She and Agnes had planned to leave their jewelry and some other articles of value in their safe deposit box, but had forgotten it until now.
The two older girls sallied forth with a large umbrella, which Agnes carried, while Ruth had the package of jewelry.
They were half way to the bank, no great distance from home, when suddenly a downpour began with the usual quickness of a summer shower.
“Hurry! Raise the umbrella!” cried Ruth. “I’m getting drenched!”
“Isn’t it terrible!” gasped Agnes.
She and her sister stepped into the shelter of the nearest doorway for a moment. Something was wrong with the catch of the umbrella. Ruth was just going to help her sister raise it when suddenly two rough-looking men rushed from the hall back of the doorway in which the girls had taken shelter.
One of the men rudely brushed past Ruth, and, as he did so, he made a grab for the packet of jewelry, snatching it from her.
“Oh!” screamed the girl. “Stop! Oh! Oh, Agnes!”
The other man turned and pushed Agnes back as she leaned forward to help Ruth.
Then, as the rain came down harder than ever, the men sped up the street, leaving the two horror-stricken girls breathless in the doorway.