Ruth nodded. “Mother’s wedding ring was in that box,” she said softly.
“You must not let it spoil your trip,” her guardian continued. “I think there is a good chance of getting it back.”
“Do you mean you think the police will catch those rough men who robbed us?” asked Ruth.
“Yes,” answered the lawyer. “I told them they must spare no effort to locate the ruffians, and they have sent an alarm to all the neighboring towns and cities. Men of that type will not find it easy to dispose of the rings and pins, and they may have to carry them around with them for some time. I really believe you will get back your things.”
“Oh, I hope so!” exclaimed Ruth. “It has been an awful shock.”
“I would rather they had taken a much larger amount of jewelry than have harmed either you or Agnes,” went on the guardian. “They were ruffians of the worst type, and would not have stopped at injuring a person to get what they wanted. But don’t worry, we shall hear good news from the police, I am sure.”
“I believe that, too,” put in Neale. “I wish I was as sure of hearing good news of my father.”
“That is going to be a little harder problem,” said Mr. Howbridge. “However, we are doing all we can. I am hoping your Uncle Bill will have had definite news of your father and of where he has settled since he came back from the Klondike. Your father would be most likely to communicate with your uncle first.”
“I suppose so,” agreed Neale. “But when shall we see Uncle Bill?”
“As I told you,” went on the lawyer, “his circus will soon show at a town near which we shall pass in the boat. The younger children will probably want to go to the circus, and that will give me a good excuse for attending myself,” the lawyer went on with a laugh, in which Ruth joined.