"This is from Miss Clara Parsons," went on Tom, "the teacher who owned the ring. Here, you can read the telegram if you want to," and he passed the sheet over. The message ran as follows:
"Ring found in inkwell. Perfect condition. Did Miss Laning put it there?
"Clara Parsons."
"Short and sweet, but it tells the story," was Dick's comment. "Say, I'm mighty glad of this," he added, and his face showed his pleasure. "That clears Nellie, Tom. You'll have to let her know at once."
"I sure will!" exclaimed the brother. "But say, did you notice what Miss Parsons wants to know—if Nellie put the ring in the inkwell? Talk about nerve!"
"You can't exactly blame her, Tom, because she knew nothing of Royce's visit to the office; and as you sent the message, and you and Nellie are so intimate."
"Oh, I understand, Dick; and I shan't blame her. I'm too happy to blame anybody," and Tom's face broke into a broad smile. "I'm going to send a telegram to Cedarville this minute."
"Didn't I tell you gents the ring was there?" broke in Andy Royce. "I told you the truth, didn't I?"
"You did, Royce," answered Dick.
"A'n' wot about it, are you goin' to lemme go?" questioned the former gardener, eagerly.
"Not just yet," broke in Tom.