At the same moment a blond man stepped out from among the bushes and asked Harry for a light for his cigarette.
Miss Stuart and her girls were saying good-night to Mrs. Cartwright. Hugh Post and Ralph were to escort them home. As Barbara came down the steps with her wraps on, some one touched her on the arm.
“Miss,” the detective whispered, “I know the man you pointed out to me; but I have got to see you again. Tell me how we can manage it.”
“Oh,” said Barbara, hopelessly, “I don’t know. Miss Sallie will be so angry!”
“You can’t quit us now,” the detective urged. “Why not come out in the morning, before any of your folks are up.”
“Yes,” agreed Barbara, quickly. She didn’t have time to refuse. Miss Sallie was coming toward her, and looked in surprise at Barbara’s strange companion. “Come on, child,” she said, “it is time you and Ruth were both in bed.”
“Down the street, two turnings to the right,” Barbara heard a voice behind her whisper, as she turned away.
Gladys was crying, as she made her way to Miss Stuart for comfort. “Miss Stuart,” she said, “I have lost my pearl bracelet. Mother told me it was too handsome for me to wear. Now she’ll be angry with me. I didn’t think it mattered if I wore it this one time. It was large, I suppose, and it slipped off my hand somewhere.”
“Never mind, Gladys,” advised Harry Townsend, coming up to her. “If it is stolen, the thief is sure to be caught.”
“Why do you stare at us so, Barbara?” demanded Gladys, angrily. “I am sure you look all eyes.”