Finally Aunt Carrie, from her grateful quarters, spoke:
“Tell them, dear, about the patent,” she said.
“Let us make you comfortable first,” suggested Cleo, considerately. “Here, Peg, this is where we keep our treasures. Do you want to put yours in here?”
She opened a very small door in a packing case that was hidden beneath extra blankets and some clothing.
“That’s a splendid hiding place,” replied Peg. “One would think it nothing more than a case of supplies. Yes, if I may, I’ll put my things in there.”
First she lifted in the box, that plainly was heavy; then she placed upon it the roll of stiff paper.
“Oh,” she sighed wearily. “I believe if it had not been for Shag I should have lost these long ago.”
“I thought to-night, however,” added Aunt Carrie, “that faithful Shag was in danger of being shot. That is one reason why I urged Peggie to come down.”
“Yes, I felt that way too,” said the girl. “I heard a sniper’s shot long after anyone would have been out hunting.”
“Where is Shag?” asked Julia.