven.”
“Did you show it to your husband?” asked Freckles.
“Not yet,” replied Adelaide. “He’s been so nervous, you know, and this work has just been wonderful for him. Oh, I can’t bear to give it up! It means more than money to us—it means an occupation for Horace, saving him from melancholia, perhaps. Mary Lou, what can we do? Isn’t there some policeman we can get to watch our house?”
“Shady Nook never had one,” replied the other girl. “I certainly do wish my Dad were here!”
“Your father? What could he do?”
“He’s a detective,” explained Mary Louise.