“Nonsense. Give it to me,” said Mr. Wynne.
Rose stood uncertainly, and Darthea gave her a look of encouragement, just a flash, but it heartened her.
“I want to give it, please, myself,” she repeated.
Mr. Wynne looked surprised, but before he could say anything Ruth saw the Colonel, talking with two of the men who had passed their gate, standing just inside a door leading into the ship’s cabin. She slipped hastily up to him.
“Please, Colonel Washington,” she whispered, touching his sleeve, “my sister has brought your wallet, which you dropped....”
Washington clapped his hand to his breast, a look of consternation on his face. “Dropped ... good heavens, so I did,” he exclaimed. “What, your sister you say?” he added, looking down at Ruth’s flushed face.
“Yes,” and catching his hand, she drew him toward the group, where Rose and Darthea faced Mr. Wynne.
As the two approached, the Colonel stepping eagerly forward, Rose saw him, and ran to meet him, holding up the precious find.
“Thank you, a thousand thanks,” he said, in his deep voice, as he took the thing from her hand. “Did you three race hither with this for me? It was a sweet and thoughtful act, and I cannot tell you how much I am under obligation to you. Even the temporary loss of this wallet would mean more to me than I care to think of.”
“But it’s wonderful to do something for you,” returned Rose, and her eyes filled with tears.