“It is just because he is such an odd man,” explained her mother. “He is very fussy. He thinks that he must have everything his own way, and he has trusted Mr. Keller with important keys. Now, if he finds out that Mr. Keller has lost those keys—even though it was not Mr. Keller’s fault—Mr. Narr might be so angry that he would discharge Mr. Keller.”
“Then he wouldn’t have a job, would he, Mother?” asked Ted.
“Well, I think he doesn’t exactly call this place a ‘job,’” and Mrs. Martin smiled. “It is more of a position. It is like that of a private secretary to Mr. Narr.”
“But if he lost that job—I mean position,” corrected Ted, “he could get another, couldn’t he?”
“Perhaps that is not as easy as it seems,” Mrs. Martin answered. “Mr. Keller is quite an elderly gentleman. It would be hard for him to look for a new place—to learn new ways. Many persons will not hire an old man. Mr. Keller is not rich—he needs the money Mr. Narr pays him—and if Mr. Narr were to discharge him for losing the keys, then it would go hard with Mr. Keller.”
“Then we must help him find the keys!” exclaimed Ted.
“And help Mrs. Keller find her wedding ring,” added Janet.
“Yes, my dears, it would be wonderful if you could find the things lost in the sand,” remarked their mother.
“I wish I could find a nellifunt!” burst out Trouble, and they all laughed at him.
“If the men don’t find the things after they sift the sand we’ll go look, Jan,” proposed Ted.