It had not been merely by chance that the young Gypsy woman who had sold the green and yellow basket to Tess and Dot had dropped that ornament into the basket. She had worn the bracelet, for she was Big Jim’s daughter.
Without doubt it was the intention of the Gypsies to engage the little girls’ interest through this bracelet and get their confidence, to bring about the very situation which they finally consummated. One of the women confessed in court that they could sell Tess and Dot for acrobats. Or they thought they could.
The appearance of Miguel Costello in Milton, claiming the rightful ownership of the silver bracelet, made the matter unexpectedly difficult for Big Jim and his clan. Indeed, the Kenways had much to thank Miguel Costello for.
However, these mysteries were explained long after this particular morning on which the children were recovered. No such home-coming had ever been imagined, and the old Corner House and vicinity staged a celebration that will long be remembered.
Luke Shepard had been put to bed soon after his arrival. But he would not be content until he got up again and came downstairs in his bathrobe to greet the returned wanderers.
Agnes just threw herself into Ruth’s arms when she first saw her elder sister, crying:
“Oh! don’t you dare ever go away again, Ruth Kenway, without taking the rest of us with you. We’re not fit to be left alone.”
“I am afraid some day, Agnes, you will have to get along without me,” said Ruth placidly, but smiling into Luke’s eyes as she said it. “You know, we are growing up.”
“Aggie isn’t ever going to grow up,” grumbled Neale. “She is just a kid.”
“Oh, is that so, Mr. Smartie?” cried Agnes, suddenly drying her eyes. “I’d have you know I am just as much grown up as you are.”