"I am getting in a real trained nurse to look after Ronald Harvey," she said. "If he's the son of my old friend, more than ever is he my care now; and you this evening, little Connie, shall tell me your story."
This Connie did. When she had described all that had occurred to her during the last few weeks, Mrs. Anderson was so amazed that she could hardly speak.
"My poor child!" she said. "You can't guess what terrible dangers you've escaped. That dreadful woman was, without doubt, a member of a large gang of burglars. Several have been arrested within the last day or two, and I have no doubt we shall hear of her soon at the police courts."
"Burglars?" said Connie—"burglars? Them be thieves, bean't they?"
"Yes—thieves."
"But what could she do with us?" said Connie.
"She used you for her own purposes. While people were looking at you, she was doubtless picking their pockets. Don't think any more about it, dear, only be thankful that you have escaped. And now, don't you feel very anxious about your father and your old friends?"
"Yus," said Connie. "I'd like to go home. I'd like them to know once for all what happened."
"Would you like to go back to-night? You can return to me, you know. I shall be up with Ronald until far into the night."
Connie rose swiftly.