"
"But what is it all about?" asked Mr. DeVere.
Then, rather disjointedly, and with many interruptions, the girls
told the story of the afternoon and evening, for it was now nearly
nine o'clock. Of course Mr. DeVere and Mrs. Dalwood were much worried
when they learned what had happened, and the widow was not at her
ease when she thought of her son still not out of danger.
"But I'm sure he will soon be back," declared Alice, confidently. She
was a great comfort in trouble--a real optimist.
Then followed a period of anxious waiting.
It was broken by the return of Russ, rather disheveled, tired and
excited, but with his precious model safe in the taxicab with him and
Mr. Pertell.
"Why, Russ, where have you been?" cried Mrs. Dalwood.
"I just wish I'd been there!" exclaimed Billy. "Was there a fight,
Russ?"
"A--little one," he admitted, with a glance at the girls. "But it was
soon over."
"And where are the men now?" asked Alice.
"Safe in jail."
Then he told what had happened.
After Alice and Ruth had gone home in the taxicab he had called for
Mr.
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