It was Gwen. Johnny rose to meet her as she came toward him.
“Sit down, Mr. Clown,” she smiled. “I want to talk.”
“You’re a good old clown,” she smiled again, as they seated themselves, “even if you did come near breaking your neck.”
“Somebody fired the balloons with arrows shot from an air rifle.”
“What!”
“Sure. I thought it was Tom Stick, but it wasn’t. He saved my life last night. Guess someone must have stolen his air rifle to pull the trick.”
“As I was about to say,” continued Gwen, “you’re a good old clown, and just for that I want to give you something. So, ‘open your mouth and shut your eyes, and I’ll give you something to make you wise.’”
“Steady there,” warned Johnny, as he cupped his hands solidly together. “If it’s of any value don’t drop it. I’ve lost one secret in the river already.”
“It’s valuable, all right.”
Johnny felt something touch his hand. The instant his fingers closed upon it, he knew what it was.