“Huh! We knew that before.”
“But this makes it certain. Gypsies, as you know, are very fond of bright-colored articles—especially to wear. They could not resist your handkerchief.”
“Encyclopædia Britannica—volume Gyp to Jap!” exclaimed Blake. “With marginal notes on colored handkerchiefs and silk weaving in particular. Sis, you’re a wonder! Fellows; bustle around and see what you’ve missed. Maybe she can build up a theory to prove that a fish climbed out of the water and took my handkerchief to make a hammock for the little ones. Is it not mar-vee-li-ous!”
“Horrid thing!” pouted Alice. “I was trying to help you.”
“I think she’s right,” announced Natalie, and, as she was no one’s sister, the boys at once changed their viewpoint.
“Well, there may be something in it,” admitted Blake. “Gypsies sure do like bright-colored things. But why did they stop at my handkerchief? Why didn’t they take some of those rainbow neckties that Phil insists on tearing the atmosphere with; or some of Jack’s——”
“That’ll do old man!” came from the latter quickly. “There are some objects too sacred to mention. Let us have peace.”
“I say let’s have supper,” broke in Marie. “We’re nearly starved. If you boys are coming over with us, come on. We can theorize later.”
“Good idea,” declared Phil. “Lead on—we’ll all follow.”
“Perhaps the ladies have a few more deductions to make,” suggested Jack, politely.