After considerable discussion it was decided that the reward money should be divided between Doris, Kitty, the Misses Gates and Jake. The Misses Gates declared at first that they would accept no share, but Doris and her friends, realizing how badly they needed ready money, insisted that they take it. At last they gave in.
“We didn’t do a thing to help bring Ronald—I mean Joe Jeffery to justice,” Azalea murmured. “We even hindered you, Doris, thinking you were prejudiced against him. It doesn’t seem fair that we take anything.”
“If you and your sister refuse your share, then I’ll not take mine either,” Doris told her.
“Let us take one share between us,” Iris protested.
Doris shook her head.
“No, we must share alike. It makes easier arithmetic, too. An even thousand dollars apiece.”
“A thousand dollars!” Kitty gasped. “Am I actually to get that much? I think I’m going to faint!”
“Go ahead,” Marshmallow invited impudently. “I’ll catch you.”
“Two thousand dollars,” Azalea murmured, and looked almost tearfully at her sister. “It will mean a great deal to us.”
“Then you accept?” Doris asked.