HOW THE MINIATURES DISAPPEARED
“The miniatures are gone?” came from Ben Basswood in astonishment.
“Yes, Ben, gone!” and the mother wrung her hands in despair.
“Do you mean to say Ward Porton dared to come here and impersonate me and get them?” cried Dave.
“It must have been that fellow, Dave. He looked exactly like you. That is why I just asked you if you had been to our house.”
“I have been with Ben and the others since we went on our sleigh-ride,” said our hero. “This is terrible! How did it happen?”
“Come into the house and I’ll tell you all about it,” answered Mrs. Basswood. Her face was drawn with anxiety, and all could see that she was suffering keenly.
“And how is father?” questioned Ben, as the party trooped up the piazza steps and into the house.
“He isn’t so well, Ben, as he was before you 154 went away. Oh, dear! and to think how easily I was duped!”
Dave had told Washington Bones to wait for them, and, entering the parlor of the Basswood home, the others listened to what the lady of the house had to tell.