Flinging open the door, the girl shouted at him in delight, so loud that Mr. Gay heard her in spite of the noise of the departing cab. In another moment he entered the open door of the house and held Mary Louise tightly in his arms.
“Mary Lou!” he cried in delight. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I’m fine,” she replied, ushering him into the constable’s house. “Merry Christmas, Daddy!”
“The same to you, dear.” He gazed at her fondly. “I believe it will be—now. You certainly look happy, Daughter.”
“I am, Daddy. These people have treated me royally!” She turned around and introduced her father to Mrs. Hodge and the children, for he had already met the constable. “And, oh, Dad, here is Margaret Detweiler,” she added. “You remember her, don’t you?”
“I certainly do,” replied Mr. Gay, extending his hand cordially. “My, but your grandparents are going to be glad to see you, Margaret!”
The girl blushed and looked down at the floor in embarrassment. Wisely, Mr. Gay asked no questions.
“I have all the stolen valuables, Dad,” continued Mary Louise. “Every single thing that was taken from Stoddard House, and even the money!”
Mr. Gay gazed at his daughter in speechless admiration: she had excelled his fondest hopes!
“Mary Lou, that’s—wonderful!” he said after a moment.... “I have good news too. I caught your thieves. Seven of ’em. They are in a Baltimore jail now.”