"Well, we didn't say we would be there tonight," Tessie had the audacity to reply.
"No, I thought not," and he twirled that formidable stick almost into
Dagmar's scared face. "Well, shall we send her word?"
"Oh, we can find our way," put in Tessie again, attempting to start off.
"Maybe so. But here in Franklin we have a curfew law, and we don't allow little girls out alone so late."
"No?" sneered Tessie. "Lovely town. We expect to take the rest cure here."
"Now, my young lady," in severe tones, "I'll show you where we give that self same cure. Come—along—with—me!"
Quick as a wink Tessie grabbed her bag, and started to run. The officer was so surprised he required a moment to realize she was running away. When he did he sounded his whistle.
And there stood Dagmar, alone, and as the "movies" say, "Forsaken!"
"Oh, Tessie," she called weakly. "Come back. You have my pocketbook!"
But the fleeing girl did not stop to listen to Dagmar's cry or to the shrill whistle the officer again sent out into the night. She was making tracks so successfully, the minion of the law knew very well his whistle would never summon help—the only other officer in town being "out of town" to his personal knowledge. So Tessie went, and with her Dagmar's pocketbook and the Girl Scout Badge!