“No, Mother, it isn’t a game,” said Janet.
“Mrs. Keller has lost her wedding ring and Mr. Keller has lost his bunch of keys,” added Ted.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” exclaimed Mrs. Martin. “Let me help you look for them. Shall I call Mr. Martin? He is on the porch and——”
“I don’t believe it would do any good—thank you, just the same,” replied Mr. Keller. “We have been looking for some time, but I am afraid both my keys and my wife’s ring are covered with sand. It is like looking for a needle in the haystack.”
“Oh, but we mustn’t give up searching!” murmured Mrs. Keller.
“Oh, no,” agreed her husband.
The story of the lost things was quickly told to Mrs. Martin, and she began casting her eyes about, hoping she might see either the ring or the keys. But neither was found, even though the Curlytops, Trouble and Mr. and Mrs. Keller also aided.
“I shall have to do as I said I would, and get some men with shovels and sieves to look over all this sand around here,” said Mr. Keller, pointing to the ring of stones and sticks made by Ted.
“It will be the only safe way,” agreed Mrs. Martin.
“Don’t you folks bother any more,” went on Mr. Keller. “I’ll go and see if I can hire some men. You stay here, my dear,” he told his wife, “so we will be sure no one comes along and picks up the things.”