Outside in the sunshine the dark beggar with a patch over one eye sat and in a wheedling tone besought the passers-by to buy his pencils.
“Ver-r-y fine—ver-r-y sharp—” he quavered. “Buy—sweet lady—buy.” His one eye had appeal enough for two. Many persons dropped coins in his outstretched hat.
Miss Fauntleroy stopped in front of him.
“Buy sweet lady—buy a pencil—” She stooped to select one from the box of red, white and blue pencils he held on his knees. From that moment astonishing things began to happen, both within and without the department store of Burnett & Burnett’s.
Within a sudden hue and cry was raised by the distracted Min.
“Catch her! Catch her quick!” she cried to Major Simpson who was still walking curiously and cautiously around the notion counter, as though he expected Josie to bob up at any moment from behind the counter.
“Catch what? Catch whom?”
“That girl with the bobbed black hair in a red tam and red beads!” screamed Min. “She’s ‘klept’ a whole bunch of lace—two bunches—maybe three—the finest in the shop. At least I reckon she did it. Go after her and get her. Don’t stand still. I can’t go myself because I’ve got to keep an eye on all this stuff.”
Major Simpson trotted obediently towards the front entrance. This was a new turn of affairs—a shoplifter and not the elusive Josie. He bumped into Mr. Theodore Burnett in the aisle.
“Another thief!” he spluttered. “Girl with bobbed black hair and red beads. Lace again—front entrance—better come with me!”