"Miss Giles, it is due to you, more than to any, one, that this
mystery is solved," he said: "Will you please accept the reward?"
and he took some bills off the roll Sid had handed him.
"I couldn't oh, I couldn't!" she sobbed.
Ed looked embarrassed. Every one was under a strain. Jack went to
the safe and took out the diamond ring.
"I guess that comes back to you," he said to Sid, "as long as you've
made up to Ed the whole sum."
Sid took it hesitatingly. Then with a quick motion he stepped up to
Ed.
"Here," he exclaimed, "this belongs to you."
"What for?"
"Interest on your money. It's more than the ring cost, maybe,
considering the loss on the bank stock, but I'll make it up later."
"No," said Ed after a moment's thought "We'll call it settled."
He held the ring in his hand and went over to the weeping girl.
"Will you--will you accept this for what you have done for me--for
all of us?" he asked gently.
Ida looked up through--her tears. Then she shook her head.
"Let me give it to her," whispered Cora, and Ed handed over the
sparkling gem.
"Take it from me, Ida," whispered Jack's sister. "Let it be a
pledge of--of whatever you like."
"A pledge from an up-to-date motor girl!" cried Jack gaily, and his
words ended the strain that was on them all.
Pages:
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219