“Let’s consider it a moment,” suggested Ruth, and then they talked it all over again from the time Sammy had first summoned them to meet Hop Wong in the garden, through the flight of the Chinese and his response to Luke’s note.
“If I only had an inkling of what it’s all about,” observed Ruth, “I wouldn’t mind going. But I can’t imagine how Hop Wong can put us in the way of making a great deal of money.”
“The big point with him, I imagine,” said Neale, “is that he wants a hundred dollars for himself. Maybe after he gets those he thinks he can invest it in a Chinese lottery for you and win the capital prize.”
“No, I hardly think that,” replied Ruth. “Well, we’ll take a chance, girls,” she decided. “With the boys stationed in the bushes near at hand there can be no danger. We’ll see what Hop Wong wants—will you?” and she turned to Nalbro and Agnes.
“I’m game!” announced the Boston girl.
“And far be it from me to be a spoil-sport,” declared Agnes. “Come on.”
“Don’t be in too much of a rush; you have a little time yet,” announced Luke. “We’ll just scout around the apple tree and seek good places for us to hide. Come on, boys.”
He went out with Neale and Hal. Ruth looked at her sister and guest.
“Nervous?” questioned Nalbro.
“No.”