“It couldn’t have been left open all this time! It would have rained in. Besides, when old Winkle was there lookin’ round, it was shut—I know that! They must be—but how could they, with the door locked?”
Fragments like these chased one another through his perplexed mind. He and Doodles consulted long and earnestly over the situation.
“This afternoon I’ll find out for sure!” declared Blue.
“How?”
“I’ll watch in the dust closet!” he whispered. “Some of the crowd’ll be comin’ to the sink, and they’ll take the time when they think everybody’s out.”
“Splendid!” beamed Doodles softly. “I’ll keep just as still, and they’ll suppose I’ve gone to ride.”
“Oh, I forgot your ride!” Blue looked dismayed. “And you will roast in here with the door shut!”
“No, I shan’t!” asserted Doodles pluckily. “It’s the only way—and think of that poor little girl’s mother!”
After much discussion it was agreed to say nothing of the matter to any one while it was in so uncertain a stage.
“Mother worries over everything nowadays,” reasoned Blue, “and this would only be an extra trouble. But if we should nab ’em—oh, wouldn’t she be glad!”