But it all came to nothing. There was still
that unanswered question: "Who took the money from the wallet?"
That the same person did so who had placed the empty pocketbook in
the tool-box seemed evident.
Jack and Cora went together to tell Ed. Walter wanted to accompany
them, but Cora insisted that she be allowed to tell the story first.
"Later Ed may want to question you," she declared.
The three members of the mandolin club were left at the Kimball home
until Cora and Jack returned.
Ed at first was much startled by the news. Then he opened the
wallet.
"They didn't leave anything," he said slowly.
"Is that all you want to remark?" asked Jack.
"All? Why, of course. What else can I say?"
"Well, don't you think--not to put too fine a point upon it--that
it looks suspicious?"
"For whom?"
"Us--Cora," said Jack bluntly.
"Look here," began Ed fiercely; "if it wasn't you who said
that--say--look here--Oh, what nonsense! I hope, Cora, that you
haven't for one moment thought that I would have the least suspicion
against you."
"I--er--I--of course I didn't," she finished quickly. "Only Jack
thought it looked queer."
"How foolish!" exclaimed Ed. "Why, it would be the easiest thing in
the world for the thief to throw the empty pocketbook into your
tool-box as the car was passing him in the street.
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