Page:The Keeper of the Bees.pdf/459

 laid a hand on Jamie’s and lifted a pair of lips that had something to say. Jamie brought his ear in range.

“May I tell Mother about that girl off the Santa Fe buttin’ in on our garden?” came the whisper.

Jamie drew back and looked at the small person in surprise.

“Haven’t you told her?” he inquired.

The little Scout shook a vigorous head.

“No. You said it might worry her, not to tell until Dad came, but he’s coming to-night.”

“Since it’s all over,” said Jamie, “there’s nothing to worry about. You didn’t leave the lady a leg to stand on. You got her confession before three good witnesses, and it just happened that there were two more in the background that you did not know about. We have the papers in our possession, and that reminds me that, while the lock of the chest is broken, I’d better go over that stuff and select what really is important and put it in a safe somewhere. I think likely I’d better turn it over to Mr. Meredith.”

“What are you two talking about?” inquired Mrs. Meredith.

“Since I wasn’t in on the whole performance,” said Jamie, “the little Scout had better tell you from start to finish exactly how things were, and then, if there are any details I can add as to what I saw and heard personally, I’ll be glad to furnish all the corroborative evidence that I can.”