“I’m not sure we ought to accept your hospitality,” she said to Judy. “You see, I can’t pay for the rooms until later. My pocketbook was stolen.”
“I know. The children told me.”
“Penny did,” Paul put in quickly. “I wasn’t going to say anything.”
“That’s all right. I’m glad you understand. I’m not going to report the theft and I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t mention it, either. I don’t want any more trouble—”
“But Mommy, you said—” Penny began.
“Penny, will you keep still?” her brother exclaimed.
“Let her go on. This interests me.”
Apparently Horace was hearing about the stolen pocketbook for the first time. Judy smiled and invited everybody in. Blackberry politely refused.
“There he goes, off toward the barn!” Paul exclaimed. “Come on, Penny! Let’s follow him.”
Suddenly Judy had an idea.