In the excitement, Enid had entirely forgotten the one object of most importance. Her face disclosed her chagrin.
“Why, I expected to find it here in Father’s room.”
“Then it must be gone. At least I haven’t seen anything that resembles the description you gave me.”
“Oh, if it’s been taken, what in the world shall I do?”
“It may be here,” Madge comforted. “We haven’t thoroughly searched yet.”
They hastily straightened the room, returning many of the antiques to their shelves. While they looked in every conceivable place, the Zudi Drum Bowl was not found. At length, Enid sank down in a chair, burying her face in her hands.
“Oh, it’s no use. I know it’s gone! That’s why nothing else was taken. The thieves were after the Zudi Drum.”
Rex tried to cheer her but with poor success.
“That drum seems to be in great demand,” Madge commented thoughtfully. “It must be valuable.”
“Oh, it is,” Enid responded gloomily, “but I doubt if it would bring as high a price as some of the things that weren’t taken. Of course, it had to disappear just when it might have bought Father’s release.”