“Why, I had to,” faltered Patricia, somewhat timidly. This fierce old lady was enough to intimidate a far bolder person than Patricia.
“Had to! Had to!” began the caller, when Jack spoke up in order to shield Patricia a little.
“The police take charge of all articles until after a case is settled.”
“Oh, they do, do they? And who are you?”
“Jack Dunn,” replied the boy, flushing at the bluntness of the question.
Mrs. Brock gazed at him fixedly for a full minute; then wheeled about and started for the door.
“Won’t you stay a while, and have a cup of tea with us?” asked Mrs. Vincent hospitably.
“No, thanks,” was the curt reply. “I get tea enough at home.”
The door opened and closed, and she was gone.
“Did you ever!” exclaimed Katharine.