“He wanted to get away from Silver Beach before anyone caught him,” added Connie earnestly. “Miss Gordon, he was the one who stole your wrist watch! If you call the police right away, maybe you can get it back!”
CHAPTER 20
BROWNIE OF THE DAY
CONNIE’S declaration that Raymond Curry should be arrested as a thief astonished Miss Gordon and Mrs. Williams.
However, after asking a few questions, they were convinced that there was no mistake. Captain Tarwell also had heard Vevi and Connie make the accusation.
“It doesn’t surprise me—not one whit!” he announced. “I’ve had my eye on that young fellow all season. If I could have dug up proof, he’d have been thrown in irons long ago.”
“But he’s a lifeguard at the hotel,” murmured Miss Gordon. “It hardly seems possible he’d stoop to such a low thing.”
“I’ve been watching him for quite a while but never could catch him at it,” replied the captain. “Jamie himself gave me a clue, not meaning to, of course. I’ve felt mighty sorry for that lad. That was why I let him sleep in my cabin after he ran away.”
“Then you knew it all the time!” exclaimed Vevi.
“Aye, I guessed the lad was there. I’d have sent him packing back to his father, but I couldn’t make up my mind Jamie ought to be returned without Juvenile Court looking into the situation. So I arranged for him to get a job for a few days with Mr. Green.”