“Simply this! Uncle George Jackson had a hand in hiding the pearls. We know the sundial had something to do with it too. Now, since the pearls were hidden on the very day that the old Negro was mixing cement for the sundial, it’s my contention that the necklace was hidden inside it, probably in the pedestal!”
For a full minute, Miss Swenster digested this in silence. Then she said quietly:
“It’s an interesting theory at least.”
Madge cast a glance of despair at Cara. Everything depended upon Miss Swenster’s enthusiastic acceptance of the idea. She was even more discouraged to see that her chum regarded her somewhat skeptically.
“Oh, I can tell you both think it’s another silly idea. But you must admit it’s logical. If only we could have the sundial opened, I know we’d find the pearls!” She arose, feeling that it was useless to add more. Although Miss Swenster had said little, Madge could tell that she did not care to have the sundial broken. Nor could she really blame her for the dial was a beautiful piece of work.
“Wait!” Miss Swenster said firmly. “There may be something in what you say. At least, we’ll find out.”
“You mean we may have the sundial cracked open?” Madge demanded eagerly.
Miss Swenster nodded.
“Yes, shall we go to the garden now and see what must be done to remove the pedestal?”
She slipped a shawl over her shoulders as a protection against the fall winds and the girls followed her outside.