“There’s something crooked about their hiding in that house,” remarked Max.
“Yes, of course.... Well, to continue with my plans: I’ll see what develops tonight. If there really is an elopement, I’ll try to identify that man. If he isn’t anything like my burglar, I’ll believe that Miss Stoddard is guilty herself and that she just made the whole story up to throw suspicion away from herself.”
Max regarded her admiringly.
“You are a pretty clever girl, Mary Lou,” he said. “I do think you’ll make a swell detective.”
“Thanks, Max. But I’m afraid there’s nothing clever about that. It’s just using common sense.”
“Well, the good detectives say that’s the most important thing: not to let anything escape their notice and to use common sense all the time.”
They talked of other things for a while, of school and dances and basketball. Finally they reached Stoddard House, a little after ten o’clock.
“Oh, I do hope we’re in time!” exclaimed Mary Louise.
They found the hotel almost deserted. Mrs. Hilliard was sitting in a chair, knitting. Nobody else was around.
“Did you have a good time, dear?” she asked, after Max had been introduced to her.