“And Andy knew enough to fetch them to me,” said the detective. “That is how he came to get the hundred dollars reward!”
“Hundred dollars reward!” repeated Rose and Nellie.
“Don’t I look it?” demanded Andy, swinging around to show off to advantage his new clothes.
“You look a couple of hundred,” replied Ed. “Say, I’d like to get one like that.”
The reporter said something about not having a camera, but Andy did not hear the remark.
“And now,” resumed the detective, “what are we to do with these young ladies? We have sufficient evidence to keep them away from Mrs. Ramsy. She is not a person capable of looking after children. She has all she can do to look after the mighty dollar.”
“Oh, if you will only let us work,” pleaded Rose. “I know a lot about housework.”
“Why, we want some one right away,” said Bess. “Our maid has nervous prostration from the fright that those two dreadful Squaton women gave her the day they visited our house after going to Cora’s. Couldn’t you let Rose and Nellie stay right here, officer? We could give them both something to do.”
“They certainly can wash dishes nicely,” put in Cora, smilingly.
“Why, I don’t see what’s the objection,” said the detective. “Of course we will have to have a guardian appointed. Until then they could be placed in charge of your mother!”