When they reached the hotel, Mr. Ray sent a telegram to Joshua Marlowe telling him briefly of Marion’s success in finding her sister.
“He will never forgive me,” cried Dollie, her face burning and scarlet. “He will never understand that I could not help it! Oh, it seems like a hideous dream! Can I ever forget it?”
Marion took her in her arms to soothe and comfort her, and Mr. Ray bade them good-night in his heartiest manner.
“You have been so good, so kind to me,” faltered Marion.
“Who could help it?” was the roguish but sincerely meant answer. “For you are the bravest little woman in all the world, for not only have you found your own, but you have also restored my darling sister.”
“And there is much more for me to do,” said Marion, moving away from Dollie for a moment. “For I have made the charge of kidnapping against that rascally professor, and I shall leave no stone unturned to have him thoroughly punished. The Chief of Police has told me what to do, but much will depend upon what I learn of his treatment of poor Dollie.”
The two young people looked at each other with solemn eyes.
“Thank God there are such women in the world as you,” said the young man soberly.
“And such men as you,” said Marion, archly.
“Good-night, Mr. Ray, the honors are even. Good-night, Bert.”