Mrs. Williams inquired how long the beach thefts had been going on.
“All summer,” the life guard answered. “Almost from the day I started to work here. That’s what makes it look so bad for me. Folks are starting to shun the cottage beach and use the one by the hotel.”
“The thefts never occur there?”
“None has been reported so far. Raymond Curry guards at the hotel beach. He likes to twit me and make out that it’s my fault so many things are taken here. He says I don’t keep close enough watch.”
“My loss certainly wasn’t your fault,” Miss Gordon said. “I never should have left jewelry in the pocket of a beach robe. I blame only myself.”
Barney told the teacher that it would be most unwise in the future to leave any item of value on the beach. Lockers were provided in the bathhouse for the safekeeping of all valuables.
“Your watch may turn up later,” he said. “I doubt it though.”
“Maybe the Brownies can catch that thief,” suggested Vevi. “We’ll all keep watch for ’spicious characters.”
Miss Gordon felt her loss most keenly. However, she told the Brownies they were not to worry about it.
“Scamper to the bath-house now and dress,” she advised them. “You’ll have an hour or so to play before dinner time.”